Gumbula Cushion Sets

Bring culture, storytelling, and comfort into your learning space with the Gumbula Animal Cushions, featuring authentic artwork by celebrated Indigenous artist and Cultural Ambassador Uncle John Smith Gumbula. These beautifully illustrated cushions showcase iconic Australian animals through vibrant Aboriginal design, helping educators create welcoming spaces where children can explore connection to Country, culture, and wildlife.

Designed for classrooms, libraries, early learning centres, and community spaces, these cushions are made from soft yet durable fabric, offering both comfort and meaningful cultural representation. Ideal for reading corners, yarning circles, storytelling spaces, or quiet learning zones, each cushion invites children to sit, reflect, and engage with the rich stories of Australia’s land and sea animals.

Available in two themed sets celebrating Australia’s diverse wildlife.

Variants Available

Gumbula Land Animals Cushions – Set of 8

Celebrate Australia’s unique wildlife of the bush and forest with this vibrant collection of eight land animal cushions. Each cushion features striking Indigenous artwork that honours the connection between animals, people, and Country.

Includes:

• Koala – 45cm

• Emu – 40cm

• Pelican – 46cm

• Kangaroo – 47cm

• Kookaburra – 40cm

• Echidna – 43cm

• Cockatoo – 47cm

• Goanna – 50cm

These cushions are perfect for creating nature-inspired learning spaces that highlight Australia’s biodiversity while encouraging cultural appreciation and storytelling.

Gumbula Marine Animals Cushions – Set of 6

Immerse your classroom in the vibrant energy of Australia’s marine life with the Gumbula Indigenous Marine Animal Cushions – Set of 6. Designed by internationally renowned artist and Cultural Ambassador Uncle John Smith Gumbula, this premium collection celebrates the beauty and cultural significance of Australia’s waterways and sea life.

The set features six beautifully illustrated marine animals:

• Dugong – 44cm

• Dolphin – 45cm

• Barramundi – 43cm

• Whale – 50cm

• Platypus – 42cm

• Turtle – 46cm

Each cushion is adorned with intricate Indigenous artwork, reflecting the cultural stories and ecological importance of these animals within Aboriginal knowledge systems. The designs encourage meaningful classroom conversations about biodiversity, sustainability, and respect for Country and sea Country.

Perfect for ocean-themed learning areas, reading corners, or storytelling circles, these cushions help educators create immersive environments where children can explore Australia’s marine ecosystems while building cultural awareness.

Why Educators Love Them

• Authentic Aboriginal artwork by Cultural Ambassador Uncle John Smith Gumbula

• Creates inclusive, culturally rich classroom environments

• Ideal for reading corners, storytelling circles, and quiet spaces

• Encourages conversations about Country, wildlife, and Indigenous perspectives

• Soft, comfortable cushions designed for daily classroom use

• Supports social-emotional learning, cultural awareness, and environmental education

Classroom Ideas

• Create a yarning circle where each child chooses an animal cushion and shares a story.

• Use the cushions to build a wildlife discovery corner focused on Australian animals.

• Pair with books about Indigenous storytelling and Australian fauna.

• Incorporate into activities for NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week, or cultural learning units.

• Encourage students to write or draw animal stories inspired by the artwork.

Information

Ages: Suitable for early learning and primary environments
Material: Soft, durable indoor fabric construction
Use: Reading corners, group time seating, storytelling spaces
Care: Easy-care fabric suitable for classroom environments

About the Artist

Uncle John Smith Gumbula is a respected Cultural Ambassador, Senior Indigenous Affairs Advisor, and creative leader with more than four decades of advocacy and work across arts, education, culture, and community leadership.

A proud Wakka Wakka and Gurang Gurang man with Gamilaroi and Iman family lineage, Uncle John also holds deep cultural connections with the Yolŋu people of Galiwin’ku (Elcho Island) in Arnhem Land. His work focuses on strengthening culture, building cross-cultural understanding, and sharing Indigenous knowledge through art, storytelling, and education.

Recipient of the prestigious QEII Silver Jubilee Queen’s Trust Award, Uncle John is recognised internationally for his leadership in creating cultural bridges through creative practice and community collaboration.

"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