Gumbi Gumbi Gardens

The Gumbi Gumbi Gardens were established through a partnership between the community and the University as a place for learning and the sharing of ideas. The Gardens form part of the University’s commitment to developing a better understanding of local Indigenous heritage, and acknowledging the culture and contribution they have continued to make to their region.

The symbol of these Gardens – the gumbi gumbi (Pittosporum angustifolium) – was introduced to Toowoomba from further west as a multi-purpose medicine by Joyce and Walter McCarthy. It represents knowledge, growth and healing.

These Gardens tell the story of the growth journey we all take; learning from our past to inform our future. It is a story of mutual dependence, of walking and growing together and of confidence in the future.

The following poems help illuminate the underlying philosophy of the gardens:

“Tell me a story” by Herb Wharton (PDF 34MB)
“In the Spirit of Reconciliation” (PDF 36MB)

We acknowledge the Giabal and Jarowair people’s as the traditional custodians of the land where UniSQ Toowoomba campus and these Gardens now stand. We pay respect to their elders – past, present and future – and acknowledge that these lands have always been places of teaching and learning.

The Gardens were designed in close partnership with respected Historical Elders from Toowoomba and Elders of the Jarowair people.

Featuring more than 100 plant species, the Gardens display an extensive array of Indigenous flora used by the local Aboriginal communities for a range of purposes, including food and medicine.

The Gumbi Gumbi Gardens covers approximately 2.2 hectares of land adjacent to the northern side of the UniSQ Toowoomba’s main entrance, and include a number of small and large teaching spaces. The Gardens are open at all times and admission is free. Parking is available adjacent to the Gardens.