“When Can We Start?” – Energy Builds Behind Cultural Tourism Opportunities

This is a story about a learning journey. 

GLaWAC is in the early stages of exploring how we can support the creation of a cultural tourism industry here on Country, led by Gunaikurnai people. 

But while culture is something we understand deeply, and that is integral to everything that happens at GLaWAC, cultural tourism is a new space for us. 

So we’re doing some learning, seeking out the wisdom and experiences of experts in the field, and those who are further along in their journey. 

Heather Hood and Kelvin Moffatt are central to this broader learning journey that GLaWAC is on. 

Heather and Kelvin recently graduated from the Ken Hore Tourism Mentor Program, a professional development pathway that connects emerging tourism leaders with experienced professionals in the tourism industry. 

They are the only Indigenous Australians to have ever completed the program in its 11-year history. 

For Heather and Kelvin, the tourism mentor program was just one learning experience in a year that has been filled with new experiences and personal growth. 

When asked about some of the most important or memorable things they’d learned over the past 12 months, Heather and Kelvin both gave the same answer: “My Country.” 

“I’m so grateful for the brother-boys here at GLaWAC, for what I’ve learned from them,” Heather said. “Going out on-Country with Shay and Corey and them, listening to the stories they tell about Country, and watching the way they talk with visitors and school groups, that has been amazing. I’ve learned so much about my own Country.” 

With a background in education, Heather’s thoughts often gravitate toward what all this means for our young ones, the next generations. 

“I’m excited to grow the work we do with our local schools, get them out on Country more, bring them along on tours,” she says. “We have to teach these stories and ways to our kids, so that culture doesn’t get lost.” 

Kelvin appreciates that, too. 

“I was raised off-Country, away from here,” he says. “So, coming back now, and being able to spend time exploring Country, learning about Country, that has meant a lot to me.” 

“I’m learning a lot from fellas that are younger than me, that have been here the whole time. And that’s good. I don’t take that for granted. I’m thankful for these experiences, and want to listen and learn as much as I can.” 

Kelvin said that opportunities to be on-Country and learn more about culture connect strongly to one of his central passions – mental health and wellbeing for mob. 

“You know, this work is about more than just the land and waters,” he says. “It’s about healthy mob, healthy communities.”

“There is a lot of trauma in community right now. If our people are going to thrive, it is important we find ways to heal together, to uplift each other. That’s an opportunity I see, and something I’m excited to work on next year.” 

As they explore what cultural tourism might look like, and whether a program of guided tours led by Gunaikurnai people with cultural knowledge would be feasible, Heather, Kelvin and GLaWAC’s Senior Manager for the Culture Hub Cath Thomas have been interviewing Elders across the region. 

“They’re very excited about something like that,” Cath says. “They’re like ‘when can we start?’”

“The energy is definitely there. It would be really great to have our Elders involved, as they are the guardians of our cultural knowledge.” 

GLaWAC is being mentored on this journey by a tourism Mentor in Queensland called Savannah Guides, which works with Traditional Owner Groups in most of Australia to create First Nations tourism experiences and train Aboriginal People to be Tour Guides.  

In 2026, GLaWAC will continue developing a handful of prospective cultural tourism projects, including guided cultural tours of the Raymond Island Koala Trail, and cultural experiences at GLaWAC’s campus at Kalimna West utilising the Wangun Amphitheatre. 

Cath was keen to point out that, although the GLaWAC Cultural Hub team is committed to exploring cultural tourism, they are really hoping to see community members outside GLaWAC develop their own cultural tourism ideas and opportunities. 

“We can see there’s a lot of potential in having Gunaikurnai people lead tourism initiatives, both culturally and economically,” Cath said.

“Obviously there are employment and education opportunities. But it’s also important that our people are telling the stories of this Country, that the cultural knowledge is held by us and that we are empowered to shape our own identity.”