As part of the 13th WEEC programme, we are delighted to offer immersive field trips on Monday 21 September 2026, known as “On Country Activations”.
These experiences provide delegates with the unique opportunity to connect with Country and explore Western Australia’s diverse ecosystems. Participants will gain practical insights into how knowledge and educational approaches are applied to nurture environmental stewardship, both now and for future generations.
Registrations to participate in On Country Activations will open in early 2026. More information will be released with registrations to these activations.
Theme: Connection to Country (Land and Waters) | Boodjar kep dandjoo
DBCA - Marine And Aquatic Science Programs
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is Western Australia’s government agency responsible for sustainably managing the State’s species, ecosystems and lands. DBCA manages the national and marine parks in Western Australia and has strong marine and aquatic science programs that study and conserve animals. Environmental education is an integral part of DBCA’s work to communicate new research and conservation messages and provide ways of engaging the public in conservation actions that benefit the environment.
DBCA’s Parks and Wildlife Service office is a short bus ride from the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
- Attendees will meet DBCA environmental educators from marine turtle, dolphin and sea lion conservation programs in hands-on workshops.
- Hear from educators using citizen science, partnerships with Traditional Owners, activities and events, and innovative education resources to engage the community in the conservation of marine species.
- Meet aquatic and marine scientists, and marine rangers and discover what they do day-to-day, their career pathways, and how they involve the community through education within their science and marine management programs.
Photo credits: Dolphin (Sue Harper), Australian sea lion (Prof Chandra Salgado-Kent), Turtle (Tristan Simpson DBCA)
DBCA - Terrestrial Science Programs
Maximum capacity: 150 participants
The south-west forests form a large part of the Southwest Australian global biodiversity hotspot – one of 36 regions from across the world recognised for having an exceptional and rich diversity.
Spend the day at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)’s all-abilities environmental education centre in the heart of a national park – the Perth Hills Discovery Centre, home to the Nearer to Nature environmental education program.
- Immerse yourself in the stunning Beelu National Park comprised of jarrah forest, a unique ecological community on Perth’s doorstep, in all its spring glory with thousands of plant and animal species on show.
- Meet live Western Australian endemic wildlife and find out how DBCA’s Western Shield program is protecting them.
- Take part in real conservation actions protecting the forest with educators and experts and become a citizen scientist when you take part in a bioblitz to discover the animals and plants that call this forest home.
- Meet some Bush Rangers and River Rangers cadets participating in a youth-based conservation and community development program supporting young Western Australians to take an active role in the conservation of the natural environment.
- Sample Aussie bush tucker around a campfire and learn from Traditional Owners how they share their culture with kids and community.
Glengarry Primary School - Teachers for Climate Change
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
Description coming soon.
Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre - Connecting and Learning on Country
Maximum capacity: 60 participants
Noongenboro / Herdsman Lake is a tranquil paperbark wetland nestled near the heart of Boorloo / Perth. It is the largest wetland in inner-metropolitan Perth and one of the largest fenlands in the Southern Hemisphere. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded there. Noongenboro is also a significant place to Noongar people, who have camped around its shores for thousands of years. Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre is an environmental education centre run by the Western Australian Gould League, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to provide nature education for everyone.
This activation will commence with a Welcome to Country by a Noongar Elder and will be a unique blend of hands-on environmental, artistic and cultural activities (cultural awareness session with a Noongar presenter, scooping for aquatic invertebrates, a nature journalling session and a nature and cultural walk through the spectacular paperbark swamp) which will be facilitated by WA Gould League staff and volunteers. Participants will have time to explore the displays at the centre, take a stroll through the newly-created biodiversity garden and join in a Q&A about the Centre’s programmes over morning tea.
Kings Park Education - Nature Wellbeing and Learning on Kaarta Koomba
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
We all know spending time in nature is a great way to reduce stress, improve concentration and just feel happier. Join the Kings Park Education team for a nature connection experience, to explore Noongar cultural heritage, nature-based learning pedagogy and practical skills for enhancing wellbeing. This experience visits the Western Australia Botanic Garden and Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park, a unique outdoor learning environment and one of the first nature-based play spaces in Australia.
