A dedicated playgroup for Koori children has opened at Gerringong Public School.

A smoking ceremony was conducted with a special assembly today, Thursday 5 September, with parents, teachers and traditional owners present. 

“It is a very significant event, and it is a historical event…. This school is going to open the Buri Buri Aboriginal Playgroup for all our First Nations students,” Dharawal Elder and Aboriginal Healer Aunty Gwenda said.

Supporting staff members will travel to the school from Nowra on Thursdays to run the playgroup programs.

The Buriburi Playgroup will be open to children between the ages of 0 - 5. 

Gerringong Public School also announced the introduction of the Koori Kids Tucker Program, providing breakfast and lunch for kids on Fridays. 

Aunty Gwenda has lived in Gerringong all her life, she addressed the school today saying most of her work has been in the Shoalhaven and Illawarra. 

“I’ve been waiting 20 years to work in my community… Today we put Gerringong on the map,” she said. 

Aunty Gwenda and kids cut the ribbon to the new playgroup

Kristie Goldthorp, Principal of Gerringong Public School said the name Buriburi is a way to honour the culture of the traditional owners of the land.

“Choosing an Aboriginal name for a playgroup is a wonderful way to honour and celebrate the culture and heritage of the local Aboriginal community,” she said, “our little brothers, sisters and cousins can join the Buriburi playgroup and flourish together.”

The name Buriburi comes from the significant spiritual figure of a humpback whale for Aboriginal people from Coastal Sydney to the Shoalhaven, the Dharawal people.