INDIGENOUS education embedded into the curriculum, not merely a separate part of it – that’s the goal of an expanded new initiative at Portland Secondary College’s Re-engagement Program.

The re-engagement program on Wednesday officially unveiled the expansion to the existing curriculum while also celebrating 10 years in existence.

Both things have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions – they made up for it in style on Wednesday with a smoking ceremony conducted by Gunditjmara man Shea Rotumah and a presentation by program satellite campus manager Christine Hart.

Students in both junior and senior levels of the program will research and create an edible and sustainable garden using plants native to this region and the South West.

It will be both a food garden and one that encourages biodiversity without straying too far from home.

Ms Hart said the aim was to expand skills in numeracy, literacy, personal development skills and social and emotional learning “while encouraging students to learn about the local heritage, sustainability, supporting a lower carbon footprint and respecting Gunditjmara land.

Learning Gunditjmara culture was also embedded in other areas of the curriculum, such as humanities, geography and environmental and cultural studies.

Students would also research the role of Gunditjmara soldiers in both World Wars, ancient Indigenous history, land and water management, land rights, art and poetry, as well as visit significant sites now that restrictions are not an issue.

Some history of the re-engagement program was also remembered on Wednesday, with Ms Hart thanking those who had filled her role before her.

“We’re exceptionally proud of the program, students and staff that have been here over the years,” she said.

That also included current staff Lauren Logan, Jacinta Knight, Suzie Grant, Bec Gould and Vicki Withers.

“They all make me look good,” Ms Hart said.

And they have worked hard to get the program up and running again.

“COVID restrictions have impacted on our learning, but we are back,” Ms Hart said.

“The upside is we’ve had lots of time to plan.”

And the expanded program tied in nicely with a world discussing sustainability, climate change and being carbon neutral.

Ms Hart also thanked the Port of Portland, the Portland Masonic Lodge and FREEZA for their contributions to the new initiative.

The program is on a property owned by the Port and GrainCorp, which was donated several years ago for the use it enjoys today. The Freemasons have also been regular financial supporters, while FREEZA (a youth initiative) provided the grant to allow Wednesday’s event to take place.

“Re-engagement is incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from the Portland community, without this generosity the program could not continue,” Ms Hart said.