- Bring the spirit of the Australian bush into your classroom with the Gumbula Land Animals Cushions Set of 8.
- Designed by celebrated Indigenous artist and Cultural Ambassador John Smith Gumbula, this remarkable collection showcases eight iconic Australian land animals through authentic Aboriginal artwork.
- Each cushion is a canvas of cultural storytelling, reflecting the sacred bond between Country, animals, and people.
- Featuring the koala (45cm), emu (40cm), pelican (46cm), kangaroo (47cm), kookaburra (40cm), echidna (43cm), cockatoo (47cm), and goanna (50cm), these cushions highlight biodiversity while fostering respect for First Nations heritage.
- Carefully constructed from soft, durable fabrics and sized for comfort, these cushions are ideal for reading corners, yarning spaces, or collaborative play zones.
- Each piece combines cultural depth with functionality, encouraging students to connect with stories of land, tradition, and identity.
- As tools for inclusion, they not only support physical comfort but also prompt conversations about Indigenous knowledge systems and environmental responsibility.
- With vibrant colours and symbolic design, these cushions create immersive learning environments grounded in cultural appreciation.
- Educational Benefits: Introduces students to culturally significant representations of native Australian fauna.
- Supports social-emotional development by reinforcing identity and belonging through visual storytelling.
- Encourages environmental education and respect for living beings connected to Country.
- Promotes intercultural understanding and discussion around Aboriginal perspectives.
- Classroom Ideas: Set up a wildlife learning zone using the cushions as themed focal points for discovery.
- Encourage students to write or illustrate animal stories inspired by Indigenous artwork.
- Use during group circle time to open conversations about connection to land and heritage.
- Incorporate into activities for Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, or cultural celebrations.
- Information: Ages: Suitable for early learning and primary school environments Measurements: Koala 45cm; Emu 40cm; Pelican 46cm; Kangaroo 47cm; Kookaburra 40cm; Echidna 43cm; Cockatoo 47cm; Goanna 50cm Material: High-quality indoor fabric; soft and durable construction Care: Easy-care design for everyday classroom use 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
