05 August 2026
Dianella Secondary College has sprouted a new community garden, and it's already changing the way students learn.
Maladjiny Dandjoo was recognised by the City of Stirling in its Public Health Plan. Photo supplied.
Maladjiny Dandjoo, which means 'grow together' in Noongar language, was built with help from a City of Stirling Community Grant.
It's open to the school and local community.
Karalee Blake, the college's Aboriginal education coordinator, said the introduction of the garden has resulted in many students gardening for the very first time.
They are learning to plant, harvest and even cook their own food.
The students grow fruit, vegetables and herbs such as strawberries, chillies and tomatoes. They also grow bush tucker such as lilly pilly, which is high in vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidants.
The garden's produce is used at the after-school cooking club, Dookerniny Garbala, or ‘late afternoon'.
There, students cook alongside Elders-in-residence and learn about nutrition and Noongar culture. The Elders also teach students the cultural meaning behind different plants and how to care for Country.
Students work on the garden daily. Photo supplied.
The garden has become a welcoming place for students, volunteers and staff to catch up and relax.
It's not just the community who are enjoying the space, the local ecosystem is benefiting too. Native plants have helped local wildlife and improved the soil, while a worm farm and compost system are cutting down on waste.
The college now runs gardening sessions every day and has started a new before-school Garden Club that is open to all students.
The college hopes to keep growing the garden as an outdoor classroom.
All this effort has led to the college recently being recognised by the City of Stirling as a positive case study in its new Public Health Plan.