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The initiative is designed to encourage community participation in bushwalking and trail running, as well as grow the experience of leaders in the hiking sector.

Aimed at local governments, non-profit organisations and community groups, funding was awarded to projects that aligned with recommendations of the WA Hiking Strategy, such as hiking activities that support positive mental health outcomes, encourage the participation of people from CaLD backgrounds or engage Aboriginal people with Country.

We awarded the City of Wanneroo a WA Hiking Participation grant in 2022–23 to support their Experience the Yaberoo Budjara Trail project.

An Economic Development Advisor with the City of Wanneroo said that the grant funding from DLGSC enabled the city to host a series of engaging guided trail hikes for both locals and visitors, offering a safe environment to explore nature and cultural heritage.

“This project was a standout initiative for the city, showcasing the potential to further enhance and promote its trail network and experiences” they said.

It involved the development and delivery of a guided trail series covering the five different sections of the Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail, with six unique trail experiences tailored for different levels of experience and ability.

The trail is a 28km stretch linking the linear lakes to the coastal planes, based on the movements of local Whadjuk Noongar elder Yellagonga and his people between Lake Joondalup and Yanchep.

The city also launched a ‘Become a Guide’ program for those looking to gain skills in hike guiding.

Offered on two of the weekends, the full heritage walk trail experience in Yanchep National Park included an Aboriginal Cultural Experience conducted by Derek Nannup, the Eco-Education Officer at the Park.

The city also included a ‘Become a Guide’ interactive on-line training program for those looking to gain skills in hike guiding.

The full heritage walk trail experience in Yanchep National Park included an Aboriginal Cultural Experience conducted by Derek Nannup at the Wangi Mia.

The project had a strong theme of ‘Connection to Country’ and offered a chance for up to 480 participants to experience and learn about the Aboriginal history and stories, the impact of European settlement and the natural landscape.