by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | May 11, 2026 | Articles, Indigenous, NEST, Newsletter
Such a privilege to have experienced this profound and deeply moving experience offered so graciously by Djinama Yilaga in a collaboration with Four Winds, at Barraga Bay near Bermagui NSW this Mother’s Day 10th May 2026.
The sharing of their personal stories brought forth recognition, grief, and such hope for the future with their closing ‘We Have Tomorrow and she looks good’. My lasting impression was the message – ‘we don’t carry the ashes – we carry the flame’. Their confidence, as they go forward, brings us all along on the journey of HOPE.
We congratulate them on their amazing success. It is with great appreciation that we offer our thanks to Djinama Yilaga for the sacred gift you gave us.
Djinama Yilaga ‘make happy’ in Dhurga language, is an intergenerational choir from the Far South Coast of NSW with singers aged from very young to ‘not so young’, united by a passion for song, culture and connection to Country, sharing stories and language of the Yuin nation through original music in Dhurga.
Together, they’ve created something truly special. From performances at Vivid Sydney, Parliament House Canberra, international performances in Poland and Washington, to commissions for the Art Gallery NSW and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, their journey is one of celebration, resilience, and community. They are inspiring the next generation to carry their cultural legacy forward.
Follow their beautiful music, cultural stories, and joyful moments as they bring Yuin language and Dreamtime stories to life through song: https://www.djinamayilaga.com.au/
Barragga Yangga. Photo by David Rogers.
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | May 11, 2026 | Articles, Indigenous, NEST, Newsletter, Projects
In 2024 Elm Grove Trust created an educational committee the Narooma Education Support Team (NEST) and we have seen the significant benefits to students at Narooma High School through exciting and innovative programs made possible by some wonderful donors.
In 2025 our Trust was fortunate to be awarded a grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to cover the materials to further develop the ‘Hands on Learning’ Program and ‘Murrawan-Dhanga Bush Nursery’ horticultural program which we have seed funded since 2018.
These out of classroom programs ‘Murrawan-Dhanga Bush Nursery’ covering horticulture, traditional bush tucker plants for food and medication, (including a green house and large covered potting-on area), and the ‘Hands on Learning’ woodwork and building program have both continued to excitingly expand.
Our newest project Native Bees has been to provide funds for the introduction of native bees for pollination in the horticulture program.
A traditional ‘bark canoe project’, in 2025 under guidance from an Indigenous instructor saw cultural pride and an impressive outcome that built confidence and self-belief in the young students. All of these programs are overseen by experienced and enthusiastic educators. Our Nest volunteers continue to support the school’s Breakfast Club project which runs every morning providing a healthy and supportive start to the student’s day.
We have offered Scholarships and Encouragement Grants for young people over the past five years. Some of those recipients have been students from Narooma High School and these funds have been supportively co-managed by the executive staff and the recipient to ensure maximum beneficial progression of their inspirational endeavours.
We have recently provided a scholarship fund for an exceptionally gifted Year 8 student, at Narooma High School. Millie has demonstrated outstanding talent and dedication as a pianist. Millie ingeniously created a paper keyboard and taught herself to play at home despite not having a piano. This gifted young girl’s passion has brought forth outstanding talent and remarkable promise for a future career in music. As part of Millie’s development, the school is looking to provide specialised tuition that will hone her skills to the highest level and foster her musical potential. Elm Grove Trust has happily committed to cover Millie’s estimated tuition cost of $720 each term for this year.
Hands on Learning Program
An excellent all-weather awning structure completed by ‘Hands on Learning’ students enhances their future employment prospects
Horticultural Program:
‘Murrawan-Dhanga Bush Nursery’ horticultural program’s new ‘potting on’ enclosure
In late 2025 students in this program travelled to Nowra to tour Waminda’s Kareela Ngura Garden in Nowra NSW. Kareela Ngura brings together permaculture and local Indigenous knowledge and practices into one community hub; and Yanaga Dhugan which encourages Aboriginal Women to enter the workforce within a framework. More information – https://waminda.org.au/
Students were introduced to native bees used for pollination and the decision to introduce them into their bush nursery at Narooma High was made. Our Trust was happy to provide the funding to purchase these bees, made possible by a generous and supportive couple who make regular donations in support of the Murrawan-Dhanga Bush Nursery horticultural program. This is now underway as plans are made for correct timing for separating the bees and training in the care of the bees and collection of the honey.
