Research highlights

Changes to Country


Lead researchers

Dr Tia Whyman

Dr Tia Whyman

Aboriginal Senior Research Fellow

View staff profile
Associate Professor Brad Farrant

Associate Professor Brad Farrant

Associate Professor

View staff profile
Jacob West

Jacob West

Project Coordinator

Coolamon - CTC

The Changes to Country Project is a research project examining climate change and its impact on culture and Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB).

This project has two phases:

Phase one: Explores Elders experiences of how the Country has been changing due to climate change and how this impacts on culture and (SEWB).

Phase two: Has three sub projects where a cultural program is co-designed with communities. This phase investigates how participating in culture/cultural practices can enhance SEWB as we continue to experience changes to Country.

Program priorities:

  • The effects of climate change on Aboriginal people's cultural practices
  • The effects of climate change on Aboriginal peoples social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB)
  • Promoting connection between Elders and young people and the intergenerational transfer to cultural knowledge

Program by place:

The projects are taking place on Whadjuk, Ballardong, Wilman and Binjareb Nyoongar Country.

The project will explore the impact of climate change with Noongar people in the South West of WA, where work has already commenced. The project has been awarded $973,967.00 in funding.


What we have been up to:

Bushtucker Workshops with Aunty Dale Tilbrook

We proudly delivered four Bushtucker workshops led by respected Elder Aunty Dale Tilbrook across Kelmscott, Perth City, Midland, and Wellard.

These workshops were deeply grounded in Aboriginal culture and knowledge, providing participants with meaningful education on traditional bushtucker practicescaring for Country, and the connection between culture and climate change. Through hands-on learning and storytelling, participants gained a greater understanding of sustainable land management, seasonal knowledge, and the importance of preserving cultural practices for future generations.

The workshops supported Aboriginal people across the Perth metropolitan area, strengthening cultural identity, sharing intergenerational knowledge, and empowering community members through education that is both culturally safe and environmentally focused.

 

Kelmscott wokshop

Kelmscott Workshop

Table ImageBushtucker tasting table 

 

Midland Workshop2Midland Workshop

 


Lead researchers

Dr Tia Whyman
Dr Tia Whyman

Aboriginal Senior Research Fellow

View staff profile
Associate Professor Brad Farrant
Associate Professor Brad Farrant

Associate Professor

View staff profile
Jacob West
Jacob West

Project Coordinator


Lead researchers

Dr Tia Whyman

Dr Tia Whyman

Aboriginal Senior Research Fellow

View staff profile
Associate Professor Brad Farrant

Associate Professor Brad Farrant

Associate Professor

View staff profile
Jacob West

Jacob West

Project Coordinator