The participants of BBK International 2025 at Federation University have explored the cultural heritage, focusing on both Indigenous traditions and historical sites. It highlighted the significance of Aboriginal education, heritage conservation, and historical awareness through experiences such as Aboriginal Education Exchange, Walhalla Heritage Exploration, and Warringunya Indigenous Heritage and Cultural Study. The goal of these programs was to understand and appreciate the rich histories, traditions, and preservation efforts of both Aboriginal communities and historic Australian landmarks.

The first activity was to attend lectures by Prof. Joanne Porter, focusing on key events in Aboriginal history, cultural heritage, and the impact of colonization. Through these sessions, the program aimed to promote cross-cultural understanding and collaboration while deepening participants’ knowledge of Aboriginal history. As part of the SDG 4: Quality Education initiative, this university-led program ensured an educational experience. The program included lectures and a guided discussion session, allowing participants to engage directly with Prof. Joanne Porter, ask questions, and explore historical contexts in depth. This program highlighted that participants gained a deeper understanding of Aboriginal history and its lasting impact on modern Australia, while direct discussions fostered critical thinking and clarified historical concepts. However, program challenges included limited time to cover all aspects of Aboriginal history in detail and the complexity of some topics, which were emotionally heavy and required more time for reflection and processing.

Next, the participants had the opportunity to visit Walhalla, a historic gold mining town, to explore its rich heritage and historical significance. The key objectives were to gain insight into Wahalla’s cultural heritage, understand the gold rush era and its impact on regional development, and engage with local historians and preservation experts. In alignment with SDG 4: Quality Education, the program aimed to promote historical awareness and cultural education through direct engagement with preserved historical sites.

The program included a guided tour of key landmarks, such as the Wahalla Goldfields Railway, Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, and historic township, offering participants an in-depth look at the town’s past. Additionally, the visit highlighted heritage conservation efforts, showcasing how Walhalla preserves its historical identity. The participants have developed a deeper understanding of Wahalla’s role in Australian history and the economic and social impact of the gold rush era. However, the main challenge for this program was the limited time available, making it difficult to explore all historical sites in depth. Despite that, the program successfully made the participants appreciate more of Australia’s gold rush heritage and ongoing efforts to preserve it.

Lastly, on 7th February, the participants visited Warrigunya, also known as ‘Warrioris Home,’ a Gippsland-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation in Victoria, Australia, established in 2021. The visit aimed to support rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, promote cultural healing, and strengthen community connections. In alignment with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, the program emphasized enhancing employment opportunities to facilitate reintegration into society. This program included attending the grand opening of Warrigunya, participating in a guided tour of its facilities, and engaging in presentations and discussions on Indigenous heritage and cultural preservation. The participants gained a firsthand insight into Warrigunya’s role in cultural healing and community reintegration. Additionally, participants explored employment and training programs designed to support Indigenous individuals. However, there is limited time to explore all aspects of Warrigunya’s initiatives and the busier environment due to the grand opening event, making it difficult to engage in-depth discussion. Despite those challenges, the visit provided a meaningful learning experience, fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous rehabilitation efforts and their impact on the community.