by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | Oct 9, 2026 | Indigenous, NEST, Newsletter, Projects
As our readers will be aware we formed a committee of committed people in the Narooma region and members of our Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust to address issues that had been raised during the failed referendum on 6th November 2024. This left a trail of hurt and confusion for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians alike and we sought to overcome the disinformation and poor understanding that was so evident within the Australian public.
We saw the importance for advancing opportunities and equity in education for our younger generation so that better understanding, relationship and unity of our nation might be encouraged. This was a continuation of our belief in education and the support that Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust has offered since its formation in 1987.
We have experienced and admired the wonderful commitment that our local educators have been offering to students to enable better understanding and co-operation. We have supported projects at Narooma High School since NEST was formed in early 2025 that have been most successful and supported by some generous donors to enable some very successful, exciting and rewarding outcomes.
These projects continue on, and from the seed funding that we provided they have grown and flourished catching the notice and support of our NSW Governor, Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, Monash University, the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation and so many others. We have some deeply committed donors (not so many – we could urgently do with some more funds to enable these and future programs to flourish) but we are committed to support these initiatives while-ever we are able.
Outdoor Learning Together
News from NHS Horticultural Program
Year 9 and 10 students engaged in the weekly native nursery project murrawan-dhanga have continued to make connections with community and professional organisations involved in conservation, caring for country and growing native plants. Term 3 has seen improvements to our nursery facilities at school to prevent seedling attack by possums. We have participated in the Planting Seeds National Biodiversity blitz.
Students worked with the Living Knowledge Network, formerly Firesticks Alliance, conducting a cool cultural burn at Mystery Bay. This was an opportunity to learn from local and Australia wide experts in sharing knowledge about the practice of regenerative burning. Students had the opportunity to interview past Narooma High Students now working as NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers.
Narooma High School have begun a consultative process with the Gulaga-Biamanga Board of Management to co-create interpretive signs for the new Tilba walking track. The students have also made recommendations for planting schemes at both Narooma Pre-School and the Mystery Bay Campground. They will use their plants to restore degraded habitat and enhance play areas.
Early beginnings for the NHS Horticultural Project seed-funded by EGS Trust in 2018. Special Ed. Teacher Todd Helton with Sr Laurel Clare lfsf
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NEST committee retired – With our ongoing commitment to projects here on the Far South Coast as well as our outreach to a much wider vista we are currently visioning how this might be implemented into the future. Due to the life demands and limitations of our dedicated team of NEST members, after considerable discussion it was decided to disband the NEST committee and to focus more broadly as a Board of Directors of EGS Trust.
The motion from the final meeting of NEST: ‘That NEST now believes it has achieved what it set out to achieve, and agrees to now disband on the understanding that EGST will continue to offer educational support broadly in the wider community of Narooma and elsewhere’.
The unanimous vote was moved by Kevin Bird and Seconded by Sean Burke. The Chairman, Sean Burke, on behalf of the NEST Committee extended to each member sincere thanks for their contribution in bringing us to this point.
by Laurel Lloyd-Jones | May 13, 2026 | Newsletter, Projects
By Sr. Laurel Lloyd-Jones lfsf
Recently I celebrated becoming an octogenarian and enjoyed sharing my birthday with our family and many cherished friends both old and new. Despite my request for no gifts several people gave me some funds tucked into cards.
After reflection I feel inspired to offer those gifts to provide for a craftsperson to build a new altar for St Clare’s Chapel of Hope at Elm Grove Sanctuary. Sadly, the chapel had been neglected and stripped of all content by the time that Pete and Sarah took over ownership.
Should you wish to contribute funds towards the restoration of the Chapel, or any other needed restoration work, our Elm Grove Trust has decided to open an appeal in support of this.
Donations can be made to: EGS Project A/c BSB 032 766 A/c No: 13 9061
Please specify ‘Chapel and Restoration work’ and email your details for receipting purposes to egstrust2@gmail.com
Photo of Clare’s Chapel from 1998
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 | Mar 26, 2024 | Indigenous, NDESC, NEST, Projects
Today, EGS Trust directors Michael, Stuart, Sean and myself along with our new NDESC committee members Steve Payne, Kevin Bird, Tony Agnew and Angela Young (Associate Member EGST) – apologies from Linda Tucker, met with the Narooma High School (NHS) Executive Principal Fiona Jackson, Joseph Harper (Deputy Principal), Karen Ella-Bird (Snr Leader Indigenous Community Engagement), Shirlee-Maree Rowland (Head of Languages & Wellness and responsible person for the Breakfast Club), and other Indigenous staff members, Carl Taylor (Leader Student Support), Reece Ladmore (Student Support), and Daniel Mason Community Worker Red Cross).
This was a valuable and worthwhile meeting for everyone and we came away deeply impressed by the structures now in place at NHS that are based upon deep respect and caring for the students attending the school. It was so good to hear from Fiona and her committed team of staff members as they outlined how the school functions and their relationship with students who feel a close ownership of their school.