Under direction the students have now built a wooden hive to await the arrival of their bees
Some further exciting news – Presenter Clarence Slockee from the ABC Gardening Australia program has recently been to the school to film a future segment for their program. Students have been interviewed, and the background vision has been filmed, so we will keep you posted on this.
We reach out in the strong desire that ongoing funds can continue to be found. We have seen young people flourish and find hope for their futures when they know that they are supported.
If you are as excited as we are about supporting these programs and offering encouragement grants and scholarships, then please consider supporting us with a donation – small, large, one-off or regular. All donations are tax deductible. We cherish your support and offer our genuine thanks for your donations.
The primary purpose of the Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust is to offer support, encouragement and hope for all people, irrespective of race or creed, especially when in need. Based upon a deep compassion for all life and respecting the beauty of our natural world, it seeks to draw attention to ways in which we can live more simply, responsibly and harmoniously with each other and our Earth.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Your donation to ELM GROVE SANCTUARY TRUST will help us continue to enrich the lives of others. Your contributions enable:
- equity of opportunity in education for our younger generation
- encouragement through annual scholarships
- promotion of peace through relationship
- respect for diversity and inclusiveness
- responsible and innovative environmental projects
- support for other organisations that align with our purposes.
Please consider making either a one off, monthly or annual donation.
Your donation is tax deductible.
All amounts, small or large, offer a wonderful opportunity and they are receipted.
DONATE HERE
Join us as an Associate Member – we need volunteers to assist with administration and outreach, or subscribe and contribute to our quarterly newsletters to share ideas.
For more information email us – egstrust2@gmail.com
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Apr 19, 2026 | Articles, Indigenous, NEST, Newsletter
As a Franciscan and a Social Worker who has supported people over many years, I have seen the lasting effect that stress; feelings of powerlessness; and lack of care and support has on people’s lives. At this time, more than ever, people are grieving, confused and feeling totally powerless to change the tragic events, with genocide and wars occurring in our world due to the actions of world leaders playing dangerous power games.
Our everyday lives are being affected and despair is growing day by day. One woman recently expressed her despair at what is happening to innocent families affected by the war in Palestine and Lebanon which goes on without any restraints placed upon the US or Israel.
She said, “It is healing to surround myself with others who are heartbroken over the killing of innocent people, even though I still need to go and scream into the ocean on some days. I find that being with people with caring and just values for human rights does help me to carry on. Otherwise, I would actually go crazy. I mean – how do we see Israel drop 100 bombs in ten minutes killing over 300 men, women and children and just go about our lives as if nothing has happened? I need to acknowledge this madness that is taking place while our world sleepwalks through genocide. I need to share my feelings and to find a way to carry on.”
Hearing this statement, I asked myself how do we maintain a sane and caring presence in our lives here and now despite such madness? I believe that more than ever we need to come together to care for each other. In that caring and listening we can restore our integrity through action within our local community even if we cannot change world affairs directly. We can focus on the positivity of offering friendship and hope to those who find life almost too heartbreaking to function effectively at present. From this can come opportunities for us to reach out in supportive and positive initiatives to find ways to build stronger links, and to feel empowered to make a difference and enable a greater sense of purpose for our lives.
No matter what age we are, we all need a nest in which to feel safe and supported in friendship and caring. This is even more important in times of great uncertainty. This is affirmed in the comments of Darcia Narvaez, PhD –
“We are immersed in species-atypical spaces growing species-atypical human beings. Our baselines for what we think is normal have shifted so much we do not realize how atypical we are. Atypical environments leave us dysregulated, easily upset, and disruptive. Species-typical childhoods nurture a healthy neurobiology, sociality, and compassionate morality. Species-typicality, our evolved nest, is needed for species and planetary wellbeing.”
