Trainee update from Carnarvon

Over the last few months Carnarvon has been a hive of activity and it’s hard to pick one or two highlights from what is a very long list. Certainly, a highpoint in recent times was meeting nine Bidjara Women, including Traditional Owner Keelan Mailman as well as a cousin of mine Aleysha who came to spend time on Carnarvon.

It was an experience I will cherish because I was able to be a part of everyone coming together. Over the four days I learnt about their culture, country, bush tucker and the best part was getting to know each of the women while sharing lots of good food, sitting around the fire and telling some very hilarious stories.

My traineeship has been keeping me busy and I've been spending time improving my skills on the tractor, chainsaw and undertaking mechanical work on the buggy. Work has also included spraying an invasive weed called clockweed.

Other noteworthy activities have included soil testing, fauna surveys, pit fall trapping, setting cameras and helping carry out vegetation surveys with Rebecca Diete, Alison Wilson, Charli, and students and volunteers Dan, Wendy, Miranda, Alex, Dylan, Emily, Ali, Christine, Zjon, Yohana and Nat.

A further highlight was attending a recent fauna survey at Edgbaston with Rebecca Diete and the Bush Heritage Edgbaston Team. I took part in pitfall trapping, Elliot trapping, bird and vegetation surveys and went spotlighting most nights.

This was a 10-day commitment and such a great experience. I learnt a lot from helping the team and it was a fun, fulfilling learning experience seeing amazing sunsets, identifying cute little animals, fish and seeing all the wonders of Edgbaston. 

I enjoyed every moment except those times trying to pick up spiders and centipedes out of pit fall traps – it’s helping me overcome my fear of spiders! 

With all that I have experienced over the last 12 months I can hardly wait for what’s to come and look forward to sharing more Trainee tales with you next time.