Gumbi Gumbi

Continuing UniSQ’s artistic spotlight on the gardens and landscapes of Toowoomba, the University is proud to pay tribute to the Gumbi Gumbi.

The Gumbi Gumbi Gardens were established through a partnership between the community and the University and were created as a place for learning and the sharing of ideas.

The Garden was designed in close partnership with respected Historical Elders from Toowoomba and Elders of the Jarowair people. Featuring more than 100 plant species, the garden displays an extensive array of Indigenous flora. The plant species found in the garden are used by the local Aboriginal communities for a range of purposes, including food and medicine.

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. The gumbi gumbi represents knowledge, growth and healing. The garden tells 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.

This art exhibition was curated to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Gumbi Gumbi Gardens. It brought together a consortium of talented artists who were carefully selected for their diverse range of mediums and their shared inspiration derived from the Gardens. Through this collaborative effort, the exhibition aimed to capture the essence of the gardens and present it in a visually captivating and thought-provoking manner. By showcasing a variety of ideas, visions, and techniques, the exhibition offered a comprehensive exploration of the Gumbi Gumbi Gardens and invited viewers to immerse themselves in its beauty and significance.