As we step to the tranquil gardens at La Perouse public school, we can smell the rain, hear the birds singing and walk past flowerbeds with various plants.
We are at IndigiGrow, a social enterprise from First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation.
We are met by Bidjigal man Peter Cooley, CEO and founder of IndigiGrow.
Peter tell us about the significance of this place: the front is for general public, plants and flowers of various sizes and shapes are for sale, but all the magic happens behind the scenes:
The team at IndigiGrow are propagating plants, growing seedlings, and finding the right conditions for each of the species to thrive.
Peter and his team were able to revive Five Corners: a plant very significant for his People that has been nearly gone in the area. Yet, despite all the challenges, the team was able to find ways to propagate this plant and present it to the Elders, who may not have seen it for decades!
The Five Corners plant Credit: NITV Radio/Sarka Pechova
And, as Peter says, this has been such an empowering experience for young Aboriginal people from the community. Young people learn about caring for Country and strengthen their connection to Country and Culture.
