Eight students and three teachers recently went on on a six day tour of the South West as part of their studies in CALM (Conservation and Land Management).
On Sunday 5th August we left Wongutha and headed for Albany. We stopped at Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Ranges on the way through. Congratulations to Tyrone who was the only student to climb to the top with teacher Gary Paul. Tamara was the fittest female who made it two-thirds of the way up.
Monday was cold and wet. We met with Ryan at CALM who shared his stories about working with CALM. He encouraged all students to do their best, work hard and leave behind the things that are not going to help them get a job.
After lunch, we visited Emu Point and Two People’s Bay, where we saw what we thought was a Potoroo, but turned out to be a Bandicoot.
On Tuesday we left Albany and headed to Margaret River. On the way we stopped at Demark.
We visited Bartholomew’s Meadery (we saw a queen bee in the hive, tasted different kinds of honey and sampled ice creams made with honey), a Toffee tasting factory (Hmmm!!!), and the Dinosaur and Wildlife Park.
Our brave students Jeremiah, Melissa, Teonie and Tamara handled the South West Carpet Python. Darrlynne, Melissa, Tamara, Esther and Jeremiah had cheeky parrots perched on their shoulders while Tamara, Esther, Jeremiah and Tyrone fed the kangaroos.
Next it was on to the Tree Top walk at Walpole, walking amongst the “giants” of the South West seeing the red barked Tingle trees, grey Marri and the tall Karri and Jarrah trees.
We arrived at the Margaret River CALM camp quarters shortly before dark. In the evening we had a BBQ tea and interesting talks from CALM officers Phoebe and Ken about their work as CALM Rangers.
Early on Wednesday we headed to Mandurah to meet with the Winjam Community members for a BBQ and Damper lunch. Afterwards we were given a guided tour where we were introduced to traditional methods of hunting, bush medicine and where Jeremiah, Teonie, Darrlynne and Melissa were able to fashion hunting sticks .
That evening we attended the Career Expo at Hale School in Perth and listened to Mary G and other speakers encourage Indigenous youth to make something of their lives.
On Thursday we visited the Police Academy and then Yanchep National Park where we listened to CALM officer encourage us in our studies and work choices and then taught us how to throw boomerangs and spears.
Friday, we travelled back to Wongutha, arriving 5pm after a great trip.
