At Civil Safety, we believe some of the most valuable learning happens outside the classroom. Our partnership with Waalitj Foundation in Kalgoorlie is providing participants undertaking the Certificate I in Conservation and Land Management with opportunities to develop practical skills while learning about Country, native plants and traditional knowledge.
On Friday, 4 September, participants headed out into the bush for a hands-on learning experience focused on native seeds, local vegetation and understanding the land around them.
Kalgoorlie students undertaking the Certificate I in Conservation and Land Management
Connecting learning with Country
The outing was an opportunity for participants to put their learning into practice and explore the natural environment around Kalgoorlie.
One of the activities for the day was searching for native seeds. Although the group was unable to find or collect any native seeds on this occasion, the experience still provided an important opportunity to observe the surrounding environment and learn about the plants and vegetation found across Country.
The group did come across Silky Pears and a number of bush medicine plants, creating an opportunity to learn more about their significance and traditional uses.
Sharing knowledge of plants and Country
Gerard shared his knowledge with the participants, explaining the different types of trees, bushes and plants found in the area, as well as their meanings and uses.
This type of knowledge-sharing provided participants with a deeper understanding of the relationship between people, plants and Country. Rather than simply identifying plants, participants were able to learn about how the surrounding environment can provide important resources and information.
The day also highlighted how knowledge of the natural environment can be practical and valuable in everyday situations.
Civil Safety Trainer Gerard sharing his knowledge and expertise
Learning how to navigate the land
An important part of the outing was learning about navigating through the land using natural features.
Gerard explained how trees and vegetation can provide useful indicators when moving through Country. Participants also learnt about identifying potential sources of water and what to look for if they become lost.
These are valuable skills that complement the practical elements of conservation and land management training, helping participants develop confidence in observing and understanding their surroundings.
Practical learning that engages participants
Taking learning outside the classroom can create a different kind of learning experience. Participants have the opportunity to see, explore and discuss the environment around them while developing practical knowledge.
For the group in Kalgoorlie, the outing was a great opportunity to become engaged with their training and experience conservation and land management in a practical setting.
While the search for native seeds didn't result in a collection, the day was certainly not without valuable outcomes. Participants gained knowledge about local plants, bush medicine, navigating Country and identifying water sources, while also having the opportunity to connect with the natural environment.
Hands-on learning in the natural environment
Building skills through partnership
Our partnership with Waalitj Foundation plays an important role in creating meaningful learning opportunities for participants in the Certificate I in Conservation and Land Management.
Combining structured training with practical experiences and knowledge-sharing can help participants build skills and confidence while developing a stronger understanding of the land and its resources.
Civil Safety is proud to support training opportunities that encourage participants to get involved, learn through experience and build skills that can contribute to their future pathways in conservation and land management.
A big thank you to Waalitj Foundation and Gerard for sharing their knowledge and supporting this valuable learning experience.
Learning on Country is more than a day outside the classroom - it's an opportunity to connect knowledge, culture, practical skills and the environment. 🌿