Australia Awards South and West Asia

In the lead-up to NAIDOC Week 2025, Australia Awards scholars from Pakistan participated in a series of Indigenous engagement activities held across Australia and online. Scholars from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal and Sri Lanka also took part, with the experiences offering participants meaningful opportunities to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous Australians’ culture, traditions, history and achievements.

Building on the success of last year’s First Nations experience, Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia delivered a flagship initiative: a four-day, three-night immersive First Nations study tour in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia. Ten selected scholars from South Asia and Mongolia, including several who identify as indigenous or come from traditionally marginalised groups, travelled from across Australia to participate in this experience. Scholars undertook activities to learn about the relationship that the Adnyamathanha people, the Traditional Owners of the greater Ikara and Flinders Ranges area, have with the environment. Scholars also learnt about Indigenous history, knowledge and perspectives through a trivia and storytelling event at Ikara, leading to a discussion of this year’s NAIDOC theme: ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’.

Pakistani scholar Zoha Shakir said, “Every activity was unique and enriching, but what resonated with me most were the stories shared by the Adnyamathanha people. Their deep spiritual connection to the land, their storytelling traditions, and the pride they hold in their culture were both moving and inspiring.” She added, “I had an absolutely incredible experience during this study tour. It’s an experience I’ll always treasure.”

Zoha (middle) learns a traditional fire-making technique from Adnyamathanha guide Izzy (right) during the study tour to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

In Sydney, scholars travelled to Bundeena Royal National Park, located on the traditional lands of the Dharawal people. Richard Campbell, a member of the Yuin Nation, began the tour with a smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country and face-painting using ochre. Richard shared cultural stories through traditional artefacts, such as fire sticks, boomerangs, digging tools, shields and animal furs. Scholars also had the opportunity for hands-on engagement by learning traditional boomerang throwing and fire-making techniques.

Reflecting on the experience, Pakistani scholar Muhammad Tallha Noman expressed his appreciation for the opportunity. “I thoroughly enjoyed the Country Walk and valued the chance to learn more about the rich culture, history and traditions of Aboriginal people through meaningful interactions during the walk,” he said.

Scholar Muhammad Tallha (right) pictured with Richard Campbell, a member of the Yuin Nation (third from left) and other Australia Awards scholars during the Bundeena Indigenous Bush Walk.

These immersive experiences continue to foster meaningful cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among the scholars, reinforcing the importance of Indigenous knowledge and heritage in contemporary Australia.