A group of the students at work.
Camera IconA group of the students at work. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Northam: aboriginal students land jobs with Greening Australia

Lynn GriersonHills Avon Valley Gazette

ABORIGINAL students have landed jobs with Greening Australia after learning more about land restoration and conservation at an agricultural college in Northam.

The not-for-profit group snapped up the new recruits who recently completed a Certificate II in rural operations at Muresk Institute.

Students joined the 12-month course through the Kadadjin Boodja Bidi (Caring for Country) program, a partnership between Muresk and the cultural organisation As One Nyitting.

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The program focuses on learning through connections with the land, providing students with opportunities to learn about their role as the next cultural leaders.

Before starting the program, the students completed preparatory training with As One Nyitting, known as the Koorlangka Dreaming, Cultural Pride and Cultural Leadership program.

The students attended Muresk for a week each month to learn about livestock, machinery and conservation land management.

Muresk Institute General Manager Prue Jenkins said she was delighted Muresk helped contribute to the success of the program.

“The course has been specifically designed so that each participant can learn how to care for country, in a practical and outdoor learning environment,” she said.

“The students now get to put their knowledge into action by working with Greening Australia on a variety of land rehabilitation projects in the Avon Valley region.

“I’m thrilled the program has been successful and that students are already finding paid employment as a result of the course.”

Muresk has begun training the next group of students from As One Nyitting, with a graduation ceremony and welcome conducted at a cultural site by elder Trevor Davis.

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