Dysregulation involves sudden and intense outbursts of anger, sadness, despair or anxiety that are difficult to calm and these outbursts can lead to very destructive actions that compound the situation further extending the sense of isolation. Unresolved emotion can lead to physical and psychological illnesses and further disruption for our lives.
This is an important time for us all to reach out to others who are struggling with life and finding little purpose or power to change what has been the cause of their grief. All who care for human values, truth and justice and who desire to live in peace and understanding of others are seeking ways ahead to build hope and confidence for a better future. I would urge you to seek ways to come together with others who share these desires. Begin in simple ways through caring, sharing the pain and listening to each other. This will show you the pathway forward together that will rebuild hope and restore those true humanitarian values. Let us begin building nests all over to nurture, restore and transform uncertainty into love and action as a community of ‘Earthlings’ working as a team.
One way that our charity is seeking to build hope in our local community here on the South Coast of NSW is through support of our young people by funding educational projects and scholarships to enable equity of opportunity for students for whom these possibilities are too often denied. See: Projects undertaken with support from Elm Grove Trust’s NEST project.
As we gather to heal our shared grief and to restore our humanity together, let us look widely for ways that each of us might build nests of support and to find ways to restore hope at this time when our world for many seems to have lost its way. Create your own unique nest within your local community and begin the restoration of hope and purpose for the future of our world. In strength we can combine our voices to call our leaders back to humanity and lasting peace.
Sister Laurel Clare Lloyd-Jones lfsf
Executive Director
Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust
by admin | Nov 20, 2025 | Encouragement Grants, Indigenous, NEST, Newsletter
The Out of Classroom ‘Hands on Learning’ students have been hard at work building a protective weather awning for their classes. They’ve done a great job so far while learning new skills to enhance their future employment prospects. We congratulate them and their instructing Teacher on such a great outcome.
Our committee Narooma Education Support Team (NEST) were fortunate to be awarded a grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to cover the materials and along with the donations offered by our members this project is well under way.
Our warmest congratulations to Summer, Dominica and Aunty Karen Ella-Bird (L – R). Aunty Karen has given wonderful support for these two inspiring young women as they embark on their exciting futures. Summer and Dominica (here looking vibrant and lovely in their Year 12 formal attire) were the recipients of our two Encouragement Scholarships this year. They both are taking on tertiary education in 2026.
Summer will be studying full time at Moruya TAFE Aboriginal Art and Landscaping and Design and she is looking forward to further developing her inherent giftedness in these fields. We wish her every success.
Dominica has been accepted by the University of Tasmania to study a Bachelor of Natural Environments and Conservation followed by a Master of Protected Area. Dominica is a high achiever with resilience and determination to reach her goals. We believe that she will make a great contribution to the future.
Our thanks to those donors who have contributed to these Encouragement Scholarships. Your support has been greatly appreciated and most assuredly by Summer and Dominica.
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Aug 31, 2025 | Encouragement Grants, NDESC, NEST
Our bi-annual Encouragement Grant (established in 2021) is primarily intended to offer support, encouragement and hope for the recipient to further their interests that are based upon a deep commitment and compassion for all of life and the natural world, through academic and creative endeavours, that align with the principles of our charity.
Our primary aim is to encourage the recipient to further develop their passion, commitment and capacity to achieve these values, and especially for those who may not otherwise be able to see these dreams realised due to their life circumstances.
We are delighted to be able to announce that our second Encouragement Scholarship of $5,000 for this year has been awarded to a Year 12 female student at Narooma High School.
Nominated by:
Mr. Joseph Harper – Deputy Principal Narooma High School &
Aunty Karen Ella-Bird – Senior Leader Community Engagement Narooma High School
This student has written a profile of her life to share with our readers and she holds the deep respect and support of the Executive Staff of Narooma High School for her amazing commitment and sense of purpose for her life.
Here are her words.
