On 13 November, community members, Elders, Rangers, educators and partners from across Western Cape York gathered in Weipa to celebrate a powerful milestone, the completion of Season Two of the Caring for Country through Digital Literacy program.
Held at the Kumrunja Centre in Rocky Point, the celebration brought together people from Mapoon, Napranum, Aurukun and Weipa to recognise local leadership, cultural knowledge, and the innovative ways communities are weaving technology into Caring for Country.
To mark the moment, a new mini-documentary was released featuring the voices, stories, and leadership of community members across the region.
A Community-Led Approach to Caring for Country
Now in its second year, the program is delivered by Indigital in partnership with Traditional Owners and supported by Rio Tinto. It brings together cultural knowledge, science and emerging technologies such as LiDAR scanning and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to strengthen conservation practice across the region.
Over the past six months, more than 100 Elders, Rangers, youth, teachers and community members have been learning how digital tools can support traditional ways of caring for land and waters, always guided by cultural protocol and community direction.
The 2025 theme, Our Waters, Our Futures, placed a spotlight on waterway health and the vital role of freshwater systems to community wellbeing, culture and future opportunity.
Local Leadership Across the Western Cape
Across the four communities, local leadership has been at the centre:
Aurukun: APN Rangers led independent eDNA sampling by boat, the first time water monitoring has been conducted entirely by local rangers.
Weipa & Napranum: Elders and Western Cape College teachers co-designed new approaches to bring eDNA into the classroom, connecting science, culture and curriculum.
Mapoon: Elders guided workshops blending language, environmental science and technology, linking cultural knowledge to conservation and emerging enterprise pathways.
IMAGE: APN Rangers share cultural knowledge on Country during the Season 2 Masterclass focussing on eDNA and LiDAR scanning.
The program continues to be supported and guided by the Caring for Country Aboriginal Community Reference Group (ACRG) Elders and Traditional Owners who provide cultural governance and guidance across all four communities.
Apalech Traditional Owner Aunty Vera Koomeeta, who has been part of both Seasons One and Two, reflected:
“It’s been a tremendous year for the four communities… especially getting involved in new ways of knowing how to take care of our Country and teaching our children. They are our future, who know technology more than us. But the knowledge of their Elders is very, very important for them to take into account.”
Thanakwith Traditional Owner and ACRG member Aunty Mary-Ann Coconut added:
“With the Indigital program coming in, we see things through both a Western and a cultural lens... it’s beneficial for the whole community, for all generations, to keep the fire burning.”
IMAGES: Participants in the Caring For Country program celebrate the end of Season 2 in Weipa.
Celebrating Community-Led Innovation
For Indigital CEO and Founder Mikaela Jade, the celebration reflects the strength of local leadership in shaping technological futures:
“Elders, Rangers and students are using technology to tell stories, care for Country, and plan for the future, all co-designed and led by them.”
Rio Tinto Global Head of Communities and Social Performance Melinda Buckland said the partnership continues to demonstrate what’s possible when culture and technology work side by side:
“The Caring for Country program shows what’s possible when culture and technology come together. We’re proud to walk alongside Indigital and community and learn from them as they lead the way in environmental science and stewardship.”
National Recognition for Western Cape Leadership
The celebration followed national recognition at the 2025 Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining, Energy and Exploration (AEMEE) Awards, where the Caring for Country partnership was named Collaboration of the Year.
This award acknowledges the dedication, knowledge and creativity of communities across the Western Cape, Elders, Rangers, teachers and young people who are shaping new futures through culturally grounded, community-led innovation.
IMAGE: Shantel Nasir, Principal Advisor, Social Investment Australia at Rio Tinto, alongside Aunty Di Nicholls Tjungundji Elder and Cultural Custodian from Mapoon, Indigital’s Chelsea Brand, Aunty Maria Pitt Tjungundji Traditional Owner, and Indigital’s Ellie Dowling at the AEMEE Awards.
Looking Ahead: Drones on Country
Season Three of the program, Drones on Country, will launch in 2026. This next phase will expand monitoring from land and water to sky, supporting accredited drone training, aerial mapping and community-led data storytelling.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Elders and Traditional Owners of Alngith, Peppan, Thanakwith, Apalech, Winchanam and Wathayn who have guided this work with deep cultural knowledge and generosity. As the program grows, Indigital remains committed to walking alongside all clan groups across the Western Cape to strengthen cultural knowledge, digital conservation, and community-led futures.
