Goondoi Rangers host delegates for Indigenous Australian Datathon

On Friday, 1 November, Goondoi Rangers, in collaboration with Radiant Life College, welcomed delegates from across Australia for an educational on-country experience as part of the 2024 Indigenous Australian Datathon. The visit included a guided journey along the newly opened Dreamtime Trail, a cultural and educational path set within the rainforest bordering the school grounds.

Held over three days at James Cook University (JCU), the Datathon brought together more than 140 delegates to explore innovative AI applications with business potential.

For the first time, the event kicked off with an on-country experience for some delegates, providing insight into the potential real-world applications for the technology they develop and work with.

Pastor Edwards emphasised the significance of First Nations involvement in technology and data-driven initiatives.

“The 2024 Datathon is a vital space for First Nations involvement in technology and AI advancement, extending our capabilities across diverse industries,” he said.

The delegates, who travelled from across the country to participate in the Australian Indigenous Datathon, had the unique opportunity to engage directly with the land and culture through the expertise of the Goondoi Rangers.

Designed to impart local Indigenous knowledge, customs, and environmental stewardship practices, the visit provided an insightful experience that connected delegates to the deep cultural heritage of the region.

Advance Queensland Deadly Innovation Strategy leader Duncan Kerslake (Department of Environment, Science and Innovation) said the Indigenous Australian Datathon is about bringing together technology with cultural knowledge and the data that is collected through generations of living and working on country.

“This is the first time we have had this on-country component in the Datathon, and we built that in because we wanted people to have more of an understanding about our culture as First Nations people,” he said.

“We want people to build a cultural capability and give them that perspective you only gain through working with mob.”

The day’s events began with a Welcome to Country ceremony at Radiant Life College, featuring a performance by the Goondoi Dancers, followed by a shared buffet lunch of traditional dishes using local ingredients.

After lunch, delegates were treated to on-country experiences with the Goondoi Rangers as they highlighted the significance of sustainable land management and preservation practices in Indigenous culture. This included a visit to nearby Etty Bay, where they participated in and learned firsthand the necessity of seagrass management for local marine habitats.

Other activities included flying remote drone programs and learning about the wetland management of the area, which is designed and managed by First Nations peoples.

The visit not only enriched the delegates’ Datathon experience but also underscored the importance of embedding cultural connection within educational and professional events.

Cassowary Coast Councillor and Reef Guardian executive Jeff Baines attended the event and said it was ‘amazing’.

“In my capacity as a councillor and as a Reef Guardian, it’s amazing to be a part of events like this because they’re so collaborative and cooperative,” he said.

“Having worked with Radiant Life College for eight years, the growth is astounding and seeing something world class like this in our community, done by our community, makes me feel optimistic about the future.”

After the on-country experience, delegates returned to JCU to spend the weekend working in groups to create and pitch concepts for data gathering and its real-world applications.

KJR CEO Kelvin Ross said one of the great benefits of the day was giving delegates visiting from all over Australia a chance to see the work being done and the way data can be gathered and utilised in regional and First Nations communities.

“This work is so relevant for Indigenous rangers and for the kids growing up in these communities – this new world of data and AI are a part of their journey, and we don’t want anyone left behind,” he said.

“These new AI technologies, data and mapping, can be combined with that in-depth knowledge of country.”

According to Mr Ross, Indigenous Australian Datathon delegates would go on to pitch concepts for projects wherein technology and caring for country would combine.

Current and future applications include invasive species management, use of drones to monitor marine debris and plastic waste in the Torres Strait, and land mapping and management.

Radiant Life College and Goondoi Rangers hosting delegates from the Indigenous Australian Datathon provided invaluable on-country experience in interacting with the land and walking on country.