We heard how Fiona and other staff members meet the school buses each morning to welcome the students and how direction and decisions form, from the ground level upwards, with students having valuable input in decisions. I could see how the pride that these young Indigenous people have found in their school and education is now being transferred on to their family members and elders enabling healing and new understanding. This is bringing leadership out from within these students that is healing past attitudes and is enabling such potential and hope in going forward.
We all recognised how differently this school is approaching education to when we attended school. It affirmed for us the value and immense possibilities that our support for the planned mentoring program and the Breakfast Club will assist to enable even greater outcomes. Carl, who originates from the Northern Territory, spoke of how these boys of this age culturally, would be seen as young men. By respecting this aspect, it has evidentially shown that they react from a point of maturity. They step up to this higher role and this has brought forth greater cultural pride and respect in their culture.
We felt such a warm connection and inclusion in the hope that was very evident in our discussions today and we were welcomed warmly by the staff.
After our meeting we enjoyed a tour lead by Kevin, Carl, Daniel and Reece. Beginning with the outdoor Gardening/Nursery program that EGS Trust assisted with seed funding for this project. This is now about to be expanded to include traditional Indigenous plants that will enable traditional bush medicines to be produced. The girls have shown interest to pursue this under the direction and instruction of Elders.
I have asked for an update on this project and their planned future development as I feel that there will be ongoing interest and support for this from those people who previously lent their support to this project.
We heard about the Canoe Building project that is now available for the Indigenous boys. This is reviving and building close connection to culture enabled in the time spent in learning and in the sharing of life stories as they work. Carl spoke of how important this is for the boys to feel able to open up within a safe group and to discuss their inner emotions and feelings. Both the girl’s bush medicine and the boy’s canoe building programs are open to those non-indigenous students who wish to participate and this interest has grown. The emphasis is upon inclusiveness within the school.
Our tour took us on a walk to the boy’s (men’s) dancing circle set within the tall trees and the native plants which are abundant at the school. We saw the girl’s (women’s) yarning circle, learned of the higher ground placement of the boy’s yarning circle and the site of a combined circle between the two sites where they all can come together. These sites were created by the students under direction from contractors and teaching staff.
We learned that the school is sited on a Song Line and we felt the honour and respect that is given to this area. Narooma High School is one of the very rare schools today that does not have a high fence surrounding it. The freedom symbolised by this ‘unconfined’ school, which is situated within the natural environment, expresses hope so strongly. Today, we all witnessed the openness and enlightened approach that is alive and well at Narooma High School.
I am sure that we all felt very encouraged that our involvement with our Narooma and District Education Support Committee, in partnership with the committed staff at Narooma High School, will auger well for current and future students of the school.
Laurel Lloyd-Jones
25th March 2024
by admin | Mar 19, 2024 | NDESC, NEST, Projects
Can we support Narooma High School’s Breakfast Club to be sustainable into the future?
What is the Breakfast Club? Here is some background information that may assist.
- The Breakfast Club runs Monday – Friday from 8.00am – 8.45am
- Located in the Food Tech Classroom
- Caters for students who travel in by bus from Cobargo, Tilba, Bermagui, Bodalla, Dalmeny & Wallaga Lake. (It does not exclude Narooma resident students.)
- Buses arrive at school from 8.10am to 8.30am
- Attending staff set up food/equipment normally from 7.45am and repack/store from 8.45am
- ‘Menu’ is fruit, ham, cheese, mushroom, green leaf toasted sandwiches/wraps and berry/milo smoothies.
- Students make and toast their selection and make smoothies.
- Students wash their plates and utensils.
We use the activity as a soft engagement with students and observe if students are arriving at school in an emotional state (Monday is the high-risk morning). This follows through on completion of breakfast in identifying if the student has brought either a packed lunch or money to purchase lunch from the canteen. Staff intervene in a non-embarrassing way to arrange lunch should this be needed.
- In 2023 we averaged 18 – 20 students per morning – so far this year we are averaging 30- 35 per day. Multiple reasons lie behind this!
- Purchase of the food is undertaken by staff and funding comes from a range of ‘shavings’ from a range of sources within the school. In 2023 average purchase costs was $50.00 – $60.00 and currently it is now $80.00 – $90.00 per week.
- Food is purchased from Narooma Woolworths who offer a ‘discount’.
If you would like to make a small regular or one-off donation in support of this program this can be made through our Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust Project Account –
BSB: 032-766
Account Number: 13-9061
All donations are tax deductible. Please indicate that the funds are for the Breakfast Club program.
To enable us to receipt your donations please send an email to egstrust2@gmail.com
by admin | Dec 10, 2023 | Projects
Our Trust contributed significant financial support to the Moruya Microforest Project, and we are delighted to see that it is now flourishing in the grounds of St. John’s Common, Moruya.
To find out more about this and other Microforest Projects across NSW and the ACT, please see this article from the publication About Regional:
Microforest madness: How one woman’s little idea has grown across the country