Storytelling, culture and connection to Country for NAIDOC Week

Stepping away from Thursday work tasks, St John WA team members and leaders ventured into the Beeliar Wetlands with respected Noongar knowledge holders to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of Country on July 9, as part of NAIDOC Week 2026.

Danny Ford’s Welcome to Country and Dreamtime stories passed down the generations, assisted by Jonathan Ford and Rose Walley, brought the landscape to life for team members, where every tree, bird, plant and waterway held meaning and connection.

Beginning with a cleansing and reflective smoking ceremony, the Cultural Immersion Experience on Country involved 23 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group members, Chiefs, and allies as part of St John’s commitment to its Innovate RAP.

Jordan Mogridge, First Nations Relations Specialist, said the experience challenged everyone to think differently about what it means to connect with Country.

“A lot of people can be on Country, but not actually know Country,” he said. 

“This experience at Beeliar Wetlands was an invitation to slow down, listen and learn from the knowledge that has been held and shared for generations.”

For Patient and Community Transport Services (PaCTS) Operations Manager Lee Mack, the experience was unlike anything else. 

“It was one of my favourite experiences in my career,” Lee said.

“I’ve told so many people about it already. It’s a day I will remember.”

Events Producer Jillian Adair also found the experience a valuable learning opportunity.

“Being welcomed into Beelier by the whole family and hearing their stories gave me a much deeper understanding of Perth, its history, and its connection to Country,” she said.

“I left with a new perspective, a deep sense of gratitude, and the feeling that I’ve only just begun to learn.”

Learn more about St John’s RAP here.