A Curtin University research project is helping restore bushland and strengthen Indigenous connections to Country, with Elder-led cultural burns in suburban Perth.
The most recent cultural burn was led by Elders Simon Forrest and Roni Forrest and brought together community members at Hill View Community Bushland on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja, in a Kaarla (fire) ceremony grounded in traditional knowledge.
The burn is part of Curtin University PhD research led by Zoe Webber through the ARC Training Centre for Healing Country, in collaboration with the Noongar community, the Town of Victoria Park and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
This was the second cultural burn at the site, with the aims to heal Boodja, add nutrients to the topsoil and support the regeneration of native species in this remnant urban bushland.
“It has been a privilege to be involved in these cultural burns, not only as part of my PhD project but also as an opportunity to help heal Country and connect with the local community.“ – Zoe Webber
Elder Roni Forrest may said “Fire is all about keeping our country healthy – it’s just what is needed on the land. We need to have new country: it’s good for the animals, trees, everything.”
Zoe will monitor the outcomes of this burn over the coming year alongside community members, building on earlier work at the site.
