Passing on Traditional Owner knowledge to future generations
For more than 30 years, he has worked with school students, teaching them about Aboriginal culture, caring for Country and the knowledge held by Traditional Owners.
His goal is to help young people understand that caring for the environment starts with listening to and learning from the people who have cared for this Country for thousands of years.
A proud Yittha Yittha man from New South Wales and Mara man from the Northern Territory, Uncle Will was raised on Latji Latji Country in north-west Victoria. Through his life, he has shared his culture and worked to ensure it remains strong for future generations.
Connecting students with Country
Through storytelling, traditional artefacts and music, Uncle Will gives students the chance to learn about culture in a hands-on and meaningful way.
He believes learning is stronger when people come together, share stories and learn from each other.
“What I hope the kids take away from my talks is the connection between all cultures and how we care for Country,” Uncle Will said.
He hopes the knowledge he shares will continue to be passed on so it is never lost.
Learning from cultural fire practices
One of the key lessons Uncle Will teaches is the role of cultural fire and caring for Country.
For thousands of years, Traditional Owners have used fire to help keep landscapes healthy by supporting biodiversity and renewing vegetation.
“It is important for students to understand this connection because fire was our number one tool for generations to ensure we kept
Country and people healthy, rejuvenated and thriving,” he said.
Learning about these practices helps students understand how Traditional Owner knowledge continues to play an important role in land management today.
Inspiring future firefighters
Uncle Will believes future firefighters can learn a great deal from Traditional Owners.
“Cultural fire and land management go hand in hand,” he said.
“It is important for future firefighters to learn from Traditional Owners and continue these practices that have cared for Country for generations.”
By learning about the connection between culture, fire and the environment, future firefighters can develop a deeper understanding of how to care for and protect Country.
Making a lasting impact
Over the years, Uncle Will has inspired many young people to take an interest in caring for Country, emergency management and land management.
Some have joined firefighting pathways, while others have gone on to careers in conservation and environmental management.
His impact often stays with students long after they leave school.
“I’m always blown away when adults tell me they remember meeting me in primary school or kindergarten,” he said.
Moments like these remind him that sharing culture can leave a lasting impression.
Building stronger communities
Uncle Will has seen positive changes over the past 30 years. More schools are teaching Aboriginal culture, and more communities are recognising the value of Traditional Owner knowledge.
He believes this growing understanding helps bring people together and strengthens connections to Country.
His hope is that future generations will continue learning about cultural fire, caring for Country and the important role Traditional Owners play in managing the land.
By sharing his knowledge with students today, Uncle Will is helping inspire the next generation of land managers, environmental leaders and firefighters who will continue caring for Country into the future.
Page last updated: 29/07/26