Participants will:
- Enjoy a guided walk on Kaarta Koomba, with a focus on first nations knowledge, two-way science and recognition of the Noongar peoples’ continuing connection to place.
- Identify and classify common plant species of the Banksia woodland, collect and clean native seed and make an herbarium specimen, an important botanical field tool.
- Share a story around the campfire, drink billy tea and connect with others in nature.
This immersive workshop combines, nature-based learning, botanical literacy and first nations knowledge in a holistic, on Country experience.
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Meet a Woylie at Whiteman Park
Maximum capacity: 50 participants
Whiteman Park’s popular ‘Nocturnal Woylie Walks’ offer the public a rare opportunity to see some of the State’s endangered fauna thriving in natural habitat, in the heart of the metropolitan area.
We invite you to join us as the sun sets, to explore the protected bushland of Woodland Reserve – a specially-designed 500-hectare facility conservation supporting a captive breeding program for select Western Australia’s rare and endangered fauna – on a guided tour, complete with refreshments and overview of what we do here. You’ll get a unique look at Whiteman Park after hours, when the nocturnal animals are out foraging and exploring their surrounds. The best part? You’ll see Critically Endangered woylies (Bettongia penicillata or brush-tailed bettong) and quendas feeding at your feet thanks to special night lighting. You may also spot some of the Reserve’s other inhabitants as you walk the bushland, including echidnas, wallabies, owls, frogs and microbats too.
Join us to discover how Woodland Reserve, just 20 minutes from Perth city, engages and connects the community with the importance of conservation, and fosters an appreciation of our special ecosystems.
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Moore River Regional Restoration Projects
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
The role of the Moore Catchment Council is to promote integrated catchment management and to co-ordinate efforts in the river catchment to get the most effective action on the ground.
We will share about the major projects being delivered in and around the Guilderton townsite on Yued County, which is 80km north of the Perth city. Dune restoration projects will be explored to showcase the methods and outcomes of new and long term projects. Meet with Yued Indigenous group to learn about native biodiversity and seed collection techniques. We will visit the Guilderton Lighthouse which is the last brick built lighthouse in Australia and stands proudly on the dunes at the north of the Groyne. After lunch at the Moore River Café, overlooking the estuary, we will travel up the Moore River via boat to explore restoration projects on riparian landscapes.
Ngaparrtji Ngaparrtji Two-Way Science Program
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
The Ngaparrtji Ngaparrtji Two-Way Science Program supports schools to build partnerships with local Aboriginal communities to develop integrated culturally responsive learning programs that connect the Science Curriculum to Aboriginal knowledges.
The foundation of a Two-Way Science learning program is cultural and ecological knowledge taught by local Aboriginal people to students on Country and in the classroom. This workshop will feature examples of education activities that connect local First Nations knowledge to the curriculum, and strategies that can be used by schools to build community partnerships and develop culturally responsive STEM learning programs together.
The Department of Education Western Australia adapted the Ngaparrjti Ngaparrtji Two-Way Science action learning program from material developed through collaboration with Aboriginal schools and communities in the Western Desert regions of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia as part of the CSIRO Indigenous STEM Education project.
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SERCUL - Canoeing on the Canning (Djarlgarro Beeliar) Environmental Experience
Maximum capacity: 20 participants
Join the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL) on a journey of discovery through the Canning River (Djarlgarro Beeliar) Regional Park by kayak and on foot. You will see, hear and learn about the beautiful freshwater and saltwater ecosystems of the area, their unique features, the environmental threats they face and the European and Noongar connections to the river. This area contains salt marsh, one of Australia’s Threatened Ecological Communities, and its protection is important as it’s a blue carbon ecosystem! Some of the environmental organisations that focus their efforts on protecting and educating people about these environments will be showcased. No kayaking experience is required for what will be a fairly leisurely trip along the river – just a hat, water bottle, and a smile!
