Projects undertaken with support from Elm Grove Trust’s NEST Project

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