Transformative Aboriginal agricultural methods: Maaman Marra Boodjar

Two contrasting farms were selected as pilot sites near Perenjori: Gimlet Ridge, with decades of regenerative practice, and Weelhamby Farm, at an earlier stage of soil carbon-focused transition. Both sites had established trust with project lead Maaman Marra Boodjar, enabling genuine on-Country engagement.

A central focus was on applied landscape rehydration, using Aboriginal knowledge to slow water movement and retain moisture. Leaky weirs built from on-farm materials improved soil moisture, reduced erosion, and supported vegetation recovery, particularly at Gimlet Ridge. Early monitoring demonstrated that even small interventions could have measurable impacts on soil water retention in semi-arid landscapes.

Monitoring combined Western technologies, including IoT soil sensors, UAV mapping, and soil carbon measurements, with Aboriginal ways of observing and responding to Country. This informed the development of the TAAM Framework, which centres on landscape rehydration, rebuilding soil carbon and microbiomes, increasing diversity, and recognising that caring for land is inseparable from caring for relationships.

A key outcome was the collaborative approach itself. Knowledge exchange occurred through yarning, walking on Country and shared decision-making, with Country treated as an active teacher rather than a passive setting. A field day attended by more than 80 farmers, students and Traditional Owners demonstrated strong interest in this integrated approach.