Georges River Environmental and Educational Centre-Chipping Norton
NOURA YOUSSEF-17353553 | ASSESSMENT 3 | TEAC2063 | BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (PRIMARY)
We acknowledge the Tharawal and Darug Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Georges River and Chipping Norton Lakes. They have cared for this Country for thousands of years and continue to do so today.
Tree scarring is an important form of Aboriginal cultural heritage that shows how First Nations peoples used the landscape sustainably.
Bark was carefully removed from living trees to make tools, canoes, shields, coolamons and other everyday items. This process left a long, oval-shaped scar that remains visible for generations, marking traditional travel routes, campsites and resource areas.
Scarred trees provide evidence of the deep knowledge and craftsmanship of Aboriginal communities, including the Tharawal and Darug peoples around the Georges River. Today, these trees are protected as significant cultural sites that connect us to enduring Aboriginal custodianship of Country.
(Department of Environment and Conservation, 2017)
Link to outcome: HS1-ACH-01
(Tree Scaring, Georges River- Chipping Norton, photograph by Author, 2026)
Connecting students to Country and water environments
The Georges River in Chipping Norton has been a part of Aboriginal Peoples history as it was a river shared by the Dharawal People custodians of the southern side and Darug Peoples the custodians of the north and west of the river. The custodians have a deep cultural and spiritual connections to the wetlands, forests and its wildlife. Here at Georges River so much of the knowledge systems that guide sustainable practice is led by their elders to care for our waterways, protecting our native species and respecting the connections between land, water, plants animals and people. (Waterways and Lakes, 2019)
Fieldwork experiences designed for Stage 1
Welcome to Georges River Environmental Education Centre where guided field trips support primary teachers with structured curriculum-aligned investigations along the Georges River in Chipping Norton.
After visiting this site, I found it to be such an immersive experience that would engage all school age students and teachers with activities, bush walks, knowledge on our flora and fauna and how it all links to our Aboriginal Peoples' and their country, with Geography inquiry in mind your students will explore the land with their detective hats on and get hands on experience.
to make HSIE fun and interactive for Stage 1 students, this place is a must visit for your students with Syllabus linked resources, to learn and engage before, during and after exploring the river.
Connecting to Country
Explore outcome HS1-ACH-01 as students learn about Dharawal and Darug Custodians, seasonal indicators, and caring for sacred waterways.
Caring for waterways
Targeting outcome HS1-GEO-01 through interactive water sampling, habitat exploration, and understanding local catchments.
Hands-on activities
Engage Year 1 learners with sensory bush trails, traditional storytelling, and field sketching along the riverbank.
Teacher resources
Access pre-visit worksheets, complete risk assessments, and logistical guides to streamline your excursion organisation.
Inspiring young geographers and caretakers of Country
At the Georges River Environmental Education Centre, we deliver transformative learning beyond the four walls of the primary classroom. Our specialised educator team partners with NSW schools to deliver Stage 1 HSIE programs that inspire empathy, cultural respect, and genuine environmental stewardship in young students.
Immersive fieldwork along the Georges River
From dipping nets into brackish waterways to identifying native flora used for shelter and food, students discover how every person plays a role in looking after shared places.
(Casuarina Tree, Georges River- Chipping Norton, photograph by Author, 2026)
Get in touch with our education team
Location
Contact info:
Our Office is open MON- FRI 9am-3pm
Address: 2 Central Ave, NSW 2170 Chipping Norton
Sydney, Australia
E: georgesriv-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au
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