Harvey Aboriginal Corporation and Shire of Harvey hiking program highlights Aboriginal connection to country

A Harvey-based pilot hiking program got its boots on the ground at a WA Trails and Recreation Forum in Albany where it highlighted Aboriginal connection to country and leadership. Hosted at the Albany Entertainment Centre the forum saw the Harvey Aboriginal Corporation present their Aboriginal Hiking Leaders Program to a number of industry members. Noongar elder Lesley Ugle said the presentation focused on the importance of building cultural connections and working hand in hand with Aboriginal elders and community on country. “It’s about developing traineeships and getting people, especially Indigenous people, to take control of the programs and working on country is something that is ideal for a lot of Aboriginal people,” she said. It comes after the Harvey Aboriginal Corporation obtained a $19,000 WA Hiking Participation Grant from the WA Government earlier this year to help develop the program. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who took part in the program were offered the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Leadership, Tourism, and Land and Conservation courses at South Regional TAFE. Hiking project to highlight cultural landmarks Shire of Harvey president Paul Gillett said it was great to have future Aboriginal leaders involved in the project and sharing their culture with the broader community. “The program plays a significant role in developing local tourism and supporting the reconciliation journey,” he said.