For more than two decades, University of Queensland science students have travelled to K'gari (Fraser Island) to learn the fundamentals of field ecology.
Students learn how to survey vegetation, read a landscape, and understand the relationships between plants and animals.
Since 2019, that fieldwork has been shaped by a growing relationship with the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) and K’gari Cultural Tours (KCT) that is changing not just what students learn, but how they learn it.
From access to genuine collaboration
(Photo credit: Steve Salisbury).
Associate Professor Steven Salisbury from the School of the Environment, who has led UQ's K'gari field trips for over 20 years, says the relationship with BAC and KCT began through conversations shortly after the Butchulla people were granted native title over K'gari — a landmark moment for the community.
"We've been bringing students to K'gari for over 20 years, but since 2019 we've worked with Butchulla to bring their knowledge and perspectives into the student experience.
“Weaving in an understanding of, and respect for, Butchulla knowledge of Country, and how students can work with that in ecology is really important.”
For Kev Heath, a proud Butchulla man connected through his mother's bloodline to the Wonamutta people, the shift in how the university approached the community was significant.
Kev serves in a voluntary administration and cultural support role with BAC and KCT.
"When the university first reached out this time to ask for our involvement rather than just assuming access to K'gari, it signalled a fundamental shift toward genuine respect for our sovereignty and knowledge,” Kev said.
The shift towards genuine collaboration has been central in shaping the co-design of student experiences.
Shaping student experiences through co-design
For Kev, co-design is central to fostering a meaningful and authentic relationship as opposed to one that can be seen as symbolic or tokenistic.
"Co-design is vital because it is the vehicle for us, as humans, to truly work together on equal footing,” he said.
“It ensures our voices, traditions, and knowledge are woven into the fabric of the project from day one, rather than added as an afterthought."
For Dr Salisbury, teaching students how to navigate that space between western science and Indigenous science is one of the biggest goals of the field trip.
“On K’gari, we have two worlds intersecting with Butchulla guides/rangers and students and staff from the uni working together and learning from each other,” Dr Salisbury said.
“For the students, learning how to navigate that space between western science and Indigenous knowledge and teachings is really crucial, that's what we are trying to do here.”
Cultural knowledge holder and Butchulla man Dywane Broome, also known as Uncle Bob, who works closely with BAC and KCT, said the work being done is also important for the Butchulla land and sea rangers as they see their work through a scientific lens.
“Students are sharing their scientific knowledge and we’re sharing our cultural knowledge, seeing how it blends in for Country is pretty special - that’s caring for Country together,” said Uncle Bob.
Learning directly from Butchulla Traditional Owners on Country has been something that has significantly influenced the study experience of science student Cara Battaglia.
“It felt really special, I feel privileged to be able to hear from them on their land about their ancestors' history and everything that they know about the land,” Cara said.
“I’ve learnt that K’gari isn’t just a sand island, there is a rainforest and heath and so many different ecosystems that are so carefully cared for and have been created over hundreds of thousands of years to be what they are today.”
Looking ahead
The impact of the relationship is now being seen beyond the field trip.
"I think it's having a big impact in terms of student’s progression through the Bachelor of Science, and hopefully it will make a difference when they graduate and start working in the field and are able to work in a respectful way," said Dr Salisbury.
Kev hopes the experience leaves a lasting impression on the students who take part.
"My hope is that students leave K'gari with a much deeper understanding of Country, connection, and communication,” he said.
"I want them to truly absorb how our people have connected to this land and helped it thrive since our first sunrise.
“If they can carry that understanding of deep connection and respectful communication away with them, I guarantee it will enrich them not only in their professional careers but, more importantly, in their personal lives.”
The collaboration offers something rarer than a standard field trip, it is about a shared education, built on mutual respect, in one of the world's most extraordinary landscapes.
"For our community, this relationship means our voices are valued, and it creates a meaningful pathway to share our two worlds to ultimately better the broader community, and more importantly, K'gari,” Kev said.
