What Plants Teach Us

Mapping Country

Walk alongside John Hart as he reveals how Noongar people map Country; not with coordinates and lines, but with living landmarks – rocks, rivers, trees, and hills – as guides. From the special vantage point of Yagan Mia (Wireless Hill), learn the stories behind placenames and the powerful connection to ancestors like Yagan and Fanny Balbuk, who navigated by knowledge, not fences. John reflects on bush skills learned from Elders, and how sun, stars and memory were the true guides on Country. Discover why Noongar maps are living, colourful and rooted in reciprocity; built from stories, responsibilities and connection, inviting us to see the land through fresh eyes.

Connecting to Culture

Walk Bidi Katitijiny (the pathway of knowledge) with Narelle Ogilvie as she reflects on balancing Noongar and Western worlds, listening deeply to Elders, and the power of patience and respect in cultural learning. Discover how workshops at the Bidi Kaatajiny Centre brought together generations – young, old and even the animals – for truth-telling, sharing stories, laughter and belonging. Through placenames like Margamangup (place where they catch fish by hand from a fish trap), Narelle uncovers indigenous traditions and reconnects to family, Country and culture. She closes by sharing a heartfelt poem about her own link as a grandmother, reminding us that cultural strength lives on through connection, love and storytelling by the riverbanks.

Waangkaniny Place Names

Discover the exciting revival of the Noongar language as the younger generation breathe new life into an ancient and endangered tongue. Explore the complexities and importance of place naming and dual naming – how families come together with respect and protocol to interpret traditional names, often lost or altered over time. Hear how Elders’ knowledge guides this process, using stories and language to reconnect with Country. Through examples like Niergarup (place of salmon), learn how names reflect the richness of Noongar heritage. This episode highlights why honouring language and culture with integrity is vital for both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous communities, fostering awareness, respect, reconciliation and a deeper connection to the land.

Gathering and Ceremony

Travel along ancient songlines with Ben Ugle as he brings to life the rich tradition of Noongar gatherings, ceremonies and meeting places across Melville. Discover how sacred sites like Marrandungup (Alfred Cove) and Dyoondalup (Point Walter) served as hubs for clans to come together, trade, share lore and celebrate with dance and song. Hear the stories behind placenames rooted in land and culture – like Willagee, named for the prized red ochre (wilgee) used in ceremony – reminding us that these places are still sacred today. This episode reveals how knowledge, connection and belonging are passed on when Noongar people gather, and why keeping these places – and their stories – alive matters for everyone.

What Plants Teach Us

Step on Country with Geri Hayden and discover how the plants of Melville’s banksia woodlands, jarrah forests and wild bush teach us, feed us and connect us to Noongar knowledge. Learn what makes Noongars the “sweet water people”, how every plant – banksia, jarrah, peppermint, kangaroo paw, zamia, balga – was woven into culture, daily life and survival. Hear how burning, bush care and seasonal movement fostered a deep relationship between people, plants and animals. Geri invites you to think about giving back to Country – just as the old people did – and to see new generations stepping up as caretakers, ensuring boodja flourishes for all.