Vincentia High opens Uncle Phillip McLeod Garden in memory of indigenous returned service personnel

Funded by the NSW Government Anzac Community Grants, the garden was designed and constructed by school staff and students to remember all Indigenous returned service personnel.

Vincentia High was successful with its application for a grant from the NSW Office for Veteran Affairs to build an Anzac community garden.

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The project has been a collaboration between Defence School Mentor Jacqui Copeland, Aboriginal Education Officer Gai Brown and students, the Booderee National Park, Booderee Botanical Gardens and Bay and Basin Community Resources.

Gumbari Unit students Caleb, Brock, Taye, Jai, Jayden, Jaiden and Seayn and their teacher Harry Sawkins did a fabulous job with the planting and mulching.

Vincentia High School wishes to show its support and respect for community and provide a sense of belonging.

The garden is prominently located at the entry to the front office, with purpose to remember all indigenous returned service personnel.

The garden features a statue and plaque made at the school using its plasma cutter, thanks to Mr Newton and Mr Donohue.

Aunty Gai Brown welcomed guests and spoke about Uncle Phillip McLeod and introduced his family - son Jeff McLeod, sister Aunty Vera McLeod and brother Uncle Jimmy McLeod as well as many of his nieces and nephews.

Jeff McLeod proudly cut the ribbon and thanked all involved in the construction of this garden.

Mrs Copeland spoke of the way indigenous personnel were not recognised on their return nor were they allowed to socialise with their comrades or attend Anzac Day ceremonies.

Principal Ruth Winfield thanked everyone for coming to join the celebrations and spoke about the need for teachers, students and community to work together to ensure students receive the best education.

Invited guests included elders from the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, Booderee National Park employees, P and C President Michelle Haynes- Armstrong, VHS staff and students. Everyone enjoyed a delicious morning tea organised by Aunty Gai and the school canteen.

It was lovely for staff to reconnect with ex-students and meet the families of its Aboriginal students.

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