AN INTRODUCTION TO CARING FOR COUNTRY THROUGH ABORIGINAL CULTURAL BURNING PRACTICES. Engage in Cultural awareness and connection to Country. Observe and learn how it relates to bushfire hazard reduction, weed management and increased biodiversity.

Activities will include:

• Induction and safety briefing
• Smoking ceremony & acknowledgement of Country
• Walk & talk, interpretation of Country & Cultural Burn Site
• Containment line preparation - fire control techniques
• Application of Cultural Burning
• On site Q & A session; observe, interpret, comment
• "Blacking out" - securing the site after the burn
• Debrief session - feedback

MORNING TEA, LUNCH & AFTERNOON TEA INCLUDED - special dietary requirements are catered for upon request.

DIRECTIONS & 'WHAT TO BRING' PROVIDED WITH TICKET PURCHASE. Reasonable level of fitness and ability required; burn site accessed on foot, up to 4km walking in hilly terrain.

NB: LATE-COMERS CAN'T BE ADMITTED, SORRY. Saturday morning session (safety induction, site orientation & ceremony) is a prerequisite to attend the Burn. No "Sunday only" option available.

NO GUARANTEE OF A BURN - SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS ON THE DAY.

BIRKENBURN FARM IS A REGISTERED AS A COVID SAFE BUSINESS WITH NSW GOVERNMENT. We observe social distancing rules and Covid-safe hygiene practices. All workshop participants will be required to fill in a Covid questionnaire prior to arrival. IN THE CASE OF WORKSHOP CANCELLATION, FULL REFUNDS CAN BE ISSUED OR TICKETS TRANSFERRED TO A LATER EVENT.

ON-SITE CAMPING AVAILABLE (book here through the 'Accommodation' tab, next to 'Workshop Tickets'). Overnight participants, please BYO BREAKFAST & DINNER - cooking facilities available.

THE CAMPGROUND - our beautiful bushland campground with a view has been very popular with our workshop participants. It has an undercover Camp Kitchen with basic camp cooking & dining facilities, firepit areas, composting pit toilets, plenty of parking areas, and a choice of beautiful grassy campsites amongst the trees.

JUST SOME OF THE GREAT FEEDBACK WE'VE RECEIVED FROM PARTICIPANTS AT PREVIOUS BIRKENBURN CULTURAL BURNING WORKSHOPS:

"...it was educational, thought provoking and enlightening. I’ve come away with a far better understanding of the cultural burning practice both from a technical fire on the ground point of view, and from the spiritual care of and responsibility for land we live on." - Dave E., RFS Brigade Member

"...what a true privilege it was to be part of ... we weren't just observers on the sidelines. We were in it and learning by doing - a truly valuable way of gaining authentic understanding. Your passion for Country and sharing knowledge of caring for it carried through every element of the workshop...I pass my thanks onto everyone involved, especially... for so generously welcoming us on to their beautiful farm (and feeding us soooo well!). I'd go to another workshop at a drop of a hat and cannot even begin to say how much I encourage others to do likewise. It was a beautiful weekend and a safe physical and mental space created by you all to learn and experience such a healing form of fire." - Mich A., Birrigai Outdoor School

"Many thanks to you and your family. Your effort to prepare, and warm hospitality was appreciated." - Victoria J.

"Thanks so much for hosting a fantastic workshop last weekend at Birkenburn... I am genuinely keen to participate again. I got so much out of the first one and I think that participating again would add to the richness of the experience." - Ro H., PhD candidate

"I found the cultural burning workshop very restorative and also incredibly promising. It felt to me like reconciliation.... It was challenging, with some hard truths and awkward moments, but on the whole really felt to me like a space where people were listening and learning from Indigenous leaders and from/with Country, even if there's still a long way to go. Especially after the horrific summer we had, to be doing something positive in the bush that was both ecologically and culturally restorative, was deeply cathartic and exciting. I feel privileged to have been able to participate. Also, while I work in universities, it felt like the first time in a long time I had genuinely learned something." Blanche V., University of Sydney

"Thanks for the event on the weekend. It was wonderful." - Nolani M.