The Gumbula Land Animals Cushions – Set of 8 brings Australian wildlife, Indigenous artwork, and flexible seating together in an engaging educational resource. Designed by Indigenous artist and Cultural Ambassador John Smith Gumbula, the collection features eight Australian animals: koala, emu, pelican, kangaroo, kookaburra, echidna, cockatoo, and goanna. Each cushion uses Aboriginal artwork to provide opportunities for exploring Australian fauna, Country, cultural storytelling, and the relationships between animals, people, and the environment. Soft and durable construction makes the cushions suitable for reading corners, yarning spaces, group learning, and collaborative play.
Applications and Use
• Explore Australian animals through Indigenous artwork and visual storytelling.
• Support discussions about Country, native wildlife, biodiversity, and environmental responsibility.
• Use individual animal cushions as prompts for storytelling, writing, drawing, and research activities.
• Create a wildlife discovery area that connects cultural learning with environmental education.
• Provide comfortable flexible seating for reading corners, yarning spaces, and group activities.
• Incorporate into learning experiences for NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week, and other cultural activities.
Features
• Features Indigenous artwork by John Smith Gumbula.
• Includes eight Australian animal designs: koala, emu, pelican, kangaroo, kookaburra, echidna, cockatoo, and goanna.
• Artwork provides opportunities to explore Aboriginal perspectives and cultural storytelling.
• Soft, durable construction provides comfortable seating for floor-based activities.
• Individual animal designs encourage wildlife identification and discussion.
• Suitable for everyday use in early learning and primary educational environments.
Specifications
• Quantity: Set of 8 cushions
• Measurements: Koala - 45 cm; Emu - 40 cm; Pelican - 46 cm; Kangaroo - 47 cm; Kookaburra - 40 cm; Echidna - 43 cm; Cockatoo - 47 cm; Goanna - 50 cm
• Material: High-quality indoor fabric with soft, durable construction
• Recommended Age: Suitable for early learning and primary school environments
• Care Instructions: Easy-care design suitable for everyday classroom use
Kit Includes:
• 1 x Koala Cushion
• 1 x Emu Cushion
• 1 x Pelican Cushion
• 1 x Kangaroo Cushion
• 1 x Kookaburra Cushion
• 1 x Echidna Cushion
• 1 x Cockatoo Cushion
• 1 x Goanna Cushion
About the Artist:
JOHN SMITH GUMBULA
‘QEII SILVER JUBILEE QUEEN’S TRUST AWARDEE’
CULTURAL AMBASSADOR | SENIOR INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS ADVISOR | CHIEF CREATIVE
Biography brief:
Indigenous Artist Uncle John Smith Gumbula
Uncle John’s artistic and cultural journey began in the winter of 1978, at just 10 years of age, from a hospital bed in Mount Morgan, Queensland, following a diagnosis of Scheuermann’s disease. Spending long periods in and out of the hospital until he could walk again, he discovered a lifelong calling in creativity and cultural expression.
Since those formative years, Uncle John has devoted his life to championing Indigenous cultural affairs across the arts, education, technology, and innovation. A proud WakkaWakka | GorengGoreng man, with family ties across Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia. Uncle John proudly carries the ancient Scottish and Irish heritage of his Mother, and is honoured as an adopted son of the Yolŋu people of Galiwinku, Elcho Island. He carries a profound cultural responsibility and deep connection to Country.
As a recipient of the prestigious 'QEII Silver Jubilee Queen’s Trust Award', Uncle John has spent more than four decades working passionately across diverse creative mediums. His life’s work is dedicated to building cultural bridges of understanding—locally, nationally, and internationally—fostering respect, collaboration, and positive change between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Uncle John’s contemporary Aboriginal creations are born from personal cultural connection, expressed through vibrant colours and evolving creative styles developed over more than 40 years of artistic journey and lived experience.
