Rivendell School is a remarkable place set on a picturesque corner of Sydney’s Parramatta River.

It’s a school for students with emotional disturbance – a joint Ministry of Health and Department of Education facility in the spectacular grounds of the Thomas Walker Estate near Croydon.

The grounds have a rich history, and the school maintains a strong connection to the land’s original inhabitants, the Wangal-Burramattagal people.

To enhance this connection, the school has just opened the Rivendell Aboriginal Garden.

Principal Patrick Faucher explained the idea of the garden to a crowd gathered recently for its official unveiling.

“The Rivendell Aboriginal Garden is a concept inspired by rounds of consultation with community around how to make the grounds of Thomas Walker Estate more approachable for Aboriginal families who use this service,” he said.

“Its design captures the eel as totem to the Paramatta River and Wangal-Burramattagal land we are on, and uses its shape to ensconce the garden’s flora, pathways and yarning circle in a beautiful, tiled mosaic.”

Included in the garden design are several elliptical concrete shapes, which serve as canvases for students and patients to co-design artworks with Aboriginal artists and knowledge holders each year, focusing on key emerging themes.

“The garden, as an interactive and ever-evolving space, recognises the importance of continually sharing cultural capital, and for reconciliation practices to remain contemporary and ever-present,” Mr Faucher said.

Deb Willcox AM, Chief Executive, Sydney Local Health District said the garden also represents a unique partnership between the Health and Education systems.

“One that has brought together Rivendell School students and teachers, clinicians, members of the Aboriginal community, consumers and families, and our partners across the health and education sectors,” she said.

“The impact of this garden is profound. It provides a culturally safe and healing space for staff, for consumers, and especially for Aboriginal young people and families.”

“It serves as a reminder that culture, connection to Country, and wellbeing are inseparable—and that our services must continue to evolve to reflect that truth.”