The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) recently welcomed Raphaela Heitmann from Berlin, Germany, who spent four weeks volunteering across a number of NLE projects as part of a broader journey focused on learning about land restoration, community and reciprocity with nature.
During her time with NLE, Raphaela worked alongside staff and members across several enterprises, including Ngooka Honey, the Boola Boornap native tree farm near Northam, and Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation near Dandaragan. Her visit provided an opportunity for cultural exchange, shared learning and connection through on-ground experiences across Noongar Boodja.
Reflecting on her time with NLE, Raphaela said the experience had a profound impact.
“I have just completed my Australia journey and wanted to reach out with deep gratitude and some reflections from my time with the Commonland partner NLE in Australia,” she said.
“I am deeply grateful for the connection with the Noongar Land Enterprise and for this opportunity.”
Raphaela spent time working closely with NLE CEO Alan Beattie and visiting a range of projects focused on regeneration, restoration and sustainable enterprise.
“In February, I had the privilege of spending four weeks volunteering with three projects within the Noongar Land Enterprise (NLE), and it was such an incredible experience,” she said.
“I worked a lot with Alan Beattie, and I am truly so thankful for his time, his generosity, and the care with which he made this such a meaningful experience for me.”
At the Boola Boornap tree farm, Raphaela gained insight into native plant propagation and the scale of restoration efforts taking place across Western Australia.
“At the Boola Bornap tree farm in Northam, I learned a lot about the native plants and also about how deeply Western Australia has been degraded and how important these restoration projects are,” she said.
“It made me understand even more clearly the dangers we are currently facing and how essential reforestation programmes are.”
Her time at Beemurra also left a lasting impression, particularly through the connections built with those leading work on Country.
“What especially impressed me deeply was Beemurra,” Raphaela said.
“I was deeply impressed by their dedication, professionalism, and the profound way they are working on healing both Country and people with their profound wisdom and connection and relationship to Country.”
Raphaela also reflected on the relationships formed during her visit and the importance of ongoing connection.
“I am truly deeply grateful for this experience and for the beautiful relationships I was able to build with the people and the projects,” she said.
“I would be very happy to come back to Australia and visit the NLE again in the future, and I will definitely stay in touch and continue nurturing these connections.”
Through exchanges such as this, NLE continues to create opportunities for collaboration, learning and knowledge sharing, strengthening relationships that support caring for Country and community both locally and internationally.
