About the Workshop
The Australian Water Association (AWA) is honoured to collaborate with Traditional Fire Practitioner Jason Andrew Smith of Patrula Nayri (“fire good”) to deliver a Traditional Fire Workshop — a hands-on workshop focused on cool burning and ecological stewardship. Palawa man Jason is a cultural burning educator, and endeavours to share knowledge by learning and walking Country together. Jason teaches people the importance of the campfire and believes we all can heal Country and ourselves by coming together on Country.

This workshop, sponsored by TasFarm Innovation Hub, creates a space for water professionals to learn from Indigenous knowledge holders and explore the role of fire in healthy landscapes. Throughout the session, participants will consider how traditional fire practices can care for and rejuvenate Country, and how fire connects with ecological stewardship and our work in the water industry in today’s landscape.

What to Expect
This session centres on learning from Jason about traditional fire practices within Australia’s landscapes, including the hands-on application of cool burning techniques.

Participants will explore the relationship between fire, water, ecology, land use, and people through peer-to-peer exchange and facilitated discussion. The workshop aims to build shared understanding, strengthen community and professional knowledge, and support AWA’s broader goal of fostering connected learning networks across the water and environmental sectors. Participants will engage as both learners and teachers.

Who It’s For
AWA is offering this workshop to Young Water Professionals (YWPs) and someone they consider a mentor as part of its ongoing focus on professional development, leadership, and connection to Country. YWPs and Mentors are encouraged to invite someone from their professional circle and use this opportunity to deepen relationships, share learning across generations, and strengthen connections to place. There will be plenty of opportunities for connection if you would like to come solo, too.

Event Details