- Immerse your classroom in the vibrant energy of Australia's marine life with the Gumbula Indigenous Marine Animal Cushions Set of 6.
- Designed by internationally renowned artist and cultural ambassador John Smith Gumbula, this premium collection features six beautifully illustrated cushions: Dugong, Dolphin, Barramundi, Whale, Platypus, and Turtle.
- Each animal is depicted with intricate, authentic Indigenous designs that celebrate their cultural and ecological significance, encouraging meaningful conversations about biodiversity and Aboriginal heritage.
- Made from soft, velvet-like fabric with thick foam inserts, these cushions combine tactile comfort with powerful storytelling.
- They are perfect for transforming learning areas into engaging, culturally rich spacesideal for use in reading corners, sensory zones, or collaborative group settings.
- Each cushion serves not only as a seating option but also as a visual anchor for discussions around Country, stewardship, and interconnection between land, sea, and people.
- Designed to spark curiosity, promote environmental respect, and foster cultural pride, this set is a must-have for inclusive, dynamic educational environments.
- Educational Benefits: Introduces marine species through culturally significant Aboriginal art.
- Encourages environmental consciousness and stewardship from a young age.
- Supports sensory and inclusive learning with soft, cushioned seating.
- Fosters cross-cultural understanding and respectful classroom dialogue.
- Classroom Ideas: Use each cushion as a storytelling prompt to explore Dreamtime marine narratives.
- Create a marine discovery zone that connects art with environmental science.
- Facilitate discussions on the role of animals in Indigenous knowledge systems.
- Incorporate cushions into mindfulness spaces to support self-regulation and calm.
- Information: Ages: Suitable for early years and primary school settings Measurements: Dugong 47cm; Dolphin 40cm; Barramundi 47cm; Whale 48cm; Platypus 47cm; Turtle 47cm Material: Velvet-feel polyester with thick foam inserts for comfort Care: Machine washable fabric; refer to care labels for instructions About the Artist: JOHN SMITH GUMBULA'QEII SILVER JUBILEE QUEEN's TRUST AWARDEE'CULTURAL AMBASSADOR | SENIOR INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS ADVISOR | CHIEF CREATIVE Biography brief: Uncle John Smith Gumbula began his remarkable artistic and cultural journey at an early age in the winter of 1978 at the age of ten, from a hospital bed in Mount Morgan, Gangulu Country Queensland, after being diagnosed with Scheuermann's disease a spinal condition that would become the unexpected catalyst for a lifetime of creative and cultural expression.
- Today, Uncle John Smith Gumbula stands as a highly respected Cultural Ambassador, with over four decades of dedicated advocacy and leadership across the arts, cultural affairs, education, technology, and innovation.
- A proud Wakka Wakka | Gurang Gurang man, with Gamilaroi and Iman family lineage, Uncle John holds strong cultural connections with Indigenous communities across Queensland, and Nationwide.
- As a proud adopted son of the Yolŋu people of Galiwin'ku (Elcho Island) in Arnhem Land, Uncle John carries with him a deep and diverse wealth of cultural knowledge, lived wisdom, traditional practices, and storytelling.
- His experience spans more than four decades, with a broad local and international footprint that has evolved across multiple industries, sectors, and diverse communities, making him a trusted and unifying voice in the journey toward reconciliation, cultural empowerment, inclusion, shared futures, and generational change.
- On his late mother's side, he also carries an ancient Irish and Scottish bloodline, creating a unique cultural identity that bridges First Nations and Celtic traditions.
- Recipient of the prestigious 'QEII Silver Jubilee Queen's Trust Award', Uncle John is internationally well versed and traveled, recognised for his passionate leadership in €œcreating cultural bridges of understanding on a world stage.€ His passion, wisdom and philosophy is to inspire, and be inspired, we are teachers and students for each other on this dreaming pathway journey of life.
- Formulating diverse creative practice and cultural consultancy have evolved on his global journey, highlighting the cultural spiritual significance and celebrating Indigenous knowledge and wisdom, establishing cross-cultural strategic partnerships, and positioning meaningful educational creative inclusion across multiple sectors, and global nations.
- €œMy Cultural Heritage proudly resonates in my Heart, Spirit, and Life, keeping culture strong and alive, spiritually and physically connecting me to Country.€Uncle John Smith Gumbula - Aspiring Elder | Uncle & Grandfather
