Celebrating 25 Years of Regional NRM
The 9th National Natural Resource Management Knowledge Conference, held September 8–12 in Cairns, marked a significant milestone, 25 years since Australia adopted the regional natural&...
A special visit for students from AFL Cape York House for Girls (AFLCYHG) to the Local Indigenous Food Enterprise Services (LIFES) garden was facilitated through The Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) Drought ResilienceHub's Sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Enterprise (SATSIE) program.
The group was welcomed by Samantha Martin, widely known as the Bush Tukka Woman, who guided the girls through the gardens and aquaponics system. Samantha shared insights about the importance of food security, self-sufficiency, and traditional knowledge in growing and preparing food. The students sampled fresh produce and learned about the role of bush tukka in both culture and health.
AFLCYHG provides educational, training, and employment opportunities for Indigenous girls from some of Far North Queensland’s most remote communities. Offering a culturally safe and supportive residential environment, the House is a “home away from home” for students who board in Cairns to further their education.
As part of its cultural program, the visit gave the girls the chance to connect with traditional foods and practices. Sam also prepared a tasting experience that included produce from the gardens and crocodile, creating opportunities for the girls to reflect on food grown back in their own communities. A yarning circle rounded out the day, where students shared stories and knowledge about plants and fruits familiar to them.
Samantha Martin is an inspiration in her own right. Despite challenges such as dyslexia, she has become the author of three books, a well-known television personality, and a passionate advocate for bush foods. Having been a boarder herself in high school, she offered encouragement and perspective that resonated deeply with the girls. More on Samantha Martin.
This memorable visit not only strengthened the students’ cultural connections but also highlighted the importance of Indigenous-led approaches to food, wellbeing, and future sustainability. Learn more about LIFES.
November 2025