Three South Regional TAFE Harvey students attended the WA Trails and Recreation Forum in Albany in October to learn valuable skills they can put to use on trails in their local area.
The students gave a presentation at the forum on the Harvey Aboriginal Hiking Leadership Program they have been participating in. The Albany forum gave the students, Lesley Ugle, Stewart Little and Emily Comito, a greater understanding of the development, management and marketing of hiking trails.
The Aboriginal Hiking Leadership Program has been developed by the Shire of Harvey in partnership with Harvey Aboriginal Corporation and funded by the State Government Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. Support for the project is being provided by South Regional TAFE, Alcoa and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
The pilot program was offered this semester to a group of Indigenous students who will complete a Certificate II in Leadership at the Harvey campus as part of the program. They will also be offered the opportunity to enrol in either a Tourism or Land Management course on completion of the program.
South Regional TAFE Harvey Campus Manager Roche Angon said it was a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain knowledge on tourism and trail development.
“Tourism and conservation are vital industries for Harvey and the WA Trails and Recreation Forum will complement the knowledge and skills the students have gained from their studies,” she said.
Student Lesley Ugle said before the event that she was looking forward to attending, and presenting at, the forum.
“It’ll be good for us to find out what others are doing throughout the South West,” she said.
At their presentation, Lesley said the students would discuss the benefits of trail walking and tell the gathering about the value of the Harvey community involvement.
“We’ll talk about the historical and cultural significance of walking on Country for health and mental health benefits,” she said.
The hiking program runs across entry-level hiking trails throughout the Harvey Shire area. It will provide an opportunity for community members to participate and learn about culturally significant landmarks within the Shire.