Two-way science program success around the kimberley
Over the past few months, KLC’s Two-Way Science program has been working alongside ranger groups, schools and communities across the Kimberley to create meaningful, place-based learning experiences for young people. By bringing together cultural knowledge and western science, the program supports students to learn on-Country from Traditional Owners and Rangers, strengthening connections to language, culture and the environment. From NAIDOC Week activities in the Fitzroy Valley to school visits at Paruku and planning workshops with ranger teams across the region, these engagements reflect the growing partnerships and shared commitment to two-way learning that continue to shape the program throughout 2025.
GOONIYANDI | NAIDOC WEEK ENGAGEMENT – BAYULU SCHOOL
In July, Gooniyandi and Ngurrara Rangers collaborated to co-design activities for Fitzroy Valley School’s NAIDOC Day event. Around 130 students took part in cultural and environmental round-robin sessions.
The KLC supported the women’s team to lead a bush foods and bush medicine activity, teaching students to identify key plants in Walmajarri and Gooniyandi language and how to prepare cuttings for propagation.
The men’s team demonstrated camera traps and discussed culturally significant animals, with students enjoying the chance to trigger the motion-sensor cameras.
In October, the KLC’s Two-Way Science team met with the Gooniyandi Rangers men’s team to plan upcoming activities with Fitzroy High and Bayulu School.
The rangers have already been working with Fitzroy High senior students at Ngumpan Spring, developing learning activities focused on animal tracking, plant identification and water monitoring.
The Two-Way Science team has continued to strengthen partnerships between ranger groups, schools and communities across the Kimberley, bringing together cultural knowledge and western science to support place-based learning. Below is a snapshot of the team’s work throughout 2025.
PARUKU | CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH COUNTRY - BILILUNA & KURURRYNGKA SCHOOL VISITS
Following the Women’s Ecology Camp at Lake Stretch, Paruku Rangers joined the KLC Two-Way Science Project Officer, Ecologist and Ecology Intern for hands-on activities at Kururryngka (Bililuna) School.
Students learned how camera traps work, practiced using binoculars and shared observations of feral and introduced animals living in their area.
KIJA RANGERS |PLANNING MEETINGS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
In October, the KLC Two-Way Science team met with the Kija Rangers for an initial Two-Way Science planning workshop, discussing ranger priorities around feral and introduced species and shaping school engagement activities for 2026.
The team also met with Ngalangalangpum School in Warmun to plan a joint program launch with the Rangers for February 2026 and hosted a community activity with local kids, painting fuel drums that will be used as signage around town.
BALANGGARRA RANGERS | BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS
In November, the Two-Way Science team met with the Balanggarra Rangers to work through their seasonal calendar and identify opportunities for Two-Way Science activities with Wyndham schools.
The Balanggarra Rangers are looking forward to continuing to developing on-Country engagement for 2026 alongside schools and community members.