Walk with the Waugal videos
Immerse your students in this journey with Dr Noel Nannup, respected Aboriginal Elder, storyteller and cultural guide. Let him take your students to significant sites around Perth and explain their cultural importance to Aboriginal people and how they are sustainably managed today.
These resources have been designed to meet curriculum outcomes in high school Years 7 - 10.
How to use these resources:
- Introduce your class to the Waugal, recognised by Noongar people as the protector of all fresh water sources. Encourage your students to immerse themselves in this experience as they begin to understand the cultural importance of these bodies of water to Noongar people and how they remain vital to the people of Perth.
- Students can capture the main elements of the videos by using the comprehension sheet listed under each video for further learning. You can also build a full program by incorporating the lesson plan listed under each video.
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that some of the content below may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, videos and audio recordings.
The Waugal
The Waugal is a snake or rainbow serpent recognised by Noongar people as the giver of life who maintains all fresh water sources.
The Waugal comprehension sheet
Years 7 - 10
Noongar dreamtime stories of the Waugal describe its creation of fresh waterways and their significance to past and present generations of Aboriginal communities. Use this comprehension sheet to help students record the main elements of the video.
The Waugal lesson plan
Years 7 - 10
Students will learn how the Waugal created the waterways in Perth, and gain an understanding of how they have changed over time and how we can protect them for the future.
Other story locations
Lake Joondalup
Hear the story of the tall Charnock spirit woman and how Lake Joondalup got its name.
Lake Joondalup comprehension sheet
Years 7 - 10
The significance of Lake Joondalup to local Whadjuk Noongar people is beautifully told through the story of the Charnok woman. Use this comprehension sheet to help your students record the main elements of the video for further learning.
Lake Joondalup lesson plan
Years 7 - 10
Astronomy has been integral to Indigenous knowledge for thousands of years. Through storytelling and artwork, this knowledge continues to educate current generations. Students will learn about the Joondalup region, which is part of Mooro country and holds great cultural significance to the land and the sky.
Kings Park
Learn about Kings Park and its special significance to Noongar people.
Kings Park comprehension sheet
Years 7 - 10
Many features of the Perth landscape were created by the Waugal, and their spiritual and cultural significance to the Noongar people remain. Students will learn about Kaarta Gar-up, a sacred place to the Whadjuk Noongar people and a special meeting place for all.
Kings Park lesson plan
Years 7 - 10
Students will learn that management of Kings Park draws on local Aboriginal knowledge of fauna and flora, their importance to Noongar people and the wider need for us all to contribute to their conservation.
Gnangara groundwater system
One of the precious water sources that the Waugal created is the Gnangara Mound, a huge aquifer that is Perth’s largest source of fresh water.
Gnangara Mound comprehension sheet
Years 7 - 10
Students will delve into Perth’s aquifers, believed by the Noongar people to have been created by the Waugal, forming the Gnangara groundwater system. They were of significance to past generations of Aboriginal communities and continue to supply valuable water into Perth’s Integrated Water Supply Scheme.
Gnangara Mound lesson plan
Years 7 - 10
Students will learn that through collaboration with local Noongar communities, Water Corporation’s innovative systems use water from the Gnangara Mound to supply Perth, while ensuring the cultural and spiritual integrity of these sites is protected.
Bennett Brook
Kordiny Karla Boodjar or Bennett Brook is an important part of the Waugal creation story and it’s also the life stream of Whiteman Park.
Bennett Brook comprehension sheet
Years 7 - 10
The catchment area of Bennett Brook is home to many significant sites for Whadjuk Noongar communities. Use this comprehension sheet to spark your students' thoughts about how Korndiny Karla Boodjar (Bennett Brook) forms part of our connected waterway.
Bennett Brook lesson plan
Years 7 - 10
The liveability of a place means different things to different people. Use this lesson plan to help students explore this concept and reflect on a place’s meaning to past and present generations.