Tirriwirri School Aboriginal Education Strategy

Tirriwirri is a Ngambri Ngunnawal word given to our school by the Ngambri Ngunnawal elders meaning Ironbark tree. This tree is of exceptional and regional significance for scientific, social, historical and aesthetic reasons. The tree is of historical importance as it is associated with indigenous Australians who used its bark for the creation of canoes, shelters, shields and containers, such as coolamons.

"The name Tirriwirri gives the school strong health and wellbeing. Children need this when they are growing up. Children need help and support when they are growing up, and they can get that from this beautiful tree. We need strong names and strong people in our schools. The tree will always be here to protect them and watch them grow. Along with their parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles, who will protect and honour all the children who are in this school, the Ironbark tree will sustain the children through all the times of their lives. It gives us strength because there are so many uses of the beautiful Ironbark tree in your place and on country" Aunty Matilda House Ngambri-Ngunnawal elder.