School's focus on Noongar traditions

Noongar culture and history were celebrated on Thursday when Australind Senior High School officially opened its Noongar Garden.

Deputy Principal Nigel Wakefield said the garden opening followed the school's NAIDOC assembly the day before where Aboriginal elders spoke and dancers performed for the students.

"We wanted to do a lot more to recognise Aboriginal culture and especially in regard to our local Aboriginal community," Mr Wakefield said.

Noongar cultural educator Troy Bennell visited the school on Thursday to officially open the garden, sharing stories and giving information about local flora and fauna to students, staff and special guests.

"The Noongar garden is a good learning tool," Mr Bennell said.

"It helps us to teach about the local foods and flora and gets the conversation started."

Mr Bennell said it could be hard for young people to celebrate their Noongar culture openly and it was important to "talk more about the local stories and grow the pride from there."