Gumbula Land Animals Cushions - Set 8

Bring the spirit of the Australian bush into your classroom with the Gumbula Land Animals Cushions – Set of 8. Designed by celebrated Indigenous artist and Cultural Ambassador John Smith Gumbula, this remarkable collection showcases eight iconic Australian land animals through authentic Aboriginal artwork. Each cushion is a canvas of cultural storytelling, reflecting the sacred bond between Country, animals, and people. Featuring the koala (45cm), emu (40cm), pelican (46cm), kangaroo (47cm), kookaburra (40cm), echidna (43cm), cockatoo (47cm), and goanna (50cm), these cushions highlight biodiversity while fostering respect for First Nations heritage.

Carefully constructed from soft, durable fabrics and sized for comfort, these cushions are ideal for reading corners, yarning spaces, or collaborative play zones. Each piece combines cultural depth with functionality, encouraging students to connect with stories of land, tradition, and identity. As tools for inclusion, they not only support physical comfort but also prompt conversations about Indigenous knowledge systems and environmental responsibility. With vibrant colours and symbolic design, these cushions create immersive learning environments grounded in cultural appreciation.

Educational Benefits:

• Introduces students to culturally significant representations of native Australian fauna.
• Supports social-emotional development by reinforcing identity and belonging through visual storytelling.
• Encourages environmental education and respect for living beings connected to Country.
• Promotes intercultural understanding and discussion around Aboriginal perspectives.

Classroom Ideas:

• Set up a wildlife learning zone using the cushions as themed focal points for discovery.
• Encourage students to write or illustrate animal stories inspired by Indigenous artwork.
• Use during group circle time to open conversations about connection to land and heritage.
• Incorporate into activities for Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, or cultural celebrations.

Information:

• Ages: Suitable for early learning and primary school environments
• Measurements: Koala – 45cm; Emu – 40cm; Pelican – 46cm; Kangaroo – 47cm; Kookaburra – 40cm; Echidna – 43cm; Cockatoo – 47cm; Goanna – 50cm
• Material: High-quality indoor fabric; soft and durable construction
• Care: Easy-care design for everyday classroom use

About the Artist:

JOHN SMITH GUMBULA
‘QEII SILVER JUBILEE QUEEN’S TRUST AWARDEE’
CULTURAL AMBASSADOR | SENIOR INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS ADVISOR | CHIEF CREATIVE

Biography brief:

Uncle John Smith Gumbula began his remarkable artistic and cultural journey at an early age in the winter of 1978 at the age of ten, from a hospital bed in Mount Morgan, Gangulu Country Queensland, after being diagnosed with Scheuermann’s disease a spinal condition that would become the unexpected catalyst for a lifetime of creative and cultural expression.

Today, Uncle John Smith Gumbula stands as a highly respected Cultural Ambassador, with over four decades of dedicated advocacy and leadership across the arts, cultural affairs, education, technology, and innovation. A proud Wakka Wakka | Gurang Gurang man, with Gamilaroi and Iman family lineage, Uncle John holds strong cultural connections with Indigenous communities across Queensland, and Nationwide.

As a proud adopted son of the Yolŋu people of Galiwin’ku (Elcho Island) in Arnhem Land, Uncle John carries with him a deep and diverse wealth of cultural knowledge, lived wisdom, traditional practices, and storytelling. His experience spans more than four decades, with a broad local and international footprint that has evolved across multiple industries, sectors, and diverse communities, making him a trusted and unifying voice in the journey toward reconciliation, cultural empowerment, inclusion, shared futures, and generational change.

On his late mother’s side, he also carries an ancient Irish and Scottish bloodline, creating a unique cultural identity that bridges First Nations and Celtic traditions.

Recipient of the prestigious ‘QEII Silver Jubilee Queen’s Trust Award’, Uncle John is internationally well versed and traveled, recognised for his passionate leadership in “creating cultural bridges of understanding on a world stage.” His passion, wisdom and philosophy is to inspire, and be inspired, we are teachers and students for each other on this dreaming pathway journey of life. Formulating diverse creative practice and cultural consultancy have evolved on his global journey, highlighting the cultural spiritual significance and celebrating Indigenous knowledge and wisdom, establishing cross-cultural strategic partnerships, and positioning meaningful educational creative inclusion across multiple sectors, and global nations.

“My Cultural Heritage proudly resonates in my Heart, Spirit, and Life, keeping culture strong and alive, spiritually and physically connecting me to Country.”
Uncle John Smith Gumbula - Aspiring Elder | Uncle & Grandfather