During the recent school break, three proud staff members from Bomaderry High School – Brooke Stewart, Jackie Scheers, and Richie Butler – travelled north to take part in the Infuse Teacher Professional Development Program.
Their journey took them from Cairns to Weipa, and then further north to Pennefather River, located on the western side of the Cape York Peninsula. This remote and culturally rich area is where saltwater meets red earth, and the stories of Ancestors still live strong in the land, the water, and the community. The group was welcomed by the Nanum Wungthim Rangers, whose name means “Our Tomorrow.” These Indigenous Rangers, alongside Traditional Owners, generously shared their knowledge, cultural practices, and language – Thanikwith – with deep care and pride.
This experience was not just professional development – it was a deep and powerful learning journey. The team took part in a beach clean-up to help protect endangered turtles and witnessed firsthand the environmental and cultural damage caused by pollution and industrial mining. Rubbish, ghost nets, and mining debris littered the coast – clear signs of the ongoing harm to ecosystems and sacred places. They saw how large mining companies have polluted waterways, disturbed ancient songlines, and threatened the future of both species and stories. The damage goes beyond the physical; it reaches into spirit, identity, and connection to Country.
Brooke Stewart reflected:
“Being on Country with mob — listening, learning, and giving back — was powerful. You can’t describe the feeling of standing where Ancestors have walked and knowing you’re part of something bigger. Seeing how rubbish and mining destroy that connection was heartbreaking – but it also made me more determined to stand up and speak out for Country.”
Jackie Scheers shared:
“This experience shifted something in me. It reminded me that cultural learning isn’t a subject – it’s a living practice. Being immersed in community and witnessing the effects of mining and waste made it clear: we have a responsibility, as educators, to teach truthfully about these impacts and empower our students to care for Country.”
Richie Butler added:
“Sitting by the fire, hearing stories from Elders, and being surrounded by Country – it stays with you. We went there to learn, but what we got was something much deeper. I saw what’s been lost through greed, but I also saw the strength of mob and the healing that comes from standing together. I came back grounded, connected, and ready to do more.”
The group also acknowledges and thanks Shanna Fuz and Infuse Travel, whose leadership and deep cultural respect shaped the experience from start to finish. Her presence and care made a lasting impact. A heartfelt thank you also goes to Bomaderry High School Principal Ian Morris, whose support made this opportunity possible.
This journey on Country has strengthened cultural understanding, inspired action, and reaffirmed the team’s commitment to embedding truth-telling, environmental care, and Aboriginal perspectives into teaching and learning at Bomaderry High School.
The learning doesn’t end here. The teachings from Pennefather River will now be carried into classrooms, conversations, and community – ensuring that learning on Country becomes learning for all.
Interested in participating in your own Teacher Professional Development? Explore Teacher Tours to Fiji, Cape York and Central Australia here.