I grew up in Wagga Wagga, spending the first few years of my life growing up with my single dad. While living there, the situation was unstable and we were constantly moving, and when I was five, we moved to Dalmeny to live with my grandparents. During this time, my dad, three brothers, and I shared a single room until we found a place to rent. As I grew up, I learnt to look after my brothers – taking on a motherly role by supporting and looking after them. This was quite challenging as I was growing up myself, having to look after myself on top of that.
I’ve always felt a deep connection to the land, but it wasn’t until Year 7 that my passion for the environment truly blossomed as I learnt more about science. This has inspired me to pursue a career in environmental fields – focusing on conservation and sustainability.
I have faced hardships at home, having moved out in Year 10 when my relationship with my father fell through – and I was securing a roof over my head and was out of a home for weeks. I was in out-of-home care for almost 2 years before that relationship also fell through. Since then, I have been living back with my father, however the arrangements are still precarious.
Despite the hurdles faced, I have remained focused on my studies, with my interest in science unwavering. In Year 10, I was selected for an astrophysics immersion course at Swinburne University – my first experience with tertiary study, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I completed a research project on black holes and Hawking radiation, and upon returning to school, I had the opportunity to present my findings to the school and wider community at a formal assembly.
In Year 11, I delved into my love for science, conservation, and sustainability. I chose my careers carefully, giving me the opportunity to seek a pathway into environmental studies. Subjects aligning with this goal include Earth and Environmental Science, Biology, and Aboriginal Studies – having completed EES via distance as it wasn’t offered at my school. I have achieved highly in EES, having finished first in my cohort.
My cultural heritage has always been integral to my connection with the environment. I have been actively involved in this space at school, serving as a member of the Junior Aboriginal Consultative Group. In this role, I advocated for environmental issues within the school community, which helped me develop as a leader in environmental matters. Additionally, it has allowed me to build connects with my culture and community – who have steered me in the right direction towards my career/ life aspirations.
Next year, I hope to begin a Bachelor of Natural Environments and Conservation, followed by a Master of Protected Area Conservation at the University of Tasmania. This transition will undoubtedly bring challenges, but having overcome many obstacles before, I am confident I will meet them with resilience and determination.
We sincerely extend our warmest of congratulations to this very worthy recipient.
This kangaroo skin cloak was created by the recipient of our Encouragement Scholarship and it depicts the story of her life’s journey to this time.
A Further Appeal:
If you are feeling as inspired as we are by this young woman’s determination to achieve her life’s goals, we invite you to contribute a donation towards her studies in 2026. All donations are tax deductible and can be made to our charity’s Project Account – details below. Please send a notification via email to egstrust2@gmail.com so that our Treasurer can email your receipt to you.
Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust
BSB 032766 Account No. 139061
Reference – 2025 D. Scholarship
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Mar 30, 2025 | Encouragement Grants, NDESC, NEST
Our Trust board of directors was unanimous in the decision to award our 1st Encouragement Grant for 2025 to a young student at Narooma High School. We extend our congratulations to this student who was nominated by staff at Narooma High School for this Grant.
This student has suffered a turbulent and challenging life since infancy yet has remained clearly focused and determined to succeed academically. It is gratifying to see the wonderful support offered to this student from staff and counsellors. With university in mind this student takes great pride in subject work, ensuring that it is aesthetically presented while also adhering to all marking criteria and the outcomes.
A small scholarship to support the academic needs of this student, enabling a successful completion of the final year towards the HSC, will hopefully lead to a rewarding and successful future. The Class Advisor who has supported this student speaks of the great role model that this student offers through engagement in school and community activities with a generous willingness to support younger students. “A delight to have in the classroom” is the clear message from the teaching staff.
A bank account will be set up to cover primary support of this student’s educational expenses and administered by two support persons. Should anyone wish to contribute additional funds to this account – this can be done through our EGS Trust Project Account BSB 032766 Account No. 139061 with reference to ‘Student Scholarship’.
Please email us at egstrust2@gmail.com with your details so that we can send out a receipt which is tax deductible.
I thank you for your kind support and encouragement of this very impressive and worthwhile student.
Laurel Lloyd-Jones
Executive Director
Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust