Igniting a Connection to Traditional Culture
Students and staff joined the Broke community in a traditional cultural burn to experience how Aboriginal land management practices enhance the health of the land and its people.
We were invited to this unique event by Roy Palmer, a passionate environmental advocate and a long term University supporter who has chosen to leave a gift in his will to support Indigenous students.
Bachelor of Development Studies students gained valuable insights into Aboriginal bushfire prevention and weed management. Cultural burning involves applying fire to the bush in a controlled and methodical way where the fire acts like water trickling through the country. A ‘cool' fire preserves the canopy of trees that provide shade, fruit, flowers and seeds. During the fire, insects and other small animals can crawl up the trees to safety, while ants and snakes can retreat down into their nests.
It really opened my eyes to a gentler method of land management. A powerful reminder of what Country means to our nation’s Indigenous people."
- Daan Schiebaan, University of Newcastle Environmental Manager
Sincere thanks to Roy Palmer and the Koori Country Firesticks Aboriginal Corporation for this special experience.
If you have an immersion opportunity you can offer to inspire and support our students, please let us know via donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au or by calling 02 4921 8612
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.