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WAFMRL - Dive into the Science of WA’s Sustainable Fisheries
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
Join us at the Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories (WAFMRL) in Hillarys for an immersive experience in marine science and sustainability. Join the Community Education team for a guided beach walk, where you’ll examine coastal biodiversity and discuss ecological processes influencing species distribution. Engage with Traditional Owners to explore how Indigenous ecological knowledge complements modern fisheries science in managing marine ecosystems. Hear from DPIRD researchers about advanced methodologies such as stock assessment, age and growth analysis, and ecosystem-based fisheries management. Explore the techniques that underpin fisheries research and try your hand at real scientific practices.
You’ll learn about different sampling methods used to monitor our fisheries and even conduct your own fish dissection, uncovering how biological data informs stock assessments and management decisions. These hands-on activities reveal the science that ensures WA’s fish stocks remain sustainable for future generations. You’ll also access our Marine Waters educational platform, packed with free resources linked to the research conducted by DPIRD scientists and how it shapes policy—perfect for enriching STEM learning. This is a rare opportunity to connect with experts and experience the science that safeguards Western Australia’s waters.
Theme: Reclaiming and Revolutionising Education | Karo wer moordoowin korangan kadadjiny
All Saints' College - Exploring Learning on Country: From Water to Bush
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
We will welcome visitors to experience our on-campus Outdoor Learning Program spaces, beginning in the Water Classroom within the College’s Ecological Precinct, Nyit Gabbiljee — a space that invites curiosity, sensory exploration, and connection to Country. Guests will see how students learn with water, observing natural cycles, studying local flora and fauna, and reflecting on the ways water sustains life. The visit will highlight how the Water Classroom supports inquiry-based learning, blending science, culture, and care for the environment.
The group will then move through to the Bush School Classroom, where they can explore how these outdoor spaces are child-centred and nurture observation, problem-solving, and emotional connection and care for place. The morning will finish gathered around the fire for morning tea — a time for reflection and conversation about the value of slowing down, listening, and learning in nature. Key discussion points will include fire as a loose part, connections to cultural history, and the rich sensory experience of cooking this way.
Together, the Water and Bush School Classrooms will showcase how outdoor learning deepens connection to self, others, and Country — reminding us of the rich pedagogy found outdoors.
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Nature Play WA
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
Nature Play WA is a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting the mental and physical health of Western Australian kids by growing their connection to nature and community through play. We support nature play (unstructured, child-led, outdoor play) through advocacy, programs, research, resources and more. In an increasingly digital world, playing in nature is vital to helping kids feel happier, healthier, and more connected to the natural world.
Join Nature Play WA for an ‘On Country Activation’ in the beautiful surrounds of the All Saints College nature area. We’ll utilise Nature and Me and Talk and Walk resources and have a go at using them in the natural surroundings to explore how we can support learners’ health, wellbeing and social connection while learning both inside and outside of the classroom.
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Walking Tour of Mary’s Mount Primary School
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
Mary’s Mount Primary School is a vibrant learning community nestled in the natural bushland of Gooseberry Hill in the Perth Hills. This walking tour offers delegates an authentic insight into how we embed sustainability, environmental education, and social justice into everyday practice.
Our journey begins at the Well-being Walkway, leading into the Harmony Garden, which celebrates our First Nations perspectives and showcase waterwise planting, a yarning circle and local biodiversity. Delegates will then explore our Firewise Garden, nature play outdoor spaces, and student-led initiatives such as composting, vermiculture, recycling, and biodiversity monitoring, being practical examples of ecological stewardship in action.
Equally central to our mission is social justice. We proudly highlight projects such as Project Compassion, supporting vulnerable communities worldwide; Wheelchairs for Kids, providing mobility aids for children in need; and our partnership with the local parish to assist asylum seekers, fostering empathy and active citizenship among our families.
Sustainability is further demonstrated through solar-powered classrooms, a rainwater harvesting system and leadership programs like the Student Green Team and Year 6 Social Justice Team.
The tour concludes at our Sacred Space, a place for reflection and connection to our Common Home, symbolising our holistic approach to education.
