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Friday, 25 February 2011

While most university students are returning to their studies after the long summer break, two third-year students from the UWA Albany Centre are finishing an arts practicum at South Coast Natural Resource Management (NRM).

Kerry Spencer and Sally Forbes have each spent the summer working alongside South Coast NRM staff on projects that extend their Environmental Studies program at UWA through ‘hands-on' experience in the industry.

Kerry, who has been documenting the use of indigenous names for geographical features in the Albany region, the summer program has allowed her to combine her interests in Aboriginal culture and NRM.

"The practicum has opened my eyes to the rich cultural history of the region and the strong Aboriginal connection to the land. It's helped me confirm the direction I want to take once I finish my degree," she said.

For Sally, the chance to film interviews with landholders as part of a project to record the history of the Oyster Harbour Catchment Group also proved useful.

"It was really good to hear first hand about how things work on the ground and how policies and actions combine to impact a community and their environment,' Sally said.

As well as providing the students with valuable industry experience, the Arts Practicum scheme also benefits industry partners.

South Coast NRM community and cultural program leader Karen Ireland said the students brought different perspectives and valuable insights to some key projects.

"For South Coast NRM it's good to know that there are motivated and talented students who will be graduating in the near future. It's a great networking opportunity all round," she explained.

Media references

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs) (+61 8) 6488 5563 / (+61 4) 32 637 716

Paula Phillips (Albany Centre) (+61 8) 9842 0810

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Business and Industry — Research — University News
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The Albany Centre