Interacting with nature

Cobb and Co leads a walk in park

CHILDREN and adults alike had the chance to interact with nature, to learn more about Aboriginal food, weapons and medicine.

Cobb and Co Museum hosted the Murrie Tucker, Weapons and Medicine Walk through Toowoomba’s Botanic Gardens to identify its multiuse plants.

Held during National Reconciliation Week, it was led by Paul Carmody from Amaroo Environmental Education Centre and Cobb and Co’s learning officer Tony Coonan.

“Aboriginal studies have become more and more important at the museum,” Mr Coonan said.

“Even though the gallery is great, it is an arteficial environment. I wanted more of a connection to country, or connection to nature.”

The first walk was held this week, with more planned after about 60 people attended.

“When you are in a gallery it is talk, question and answer and looking,” Mr Coonan said.

“I wanted a lot more touching and smelling for the kids to do because that is more the connection to country that Aboriginal people talk about.”

Anton Guspavovski and his son Elwin were among the group. Elwin is home-schooled and his father thought it would be a great way for him to learn.

“We have got 262 acres in Helidon and so it’s mainly bush,” Mr Guspavovski said.

“Now we have a little bit more knowledge of the stuff that is in our own backyard.”

Photos: Bev Lacey NATURAL CONNECTION: Elwin (left)and Anton Guspavovski enjoy discovering new plants and the many uses of Australian natives during the Murrie Tucker, Weapons and Medicine Walk organised by Cobb and Co Museum.

Paul Carmody from Amaroo Environmental Education Centre leads the educational walk.

Paisley Mendezona-Cowper tastes a lomandra.