This immersive experience showcases how Mary’s Mount Primary School empowers young changemakers to care for the Earth and advocate for justice, hope, compassion, and community.
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Theme: Inspiring Change and Empowering Agency | Woola-woola wer moordoowin yang
Ardent Aboriginal Artists - Painting On Country
Maximum capacity: 20 participants
Being traditionally an oral culture, Australian Aboriginals have always used art as a method of communication and ancient Aboriginal art can be found in numerous locations throughout Australia. Aboriginals have a strong connection to the land, which they consider their sacred responsibility to protect. For over 60,000 years our ancestors have lived in harmony with nature and the natural environment, guarding against harm.
These workshops offer a unique opportunity to work with Aboriginal artists in painting, beading and weaving, as they share their culture and the significance of Aboriginal traditions.
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Coolbinia Primary School - Inspiring Growth through Bushland Action
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
Coolbinia Primary School is an independent public school, with a 70-year history of caring for the local environment, as reflected in the school motto ‘inspiring growth’. The school has 1.4 hectares of bushland as part of the learning environment. This bushland is a biodiverse remnant Jarrah and Banksia woodland on a limestone ridge among the inner northern suburbs of Perth, only 5kms from the city. It is home to around 100 different species of native plants, and many different birds and animals..
The current rich co-curricular program at the school includes student and community engagement in the ‘bush classroom’. Visitors will be welcomed by Year 6 River Rangers and Friends of Coolbinia Bushland. The River Rangers will take participants on a guided walk though the bushland, explaining the many ways they have been involved in caring for the bushland, such as, annual planting of trees and shrubs, litter collection, building bird, bee and bat nestboxes, constructing a bandicoot bungalow, conducting bird surveys of the bird watering station and other biodiversity surveys. Furthermore, the River Rangers will share their experiences learning from Aboriginal educators in the bushland.
The Friends of Coolbinia Bushland is a group of community volunteers who work in collaboration with the school, aiming to keep the bushland safe and preserve this precious piece of nature for the future. Friends will share their role in healing this bushland, including working with the students on the annual planting days, weeding, watering and conducting training sessions. These sessions range from learning about dieback and different local weeds and grasses, as well as cultural events with local Noongar Elders and holding ‘wildflower tour’ days.
Together, the students of Coolbinia Primary and the Friends of Coolbinia Bushland will showcase how bush classroom learning and activities deepen connection to Country and facilitate healing of Country.
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Murdoch University - Caring for Country

Maximum capacity: 30 participants
The On Country Activation – Caring for Country program offers an immersive journey into Whadjuk Nyungar boodja, fostering deep engagement with native vegetation and cultural knowledge. Following the Welcome to Country, delegates travel to Ngangk Yira Institute for Change at Murdoch University for morning tea and nature ramble.
This experience highlights the importance of Caring for Country, shares significance of place, people, and ancestral ties and draws attention to ecological challenges such as dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. Through both traditional narratives and western scientific perspectives, participants learn two ways of understanding and caring for Country. Afternoon sessions provide practical engagement, with options for nature painting to reflect cultural connection, or DWG Greencard training for national accreditation in forest work. The program concludes by exploring pathways to facilitate On Country experiences for students, modelling how cultural and ecological stewardship can be integrated into education and practice.
Your day will be shared with Rohan Collard, a Balladong Wadjuk Nyungar knowledge holder, Dr Janene Sproul, an environmental educator and Dr Alison Bell, an arts-based educator.
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Perth City Farm
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
Perth City Farm is an urban farm established on a former industrial site in East Perth. It is a prime example for the rehabilitation of an unused industrial space into a productive social enterprise and not-for-profit. Today, we operate a sustainable venue hire business, and education business focused on sustainability education, a weekly farmer’s market, and provide the space for a sustainable café. Our purpose is to harness the power of nature and community connection, bringing people together to learn about sustainable living. The goal of our education is to teach ‘kinder living skills’ with a focus on actual behaviour change.
