GUILDFORD Primary School was among hundreds in the state to undertake new projects celebrating Aboriginal history and culture, thanks to a state government grant.

Last year, Guildford PS commissioned Aboriginal artists Julie Winmar and Brianna Dawson to paint a mural at the school symbolising the native flora and fauna of the country and the importance of the Wagyl dreaming story to the land the school is built on.

School principal Daniel Mort said as the oldest primary school in WA, Guildford was keen to recognise the area’s significance to the Whadjuk Noongar people.

“We were very keen to have a mural that recognised the school’s connection to the natural environment, this section of the river as the resting place of the Wagyl: the Dreaming spirit of the rainbow serpent, as well as the birds that have been chosen as our new factions; waalitj (eagle), maali (black swan), and djidi djidi (willy wagtail).

“We are very proud of the new mural and it symbolises our school’s commitment to cultural responsiveness and reconciliation,” he said.

Mr Mort said the partnership, acceptance, learning, sharing (PALS) program grant helped contribute to the project’s cost, including to commissioning Ms Winmar and Ms Dawson as artists.

Ms Winmar said she and Ms Dawson took on the project over multiple months, painting the biggest mural the pair had tackled thus far.

Mr Mort said the whole school community was impressed with the mural.

“We approached Julie and Brianna to complete the artwork for us after seeing their work in an Indigenous artist’s calendar,’’ he said.

“They were given a design to consider by Jocelyn Kickett, a Noongar teacher at our school (and) they presented a brilliant plan to us highlighting what the end product would look like.

Aveley North primary school also received a $3000 grant from the PALS program.

The school’s science head Sundarii Barnao said the grant made planting their new Noongar seasonal garden possible.

“We chose to create a Noongar seasonal garden to represent Aboriginal history because it serves as a living testament to the harmony between Whadjuk Noongar wisdom, ecological sustainability, and the revitalisation of our natural heritage. By embracing the Noongar six seasons, we honour the Whadjuk Noongar people and their deep connection to the land, promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of their knowledge,” she said.

“By providing the necessary financial support, the PALS funding has enabled us to honour Indigenous wisdom, promote sustainability, and offer an immersive educational experience that aligns with our vision of fostering environmental stewardship and cultural appreciation.”

More than $790,000 in grants were awarded last year under the PALS program, to more than 280 WA schools.

Education and Aboriginal affairs minister Dr Tony Buti said he was impressed with the wide range of projects WA schools chose to take on with the help of the grant.

“Participating in these activities promotes the journey towards reconciliation for all involved and also provides an important opportunity for Aboriginal students to see their cultures being respected, shared and celebrated,” he said.

“I encourage all schools to apply for funding to assist with their projects to foster partnership, acceptance, learning and sharing of Aboriginal cultures.”

The next round of PALS funding opened on July 25.

Schools can learn more and apply for the next round here.