On Country at Narawntapu

For the last three years, employees from GHD’s Tasmania offices have spent time on Country learning from members of the Palawa community. 

Each year, our people’s understanding of Palawa culture deepens, influencing our experience of place in Lutruwita/Tasmania and informing the way we work.

This year, the team visited Narawntapu National Park, located on the north coast of the state, with Pakana rangers, Brendan Lowery and Victor Ralph.

Over the course of the day, Brendan and Vic generously shared their culture and experience of caring for Country.

Talk of bush tucker and bush medicine filled the morning air as the group visited Springlawn Lagoon. Brendan and Vic also shared stories of traditional seal hunting and mutton birding – a dangerous task given the tiger snake’s preference to live in the birds’ burrows.

On the sands of Springlawn Beach, Brendan and Vic taught the group about fire stick technology and invited people to try their hand at spear hunting, with a cardboard wallaby used as target practice.

Later, under the shade of a shea-oak, the group made clap sticks and learned about hand tools used for hunting and skinning hides. Cultural knowledge, along with personal stories and experiences made for enriching conversations.

As the sun set, participants enjoyed mutton bird and kangaroo, marinated in locally sourced kunzea and mountain pepper. Many stayed the night to continue connecting over their shared experiences.

Reflecting on the experience, one team member noted, "Many of our clients are 'custodians' of large parcels of land and probably haven’t engaged with people like Brendan and Vic about their perspectives on the ‘value’ of that country, what makes it special.”

Another added, "I loved the insights and knowledge sharing from Brendan and Vic. Projects need to be informed by a sense of place, as well as an understanding of culture and historical context."

About GHD

GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 160 offices located on five continents.