The purpose was to open the park and to celebrate the life of Caleb Jarrett, after whom it has been named.

Caleb was tragically killed in Nambucca Heads on February 14 10 years ago.

The Aboriginal community thanked Nambucca Heads High School for initiating the park project.

Through the last eight years students from the school, where Caleb was a student, have voluntarily worked on the project and completed a wide range of construction tasks to take it to where it is today.

The morning started with a smoking ceremony followed by a Welcome to Gumbaynggirr Country by Michael Jarrett.

Caleb’s mother, Kim, then spoke about Caleb and how proud and thankful she was to have the park named after him. 

“Caleb was a gentle giant who wanted to help everyone,” Kim said.

Guests also shared stories of times spent with Caleb, every single one saying how wonderful he was to be around.

The park is now well grassed (thanks to students’ turfing efforts), has fruit trees planted nearby with play equipment installed plus a large open area for playing games.

It is a beautiful addition to the environment and to the Aboriginal community in Bellwood Aboriginal Reserve.

Children from the Giiguy Gamambi Preschool attended and were quick to show how much fun could be had on the new play equipment.

This project is a fine example of community partnerships, working together to produce better outcomes for our children and their families.

The park is now fully managed and maintained by the Aboriginal community with NHHS students involved also in its future development.

At the conclusion of the ceremony many of those attending went to Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Cultural Co-operative for morning tea.

This project is ongoing and is one to watch as it grows thanks to the efforts of children supporting the community in which we live.

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