Noongar Land Enterprise (NLE) is recognising the contribution of researcher Frederic Loudon, whose Masters research, published this year, was developed in partnership with NLE and its members.
You can find the thesis document and video linked below.
Mr Loudon, who joined NLE from the Netherlands for three months in 2024, undertook a period of on-ground engagement as part of his thesis exploring “Healing Country” and socio-ecological resilience. During his time with NLE, he worked closely with staff and members, including at the Boola Boornap native tree nursery, and visited several properties across Noongar boodja.
NLE CEO Alan Beattie said the partnership provided a valuable opportunity for shared learning and exchange.
“Over a 10 week period NLE had the privilege of hosting Freddy Loudon from the Netherlands, with NLE being in essence the case study for his thesis on ‘Healing Country’,” Mr Beattie said.
“Freddy pitched in and worked at our Boola Boornap native tree farm, quickly building a bond with the staff and management. He also visited several NLE properties and got to see the vast expanses of Noongar Boodja.”
Mr Loudon’s research focused on the interconnected relationship between land, community and knowledge systems, drawing on direct engagement with NLE members and partners. It integrated participant observation, semi-structured interviews, yarning - a culturally embedded narrative exchange - and ethnographic filmmaking. The combination of these methods captures the deep connection between the Noongar community and their ancestral lands.
“I am grateful to express my appreciation to the Noongar Land Enterprise Group, and in particular to those individuals at the Boola Boornap Tree Nursery who generously shared their stories, providing me with an exceptional opportunity to conduct research for my Master's thesis,” Mr Loudon said.
“This journey has immersed me in the heart of ‘Healing Country’ in Western Australia, delving into socio-ecological resilience.”
Through his research, Mr Loudon explored the connections between Boodja (Country), Moort (family), and Kaartdijin (knowledge), highlighting their importance to long-term environmental and community outcomes.
“Exploring the intricate connections between Boodja (country), Moort (family), and Kaartdijin (knowledge) has profoundly deepened my understanding, contributing significantly to both my academic and personal growth,” he said.
The research also emphasised the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in supporting sustainable futures.
“This experience has highlighted the vital importance of collaborative efforts to preserve the knowledge gathered over 60,000 years and to enhance the socio-ecological landscapes crucial for the holistic well-being and resilience of First Nations and broader communities,” Mr Loudon said.
Mr Beattie acknowledged the contribution and extended NLE’s appreciation.
Through partnerships such as this, NLE continues to support research that is grounded in community, contributes to shared understanding, and reinforces the importance of caring for Country while strengthening opportunities for future generations.
