Speaker & Panel Member
Landcare, science and caring for country: Indigenous students and science in the Cockatoo hills cultural landscape and at Okehampton
Jason manages Cockatoo Hills, a Highland Conservation Pty Ltd property. He has hosted first nation Australian engagement programs surrounding the conservation of the Miena Cider Gum, a significant first nations Tasmanian plant which is iconic in the ancient landscape.
This is a wonderful opportunity to hear how Jason cares for country. Read about him here
From the 26th to the 28th of November 10 Aboriginal students from Rosny college, with Rosny teachers Mel Wall and Aboriginal Education Worker Cathy Ransom, joined researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Australian Heritage & Biodiversity (CABAH) and the Dynamics of Eco-Evolutionary Patterns (DEEP) Group for a three-day camp at Cockatoo Hills, a Highland Conservation Pty Ltd property managed by Jason Whitehead, supported through the Tas Landcare Fund (TLF) and Prof. Barry Brook’s ARC Laureate grant.
The aim of the camp was to connect Aboriginal students with researchers to create a fusion of cultural awareness, science & land management on Cockatoo Hills. Cockatoo Hills was once run as a sheep agistment with fertilised soils and high-production grass, but is now being managed by Highland Conservation Pty Ltd and stakeholders for its conservation and cultural landscapes values. This summer, with assistance through TLF and Federal Government Smart Farm Grant, a similar trip will be delivered on the east coast at Okehampton.
Jason will also be on the Fire in the Tasmanian Landscape Panel Discussion