The Gungambarr Butterfly Project

With ‘gungambarr’ meaning ‘butterfly’ in Mamu culture, the Gungambarr Butterfly Project at Innisfail State College, Queensland is all about transformation. Blending Indigenous knowledge, digital technology, and entrepreneurship, the initiative has ignited a passion for learning, sustainability and culture in children and young people at the school, and has helped them to build valuable life skills.

Guided by Mamu Rangers and the help of several community organisations, students have revitalised local ecosystems by collecting native seeds, building a nursery, and planting over 1500 seedlings. Their commitment even extended to wildlife conservation, with the installation of wildlife-safe fencing at the school. They’ve also designed an Indigenous herb garden, to cultivate both plants and entrepreneurial skills, through supplying herbs to local businesses.

Technology has played a crucial role in documenting student’s learning, with students producing narrated videos and using drones to study the environment. An approach that has empowered children like Lowanna to flourish. Once hesitant to engage, Lowanna has blossomed into a confident and articulate public speaker through video narration.

The project’s impact is evident in its recognition with an Australia Day award for environmental stewardship and sustainability. It has also boosted attendance and overall wellbeing, and the community has rallied behind this innovative teaching approach, providing strong support for it to continue.