Tracks is a program designed by and for the youth of Hopetoun. Across six months of programming, teens aged 12+ are invited to move, strengthen and nourish their mind, body and soul through curated sessions from facilitators near and far. This unique experience is offered without cost through the Physical Activity Innovation Challenge by Healthway. 

To start the program Belinda Anne Swift, a Minang woman living in Kinjarling (Albany), will take us back in time to uncover ancient truths and immerse the group in an experience of deep observation.

‘Neh Kulungars’ (Listen Kids) – rest your minds in nature.

Hopetoun, and surrounds, youth are invited to find solace in the sounds of nature and learn to use it for improved

mind health. This specially curated session will include a walk through the bush or by the river to listen intently to the sounds of nature ie, birds calling, wind blowing, tree’s and grasses rustling.

Belinda will inform the youth on how and why Aboriginal people used the bush to survive, find foods, make camp, listen to sounds like a kangaroo jumping and/or birds chirping. This private and sacred session will be a meditiative and educational afternoon with practical and theoretical elements. 

NOTE: Youth need to meet at Hamersley Inlet for a 10am start. 

Transport into the park is not provided.  

Please ensure your car is free from mud as to prevent Phytophtora dieback.

Please contact Emily on 0432 637 940 for enquiries or if a carpool is required to attend. 

‘The sound of nature, is very real, you can feel it, it surrounds you’ by Ted Trueblood

ABOUT BELINDA ANNE SWIFT

I am a very proud Minang woman and live and work from the south coast of Western Australia.

Albany is the spiritual home of my maternal Aboriginal family whose Minang connections to Kinjarling (Albany) go right back to settlement of the area. I am very proud to still live here and be connected to my grandmother’s country. I am a mother to three beautiful daughters aged 28, 16 and 15, two are still at school and my eldest daughter is a Housing Officer with the WA Department of Housing in Fremantle.

I am extremely passionate about cultural mindfulness and work with many people and children using this principle in guiding them to being the best versions of themselves through self awareness.

I have been encouraged by my family, who believe that I have a special gift of connecting people with nature for healing. Through our connections of tapping into our quiet space and connecting with and creates an awareness of self. I have taught people that stillness brings peace. There is no need for talking other than to be still and reflect.

On many occasions I have been engaged by two Universities to conduct cultural mindfulness sessions with University students. I have conducted these sessions sitting on-country, by a river, walking through bush, fishing, sitting on a beach

listening to the ocean and feeling the power of stillness with students who are able to become aware and when prompted to discuss this, and to tap into their emotions. It is very cathartic. I believe the connection through the art of deep listening formed in connection with country is one authentic way I can connect with people. One way I

do this is walking on-country with students in a non-verbal way of communicating which develops a firm foundation of emotional connection.

I work very closely with my Elders and have a deep admiration of the work they do, and the path I have to follow to uphold that respect. Having lived and worked on country all my life I have a special connection and knowledge which cannot be learnt in a classroom. My knowledge has been handed down to me and I have actively sought to nurture it through listening to the land and developing my own thoughts and ideas on how we can use the connection with nature to heal.

I have always been very interested in bush medicine and food and its healing properties. With the blessing of my Elders, I have enrolled in courses at University to understand more and to compliment my own cultural knowledge with scientific knowledge.

ORGANISER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

I acknowledge, understand and agree that by participating in events offered by Tracks that there is a possibility of physical injury or illness (minimal, serious or catastrophic) and that I/my child is assuming the risk of such injury by participating.

I authorise any representative of the Tracks team to consent and authorise any medical attention and treatment by medical personnel for me/my child, which may become necessary. I understand I (as a parent/guardian) will be notified as soon as possible in the event of an emergency on the contact details provided through Wix online bookings.

I understand and agree that all expenses of such treatment are my responsibility. By completing this booking, I agree to protect, defend, indemnify and hold Tracks/Hopetoun Community Resource Centre, including all its organisations, staff, volunteers and sponsors from and against any and all claims, demand, losses, suits, liabilities, costs, or other damages arising from any injury to, or death of myself and or my child (as a parent/guardian).

All children must be supervised by an adult before and after their participating event/s.

I agree to allow the Tracks organisers and sponsors to use photographs/videos of me and/or my children, taken during involvement with any Tracks initiative or activity. This use is limited to the Tracks organisations’ publications, websites, social media platforms and/or media releases.