During your day you will go on a tour of Perth City Farm, to learn about its rich history of teaching sustainability and permaculture, community building and inner-city food growing. You will also participate in a small selection of the talks or workshops we offer, to provide an example of our teaching methodology.
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Perth Zoo - Inspiring Action for Conservation
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
Join us at Perth Zoo for an immersive experience that connects people to Country and inspires action for wildlife conservation.
This field trip showcases how Perth Zoo empowers young people to become champions for wildlife and guardians of their local environment. Using the Zoo as a platform, participants will explore the vital role of habitats and species in sustaining biodiversity. Discover how education initiatives like Habitats for Wildlife provide students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make a real difference—both within their school grounds and in their communities. Find out more about youth acting for wildlife as agents of change, driving conservation initiatives that create impact on-site and beyond the zoo gates leading projects that protect wildlife and restore habitats.
During the visit, you’ll learn how we build capacity, innovation, and leadership in young people, fostering a generation ready to take bold, positive steps for wildlife and the environment. Hear directly from young people as they share their inspiring conservation projects, demonstrating how learning can translate into real-world impact.
This experience is more than a tour—it’s a chance to see how connecting with nature sparks meaningful change.
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Scitech - Inspiring Future STEM Leaders
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
For more than three decades Scitech has brought engaging and entertaining science experiences to everyone from adventure-ready kids to inquisitive adults – igniting a lifelong curiosity in the process. Join us for an afternoon at Scitech to explore how science and technology solves challenges in our everyday lives, the Western Australian community, and around the world.
Explore hands-on exhibits developed in collaboration with industry and research partners featuring Western Australian innovations like the SKAO telescope project, turtle hatchling conservation, Noongar seasonal knowledge, and remote operations in extreme environments.
Investigate invasive species and their impact on ecosystems in our Biosecurity Bonanza Workshop before sitting back in Australia’s largest planetarium for an immersive journey into The Earth Above. This stunning visual presentation travels to four different locations across Australia to discover how Indigenous Australian traditional knowledge is combining with modern science to reveal incredible histories of Aboriginal culture in a beautiful, shared narrative.
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Theme: Power of Partnerships and Shared Outcomes | Moordoowin-abiny dandjoo wer bwart yang
City of Kalamunda – Local Government Initiatives with Community
Maximum capacity: 30 participants
Kalamunda is situated on the forested escarpment east of Perth CBD.
The City of Kalamunda will host a tour based on activities in the area relating to waste and the environment. This includes the Friends Groups we work with to support them taking responsibility for local reserves to increase biodiversity. We will tour our local Walliston Transfer Station that manages our waste stream and explore the Second Chance Reuse Shop.
Other collaborations would include with our Reconciliation Officer or an Elder with a bush tucker walk at Lesmurdie Falls. A Placemaking visit where the community and the City of Kalamunda have created a space.
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Walliabup On-Country Activation - Wetlands and Wildlife
Maximum capacity: 150 participants
Step onto Whadjuk Noongar Country for an immersive On Country activation at Walliabup–Bibra Lake–in the Beeliar Regional Park, hosted by The Wetlands Education Centre Cockburn in partnership with WA Wildlife.
Begin with a welcome and storying of place sharing the significance of Walliabup across Aboriginal and European histories. Then rotate through hands-on stations spanning education, restoration and wildlife care.
- Guided wetlands walk observing seasonal changes, waterbirds and bushland species, and listening for frogs among sedges and paperbarks.
- Behind-the-scenes visit to our Native Conservation Nursery to see Australia native plants and learn how our community efforts are powering revegetation.
- Stroll our flourishing native garden to witness restoration outcomes and experience the immersive Augmented Reality Trail that brings local species to life.
- Guided tour of WA Wildlife’s native animal hospital with a supervised reptile encounter and insights into wildlife care.
Meet local Friends-of groups, connect with educators and citizen scientists over provided lunch, and discover practical ways to care for Country. This activation will connect deeply with place, community and living ecosystems we’re working to protect.
Please note: The Wetlands Centre and surrounds are accessible and accommodate a range of abilities; however, the program includes a moderately paced walk.
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