The Gumbula Indigenous Marine Animal Cushions – Set of 6 brings Aboriginal art, marine life, and comfortable flexible seating together in an engaging classroom resource. Designed by artist and cultural ambassador John Smith Gumbula, the collection features six illustrated marine animals: Dugong, Dolphin, Barramundi, Whale, Platypus, and Turtle. Each cushion incorporates detailed Indigenous designs, providing opportunities to explore Australian animals, Aboriginal perspectives, biodiversity, and connections between Country, waterways, wildlife, and people. Made from velvet-feel polyester with thick foam inserts, the cushions provide soft seating for reading corners, group learning, sensory spaces, and other shared classroom environments.
Applications and Use
• Explore Australian marine and aquatic animals through Aboriginal art and visual storytelling.
• Support discussions about biodiversity, Country, waterways, wildlife, and environmental stewardship.
• Use individual animals as prompts for storytelling, research, and classroom discussions.
• Create a marine discovery area that connects art, culture, and environmental learning.
• Provide comfortable flexible seating for reading corners, group activities, and sensory spaces.
• Incorporate into mindfulness and quiet learning areas for comfortable floor-based seating.
Features
• Features artwork by Indigenous artist John Smith Gumbula.
• Includes six illustrated animal designs: Dugong, Dolphin, Barramundi, Whale, Platypus, and Turtle.
• Indigenous designs provide opportunities for cultural discussion and visual learning.
• Velvet-feel polyester provides a soft tactile surface.
• Thick foam inserts provide comfortable seating for floor-based activities.
• Machine washable fabric supports practical care in busy educational environments.
Specifications
• Quantity: Set of 6 cushions
• Measurements: Dugong - 47 cm; Dolphin - 40 cm; Barramundi - 47 cm; Whale - 48 cm; Platypus - 47 cm; Turtle - 47 cm
• Material: Velvet-feel polyester with thick foam inserts
• Recommended Age: Suitable for early years and primary school settings
• Care Instructions: Machine washable fabric; refer to individual care labels for washing instructions.
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.
