I was delighted to attend Bunmarra Day at Hazelbrook Public School recently.  

HPS has taken great pride in being custodians of the Bunmarra since local Dharug Elder, Aunty Jacinda Tobin gifted the school a carved emu egg featuring the image of a blue tongued lizard in 2009.  

In 2010, Bunmarra Day was established and each year since the school holds a special Knowledge Sharing Ceremony where the Year 6 students pass on their knowledge of custodianship of the Bunmarra to their future leaders, the Year 5 students.  

This year the school was honoured to have over 150 guests join in the celebrations for this special day.  

School Principal, Natalie Bourke said the 2023 Bunmarra Day was a culmination of 14 years of ongoing custodianship and embedding of culture and sharing of knowledge between the school community and local Elders and Aboriginal people.  

This day is significant for many reasons – not least because I proudly taught at Hazo Public for a few years and participated in teaching the Kindy classes our ‘Bunmarra dance’.  

The connection with community and honouring our indigenous heritage, caring for country - and  - students supporting one another, is precious.