TAAM Field Day – Program Overview

The Transformational Aboriginal Agricultural Methods (TAAM) project, co-led by Maaman Marra Boodjar and Edith Cowan University, is proud to invite you to a Field Day at Gimlet Ridge and Weelhamby near Perenjori.

This special day brings together Traditional Owners, farmers, researchers, and land managers to explore collaborative and regenerative ways of caring for Country.

We’ll highlight how Aboriginal knowledge systems and the Holistic Management decision-making framework are coming together to support mutual learning, healing the land, and building respectful partnerships.

Key Experiences on the Day

Yarning on Country
Guided conversations with Traditional Owners to share intergenerational knowledge and deepen cultural understanding of Country.
Landscape Rehydration
On-ground demonstrations of rehydration design informed by Indigenous and scientific knowledge.
Soil Moisture Monitoring
Learn how grazing practices affect deep soil moisture and how both modern tech and traditional ways are tracking the changes.
Collaborative Decision-Making
See how Holistic Management helps diverse groups align ecological, cultural, social, and economic goals.

TAAM Field Day Program

8:30 AM – Arrival & Morning Tea
Location: Perenjori Shire Hall
Enjoy refreshments and meet the project team, Traditional Owners, and fellow participants.

9:00 AM – Project Briefing
Hear from Maaman Marra Boodjar and ECU about the goals of the TAAM project and the purpose of the day.

9:30 AM – Depart by Bus
Buses leave from Perenjori Shire Hall to Gimlet Ridge and Weelhamby Farms. No self drive so please be on time. Booking secures seat on bus.

10:00 AM – Field Site Activities

Yarning on Country
Landscape Rehydration
Soil Moisture Monitoring

12:30 PM – Lunch at Gimlet Ridge
Enjoy a light seasonal lunch. Take time to reflect and connect.

1:30 PM – Return to Perenjori Pavilion

2:00 PM – Afternoon Information Sessions

Barb Howard – Complexity & Collaborative Decision Making
Learn how Holistic Management helps align diverse values and manage complexity on Country.
Janine Joyce – Trust Building & Storytelling
Discover how story strengthens partnerships and supports shared learning.
Dave Blake – IoT & Soil Moisture Monitoring
Explore how digital tools like sensors are enhancing land care when viewed through an Aboriginal lens.

3:30 PM – Q&A Panel Session
Engage in open discussion with all speakers. Ask questions and share insights.

4:00 PM – Closing Circle
Reflect together on what’s been shared. Acknowledge contributions and talk about next steps.

Optional Extra Events

4:30 PM – Documentary Film Screening
“Gimlet Ridge: Rod and Katrina Butler's Holistic Management Journey”
A 40-minute documentary produced by WA's Alex Hawkins from Simple Ben Stories with refreshments served.

5:45 PM – Networking Dinner
Join us at the Perenjori Hotel for spit-roasted Butler lamb and salads, generously hosted by Maaman Marra Boodjar and ECU.

Saturday 6 September – On Country with the Butlers and Aboriginal Elder Clint Hansen
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Sausage Sizzle Lunch Provided

Join us for a special On Country event with Rod and Katrina Butler and their close friend, Aboriginal Elder Clint Hansen, as we take a deeper dig into the Butlers’ inspiring 25-year journey of landscape regeneration through Holistic Management.

This half-day experience is an opportunity to walk alongside Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal landholders, listening and learning together about Caring for Country. You'll explore how the Butlers have restored their land and lives through practical, respectful action grounded in a shared commitment to healing people and place.

This free event is open to everyone interested in ecological literacy, regenerative farming, and building partnerships that honour cultural knowledge and lived experience.

Register separately to secure your place and be part of this meaningful On Country experience.

This is a rare opportunity to connect with Country, learn from one another, and be part of something deeply meaningful.
We hope to see you there.

This project is supported by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, Edith Cowan University, and the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration.

Contact the host of TAAM Field Day Maaman Marra Boodjar / ECU Landscape Rehydration Research Project