In 2024, University of Sydney (Usyd) dietetic students joined landscape architecture students from the University of NSW (UNSW) for the first time in going to Bourke to contribute their knowledge to the local community garden.

Their stay was part of a community-led professional placement that has grown from a 'reciprocal learning' relationship that has enriched both the Bourke community and those visiting.

In the most recent chapter, two students from UNSW travelled to Bourke for two months for the placement led by UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture senior lecturer Eva Lloyd and UNSW adjunct lecturer and Wiradjuri woman Samantha Rich. 

It is the third time that the landscape architecture students returned to Bourke to work on water-saving techniques, such as improving soil quality through the use of local food waste, and developing design elements that help identify and monitor plants, and using wicking technology,

'Wicking' involves drawing water out of the ground as opposed to watering it from the top to avoid water loss through evaporation. 

"It's really important to think about these techniques for protecting our environment and caring for water on Country," Eva Lloyd told the Western Plains App.

"The garden was the perfect place to do this”.

While wicking occurs naturally in nature, it is invaluable for gardeners in dry climates.

There is archaeological evidence of wicking being used to irrigate gardens 2,500 years ago near the City of Old Jerusalem in what is now Israel.

The Botanic Gardens Community Gardening Team, led by Phil Pettit, ran workshops for Bourke community members on setting up DIY wicking and composting. 

The USyd dietetic students support the program by contributing their nutritional expertise. 

 Photo: supplied.

The garden is the result of many years of collaboration between the Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service, Regional Enterprise Development Group (REDI.e), and the Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health (BHUDRH). 

Uncle Gavin Gibbs and Charlene Noye established the project and reached out to the UNSW Global Water Institute in 2021 after seeing some of the work they had completed with the Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service and the Dharriwaa Elders Group in their Euragai Goondi community garden. 

"Another significant development this year has been partnering with Bourke High School, Occupational Therapy students from the University of Sydney and Landscape Architecture students from UNSW to develop a sensory garden for the high school students " Ms Lloyd said. 

"It's been wonderful to see how one garden in the community has seeded ideas for another."

The Bourke Community Garden has flourished in recent years.

Besides providing the community with fresh produce such as rock melon, tomatoes, chilis, and cucumbers, it also delivers employment and training opportunities, and a social space.

"The garden has expanded into something that connects community members a where people can learn techniques for their own backyards,” Ms Lloyd said. 

Students have the opportunity to continue their work in Bourke after their graduation.

One example is Rory Lewis who co-designed the Bourke High School sensory garden together with staff, students, and Elders.

Ms Lloyd said all signs are showing that the program will return next year as well. 

"This is life work, with reciprocal learning, as long as we are valuable then we're here to support."