Already well-known for its vibrant Chinese community, Hurstville is opening its doors to stronger engagement with local Aboriginal residents thanks to a new Yarning Circle at its Georges River College Hurstville Boys Campus.

Officially unveiled on May 24 at the school in Sydney’s south, the Yarning Circle is a dedicated outdoor facility that brings people together to discuss issues, solve problems and build respectful relationships.

Yarning Circles have been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for thousands of years.

Principal Kathy Klados said it was the next step in ensuring stronger connections with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people after the school last year provided a designated space for the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.

“The opening of the Yarning Circle gave us some more connections with the Aboriginal community so that we can actually write our own Acknowledgment of Country,” Ms Klados said.

“Now we’ll move to some storytelling and writing and then we can focus on the teaching and learning.”

The project was funded through the Federal Stronger Communities Program and developed in collaboration with the school and its Parents and Citizens Association.

Federal Member for Barton and Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, attended the launch with members of the Aboriginal community, students and staff.

The Yarning Circle posts were painted by Aboriginal artist Darren Charlwood, a Wiradjuri man from the Yibaay Wagaan mob in Wellington.

Mr Charlwood drew heavily from his cultural knowledge of the environment, while also consulting with Elder Aunty Barbara to include the possum, whale and crow that are depicted and represent the cultural importance of the Georges River area.

The Yarning Circle will be used regularly during the school term through classes to promote dialogue, reflection and learning.

It will be a safe and welcoming space for all students and the community to share their experiences and perspectives.