Ny-Ku Byun Elders Village Cultural Garden Project

A Garden of Culture and Care Blooms at Ny-Ku Byun

At Pinangba’s Ny-Ku Byun Elders Village, a central courtyard has been transformed into a vibrant cultural garden—thanks to the vision, dedication and heart of the Kabi Kabi Maintenance Team: James Stanley (Kabi Kabi, Wakka Wakka), Cecil Fisher (Kabi Kabi) and Kaleel Bond (Kabi Kabi, Wakka Wakka).

From Little Things, Big Things Grow

James and the team began with small improvements around the grounds of Ny-Ku Byun. “It all started with me, Cecil and Kaleel coming up with ideas of what we could do to give the place some love and make it feel homely for our old people,” James said. 

“We began with small steps—mulching, creating garden beds, moving plants around—mostly using recycled materials and compost from the site.”

The team’s next idea was to go bigger, bringing in native plants to help residents connect with Country. “The courtyard is the heart of Ny-Ku Byun and seemed like the perfect place for a garden facelift. The residents really loved the idea, which spurred us on.”

The final design features native species chosen for their sensory and cultural significance, like Woolly Bush (touch), Finger Limes and Midyim Berries (taste), Native Lemongrass (smell), Kangaroo Paw (sight), and Grevillea (sound).

Tracey O’Hanlon, General Manager Facilities & Maintenance, was heartened to watch the team grow. “James, Cecil and Kaleel started with us through a horticulture traineeship and are now cherished members of the team. We’ve been so lucky to have them bring both their horticulture and cultural knowledge to this project.”

Partnership and Shared Vision

With support from UnitingCare’s Sustainability and Reconciliation teams, and generous sponsorship from Toyota Fleet Management (TFM), the vision came to life.

Chris Potts, Regional Manager at TFM, said the team were eager to support the project. “We were honoured to be involved – being part of it was really inspiring for our team. It reminded us that sustainability isn’t just about reducing vehicle emissions or planting trees; it’s also about fostering connection and respecting the deep knowledge and traditions of First Nations people.”

UnitingCare’s Manager Environmental Sustainability, Simone Elias, added, “Caring for Country—especially in a way that looks to the leadership and knowledge of First Peoples—is an important part of reconciliation. For me, that’s been a really special aspect of this project.”

Working Bee and Grand Opening Celebration

A working bee was held on 30th July for National Tree Day, bringing together staff, residents and project sponsors to complete the planting. 

James opened the morning with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, sharing the inspiration behind the project. “This project is 100% for the residents. Our focus all along was to make sure they were happy.”

Attendees planted out the new garden beds, mulched the plants and watered them in, and enjoyed morning tea with staff and residents. To mark the occasion, Toyota Fleet Management designed custom t-shirts for all planting helpers, featuring artwork created by James’ two-year-old daughter, Silupe.

The impact of the completed garden was immediate. “Uncle Drayton, whose room opens onto the courtyard, said it’s looking really good—and he’ll tell off anyone who says otherwise!” James laughed. “Aunty Adele was also really into it—she’s a green thumb and helped with planting on the day. And everyone loves that Woolly Bush!”

Andrea Fox, General Manager Pinangba, shared, “The smiles on the faces of the residents, staff and visitors made my heart truly sing.”

Looking Ahead

James said the sensory garden has already created positive ripples. “It’s started a lot of conversations—like adding artwork and signs in Wakka Wakka language. And we’d love to replicate it at our other elders’ villages."

“Coming into summer, everything’s going to be blossoming and green. It’ll be so nice for residents to sit in the shade and enjoy the flowers and birds.”

“I couldn’t be happier with the outcome,” he said. “Or more grateful to be part of it.”