Local landholders gathered in Ludlow on 29 April for a sold-out GeoCatch workshop exploring how Noongar cultural knowledge and contemporary fire science can work together to guide safe, effective fire management on farms and bushland. Delivered in partnership with the Undalup Association, the workshop was led by cultural custodian, Zac Webb, whose presentation offered a powerful insight into how Noongar knowledge shapes the way fire is used to care for Country.
Hosted on the Mahony family’s property, the event combined learning, discussion, and an on-Country demonstration. Zac, supported by rangers from the Undalup Association, walked participants through the landscape to explain how cultural burning is grounded in deep observation, respect for Country, and an understanding of how fire behaves across different ecosystems. The group was shown how to prepare an area for burning, how to read the signs that Country provides, and how to conduct a cool, controlled burn that supports biodiversity and long-term landscape health.
The workshop demonstrated the value of integrated fire management, where cultural knowledge and contemporary fire science complement one another to improve ecological outcomes and reduce risk for landholders.
Feedback highlighted the value of the cultural insights shared, with one participant observing that burning on Country is a family-centred practice guided by the signs the land offers, grounded in patience, and informed by close observation and knowledge of Country.
GeoCatch Sustainable Agriculture Co-ordinator, Jenelle Schult said the strong turnout shows the interest in using fire as a tool for managing farm bushland. “Landholders are eager to understand how cultural knowledge and modern fire science can work together. Zac’s teachings offered a meaningful reminder that fire, when used respectfully and skilfully, is an effective tool for managing landscapes.”
If you are planning to use fire as a tool on your property, ensure to check if a burn permit is required by your local government and register the planned burn with Department of Fire and Emergency Services Comms on 9395 9209.
This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.
Photo below: Zac Webb and rangers from the Undalup Association demonstrate cultural burning practices on-Country at a property in Ludlow.
