In Week 6 students from Coromandel Valley Primary, Hawthorndene Primary and Blackwood Primary visited Colebrook Reconciliation Park at Eden Hills. Their visit was guided by Allen Edwards, Chairperson of the Blackwood Reconciliation Group. Allen’s mother, Aunty Avis Gale, is a former resident of Colebrook Home. The students viewed the art installations at the park and heard Allen’s stories about the history of Colebrook home.

"Some parts were sad but it’s nice that there’s a place to go and feel happier about it because there’s lots of art work and nature" - Charlotte, Year 4 

"I thought it was fun to learn about our history, I didn’t realise that some Aboriginal people went to homes together, I thought they were always spit up. It was also cool to learn about how the children had fun with knuckle bones and the tin slide" - Rhiannon, Year 7

"I liked playing with the kids from the other schools. I really liked the stories and art in the shelter" - Duke, Year 1

"It was cool how Allen explained about the stolen generation. I liked seeing the paintings on the wall and the plaques. The fire pit was cool" - Keanu, Year 4

"It’s pretty cool, I really liked the fountain. I liked Allen’s stories, some were sad but some were about the children having fun" - Owen, Year 1

Visitors are welcome at Colebrook Reconciliation Park, Shepherds Hill Road, Eden Hills (opposite Barunga Road). For more information about Blackwood Reconciliation Group and the amazing community work they do please contact Allen Edwards, 0420 579 563, allenedwards34@outlook.com or see Kylie Gardner.