Thinking Green: Yarning Circle for Landcare Volunteers

Event description

Please note that photographs may be taken at this event and it is suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over.

Vanessa Corunna, a proud Noongar woman whose deep ancestral connections span Wadjuk, Ballardong and Palykul Country, will lead a yarning circle where Friends Groups, catchment volunteers, environmental organisations and anyone committed to caring for Country can ask questions and learn. 

Among a variety of topics, Vanessa will discuss how to recognise Indigenous artefacts, scattersites, scar trees and potentially important sites when out in the bush. Vanessa may also discuss Indigenous perspectives, local cultural knowledge and traditional understandings of caring for Country.  

Weather permitting, the session will then head outside for a short walk in the surrounding bushland. 

Join us for a rich, meaningful experience that will deepen your connection to Country and enhance your understanding of local Indigenous knowledge. 

This workshop is supported by Susannah Wooroloo Brook Catchment Group and Friends of Gidge Reserve.  

What to expect? 

• This workshop will start with a yarning circle inside where participants will be offered a light morning tea before heading outside towards the end for a short stroll 
• Please be aware this bushwalk is on non-footpath terrain, making it unfortunately unsuitable for wheelchair users and prams. 

What to bring

• Please wear appropriate clothing (long pants and shirts recommended) for the walk and weather, enclosed shoes, a hat and bring your own water bottle. 

About Vanessa

As the daughter of the late Albert and Gwen Corunna – highly respected community leaders who worked extensively with the City of Swan and contributed to Native Title and Heritage across Perth for decades – Vanessa continues a legacy of cultural strength, advocacy, and community empowerment. Vanessa's grandmother was born at Success Hill, and with her family’s long-standing presence across the eastern corridor, Vanessa brings a powerful and authentic voice to understanding Country. 

A highly regarded educator and cultural knowledge holder, Vanessa has been recognised nationally and academically for her leadership. She is the recipient of the National Bush Heritage Australian Indigenous-led Science Prize for Working with Indigenous people in Country, the Vice Chancellor’s Award from Curtin University, and the Berndt Award from the University of Western Australia, celebrating her dedication to preserving and sharing Nyungar knowledge. 

With her strong community roots, involvement in the naming of Weeip Park, the Spirit of the Yagan is Alive and Well, and her role as a custodian of waterways and significant sites, Vanessa brings warmth, expertise and a genuine willingness to share her heritage and culture.