Gumnut Preschool marks more than 50 years on Wingecarribee Street in Bowral

The preschool had a belated celebration to mark 50 years since the premises was established on Wingecarribee Street, in Bowral.

"As a preschool, it's about the people of the past, present and future," said Gumnut Preschool's director Meredith Wakeman.

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The sun shone, and everyone took part in a smoking ceremony conducted by proud Aboriginal woman Wendy Lotter, who has taught children at the school about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for the last 10 years.

"This is a great preschool, I love coming here," she said.

Ms Wakeman said it was important that the school established a connection with the Gundungurra people in the Highlands.

An artwork made my Ms Lotter and her daughter and 2020 Paralympic uniform designer Rhe for the school was unveiled, titled Burringilling Muniwarang.

The artwork was also displayed in a classroom full of archives, on the covers of books which showed the history of the school.

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As part of one of the activities throughout the day, children had the opportunity to get painted with ochre and learn more about Indigenous cultures.

Other activities included painting, playdough, puzzles and playing on the outdoor equipment.

Members of the original committee that helped establish the preschool were also there to commemorate the milestone.

"I hope you're all enjoying the space for the children," said the president of the first committee Dorothy Best.

"It's such a valuable project, because it's truly community," said former secretary Jane Lemann.

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Former students also made their way to the event, to look back on fond memories.

"It was the best fun," said Renae Pinazza, who attended in the 1980s and has enrolled her son at the school.

"I remember lots of painting in the two rooms there, remember naptimes with mats on the floor, where we would look up and listen to music."

The Clear Strings ensemble performed different songs throughout the day from movie soundtracks and the Bowral Lions Rotary Club provided tasty cupcakes, refreshments and a sausage sizzle.

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