Australia Awards South and West Asia

In the lead-up to NAIDOC Week 2025, Australia Awards scholars from Bangladesh participated in a series of Indigenous engagement activities held across Australia and online. Scholars from Bhutan, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan 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’.

Supratic Chakma, a scholar from one of Bangladesh’s indigenous groups, the Chakma, described the study tour as a journey filled with new experiences and rich insights. “I had the chance to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, which broadened my understanding of both Australian and global Indigenous perspectives. The landscapes and wildlife were truly breathtaking, and I even tried kangaroo meat for the first time—a unique culinary experience,” he said.

Supratic Chakma (second from right) and other participants listen to the group’s Adnyamathanha guide, Izzy, explain the significance of some plants in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

In Melbourne, scholars took part in the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, a site of great cultural significance to the Kulin Nation. The experience began with a traditional Welcome to Country delivered by local guides, who then led the group through the gardens. Along the way, they shared stories of the land and its people, pointing out native plants used for food, medicine and tools—each with its own cultural meaning. Through the activity, scholars gained insight into the rich history and thriving culture of the local Indigenous community.

Bangladeshi scholar Shuvra Das said, “The walk offered a meaningful opportunity to explore Aboriginal history and gain a deeper appreciation for traditional knowledge of the land and native plants. I especially enjoyed how our guides encouraged us to interact with the environment—inviting us to smell plant leaves and sharing the cultural and historical significance of the landscape, objects and flora. It was also a great chance to connect with scholars from other countries.”

Shuvra Das (second from right) looks at a map representing the different language, social or nation groups of Aboriginal Australia during the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

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.

Bangladeshi scholar Rakhi Ahmed (centre) listens to guide Richard Campbell in Bundeena Royal National Park.

In Adelaide, scholars visited the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, a 100% Aboriginal owned establishment, where they participated in an Aboriginal art class led by Brye, a local Indigenous artist. Brye began the session by sharing stories of the land, emphasising the role of art in preserving cultural knowledge, strengthening social bonds, and expressing connection to Country through symbols and forms. Scholars then created their own artworks, each accompanied by a personal narrative reflecting the meaning behind their designs. The scholars also learnt about the history of the Warriparinga wetlands and viewed an 800-year-old scarred tree, a living testament to the area’s deep history.

Reflecting on the experience, Bangladeshi scholar Suparna Roy said, “I attended the art session with the intention of learning more about Aboriginal artistic traditions and enjoying a relaxing, stress-free experience. The thoughtful organisation and the welcoming atmosphere of the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre truly left a lasting impression. The session had an intimate and engaging environment, and I believe everyone who attended genuinely enjoyed the experience.”

Suparna (fifth from left) pictured with fellow scholars with each of their artwork after the completing the art session.

In an online Aboriginal weaving workshop, scholars connected with Ronnie Jordan, a Pitta Pitta Wangkamahdla woman, and Coen, a Pitta Pitta Wangkamahdla Muruwari Ngemba man. Ronnie opened the session with storytelling, explaining how woven objects serve as tangible links between the weaver, their ancestors and the land, while also acting as tools for mindfulness and reflection. Scholars, who had received weaving materials in advance, followed step-by-step instructions to learn coil weaving and rope making. The shared activity fostered a sense of community among participants across Australia, while celebrating the resilience, creativity and living traditions of Indigenous cultures.

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.