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."

Acerca de GHD

GHD es una empresa líder en servicios profesionales que opera en los mercados mundiales de agua, energía y recursos, medio ambiente, infraestructura y edificaciones, y transporte. Comprometidos con la visión de garantizar que el agua, la energía y las comunidades sean sostenibles para las futuras generaciones, GHD ofrece soluciones en consultoría, servicios digitales, ingeniería, arquitectura, medio ambiente y construcción a clientes del sector público y privado. Fundada en 1928 y propiedad de sus trabajadores, GHD cuenta con una red de más de 12.000 profesionales en más de 160 oficinas en cinco continentes.