MEDIA RELEASE 21 December 2012 The Tuross River Story Bodalla Public School (BPS) students with parents, grandparents, carers, family members and guests recently celebrated the official launch of Ngadjung gadhu-ya (Fresh water to salt water) – A Tuross River Story. Earlier this year 26 BPS students from years 5 and 6 participated in a research excursion organised by Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) as part of an education program to assist children to learn more about local catchments – plants, animals, Aboriginal culture and heritage, industries and history. Southern Rivers CMA catchment officer, Karen Lee said the children worked as a team during the last term to produce the book about the Tuross River and surrounding catchment which is written in English and the local Aboriginal Dhurga language. “The children put an enormous amount of effort into researching and writing the book which demonstrates their appreciation and sense of stewardship of the catchment. They wrote about the importance of protecting this precious resource and maintaining the Indigenous culture associated with it. “The Tuross River Story starts high in the Kybeyan, near Cooma and finishes with the River’s journey at Tuross Head on the coast.” The school was presented with an award at the book launch from the office of the Member for Bega, Andrew Constance MP for its participation in the project. Principal, Therese Aston said the book’s production was a valuable and enriching experience for the students. “Since becoming involved in the book initiative the school will now include in its curriculum more Aboriginal culture and heritage activities and excursions. “The children have created an important resource for future students and the wider community.” Copies of the book can be purchased through BPS when school resumes in 2013 by contacting 02 4473 5257. It will also be available for sale in local shops. The money raised from book sales will fund its further publication. Ngadjung gadhu-ya ( Fresh water to salt water) – A Tuross River Story is the fourth book to be published as part of Southern Rivers CMA’s “Protect our future – protect our river” book initiative. Others in the series include The Bhunduu – The Clyde River Story by Batemans Bay Public School, The Deua – A Moruya River Story by Moruya Public School and Noreech nundjung - A Wagonga Inlet Story by Narooma Public School. The project is supported by The Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative and NSW Government through Catchment Action NSW. ***ENDS*** …/2 Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority Level 1, 84 Crown Street, Wollongong, NSW, 2500 PO Box 3095, Wollongong East, NSW, 2500 Tel: 02 4224 9700 Fax: 02 4224 9669 www.southern.cma.nsw.gov.au - 2 - Image: At the launch of Ngadjung gadju-ya – A Tuross River Story: School Education Director – Batemans Bay, Bob Aston presents a certificate to Bodalla Public School student Kara Jones for participating in Southern Rivers CMA’s “Protect our future – protect our river” book initiative. Media contacts: Pam Green Debra Thompson Chair Communications and Media Officer Southern Rivers CMA Southern Rivers CMA Telephone: 0438 608 790 Telephone: (02) 4224 9707 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority Level 1, 84 Crown Street, Wollongong, NSW, 2500 PO Box 3095, Wollongong East, NSW, 2500 Tel: 02 4224 9700 Fax: 02 4224 9669 www.southern.cma.nsw.gov.au .