Australia Awards South and West Asia

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

Maldivian scholar Hana Farook tries a traditional fire-starting technique under the tutelage of Adnyamathanha guide, Izzy (right).

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.

Maldivian scholar Niushad Saeed is welcomed to the traditional lands of the Dharawal people by Richard Campbell daubing his face with paint in a traditional style.

Maldivian scholars Mariyam Ibha Jaleel and Aishath Dheena Shareef described the experience as remarkable, offering both a deeper appreciation of First Nations culture and a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow scholars from different countries.

Scholars Mariyam Ibha Jaleel (centre) and Aishath Dheena Shareef (right) listen to guide Richard Campbell in Bundeena Royal National Park.

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.

Reflecting on the experience, Maldivian scholar Aminath Izdhiha Rushdy described the workshop as deeply meaningful, highlighting Ronnie’s vibrant energy and calming presence as a power lesson in mindfulness. “Her gentle reminders to breathe and stay present were incredibly grounding. The stories she shared about generations of woven items—their beauty, patience and purpose—were truly awe-inspiring. I was especially moved when she explained how weaving has long been a way to care for mental health. In today’s world, where mental wellbeing is increasingly prioritised, it was humbling to hear from an Elder that this wisdom has been part of Indigenous life for generations—living in harmony with nature and nurturing health as part of that connection,” she said.

Scholar Aminath Izdhiha Rushdy (second from left) feeling a kangaroo skin with other scholars during the visit to Bundeena Royal National Park.

These immersive experiences continue to foster meaningful cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among the scholars from South Asia and Mongolia, reinforcing the importance of Indigenous knowledge and heritage in contemporary Australia.