ECU pre-service teachers cherished the learning opportunities the On Country initiative provided.
Our University's commitment to preparing quality educators stretches back more than 120 years. Today ECU's School of Education's On Country Study Tour initiative is providing a unique opportunity for pre-service teachers to immerse themselves in life, learning and culture in remote classrooms– where teaching extends beyond a profession and becomes a vital part of the community.
ECU's School of Education Executive Dean, Professor Caroline Mansfield explains how the new initiative provides immersive, firsthand experiences that deepen cultural understanding, foster meaningful local connections and enrich academic learning through real-world engagement.
"This is more than a field trip for these future educators – by their own accounts, it has been a life-changing journey that enabled them to experience firsthand the joys, challenges and transformative power of teaching in remote Australia," said Professor Mansfield.
I have no doubt this tour has altered the course of my life, my heart and my teaching forever
From Perth to the Kimberley: Why it matters
Teacher shortages remain a pressing issue in rural and remote (RR) areas across Australia. Research shows that when pre-service teachers experience life in rural and remote education settings during their training, they are more likely to return to them after graduation.
The On Country Tour initiative allows the pre-service teachers to engage with teachers, students and community members, gaining firsthand insight into the critical role educators play beyond the classroom.
Dr Julie Boston, Director of Partnerships and Engagement in the School of Education explains that the On Country Study Tour was created with that insight at its core.
"We know the demand is high in these areas and while new graduates could help bridge the gap, many lack exposure to these regions during their studies, making them less likely to consider them as places to live, work and thrive," said Julie .
"This is more than a placement, it's an investment in people, in potential and in the future of education for some of our most underserved communities."
Learning beyond the lecture theatre
Over the course of the week, students visited Derby District High School, Holy Rosary School, Kimberley School of the Air, and One Tree Community Services. They observed lessons, supported teachers, led learning activities, and – crucially – spent time listening, learning, and connecting with students, school leaders and local families.
Outside the classroom, the group participated in a range of community-based activities, including playing basketball with children at the local youth recreational centre, joining in community netball games and visiting local historical and cultural sites.
From insight to impact
For these future teachers, the tour has been a career-shaping experience – building the confidence, cultural awareness and community understanding needed to thrive in rural and remote settings.
ECU's Primary Professional Experience Coordinator, Marnie Harris said as the tour's academic lead, she witnessed firsthand how transformative the experience.
"The positive impact far exceeded even our initial high expectations - the depth of connection, the real-world immersion, and the guided reflection were unlike anything we can offer in a standard classroom setting," said Marnie.
For the pre-service teachers, the experience was deeply personal.
"This trip has changed me forever," said one Secondary pre-service teacher.
"The passion, care and expectations in every classroom were extraordinary. I'm eager to go back as soon as I can," shared another.
The consensus was that the trip had been a once in a lifetime opportunity that they felt lucky to have taken part in.
A shared commitment to change transforming lives for students and communities
Bringing this vision to life would not be possible without the generous support of partners like international oil and gas exploration and production company INPEX, Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, Catholic Education WA, WA Department of Education and Broome International Airport.
ECU Development and Alumni Relations Executive Paul Ineson explains how these enabling sponsorships have helped fund essential costs including travel, accommodation and cultural engagement activities,
"We're proud to collaborate with INPEX on this initiative, their support is allowing students to not only participate in school life, but to experience the cultural richness and community spirit that makes regional and remote teaching so special", Paul said.
And for INPEX, it's an opportunity to contribute to lasting change through targeted, meaningful support for education and community wellbeing.
Catholic Education Western Australia's Director, School Improvement and Wellbeing, Dan Wood, expressed how partnerships with ECU were a crucial engagement strategy and that this latest initiative was of significant benefit to their system.
For the Kimberley communities, the benefits are both immediate and long-term.
The On Country Study Tour strengthens local school capacity, sparks new connections, and offers pre-service teachers the chance to see themselves – and their futures – reflected in dedicated, passionate educators.
Support was also felt on the ground. The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley provided short-stay accommodation and warmly welcomed the visiting group.
"This program is important for our community," said Tamara Clarkson, the Shire's CEO.
"It helps demystify the reality of life in remote areas and vibrant spirit of remote communities and plants the seeds for future teachers to return – not just to work, but to become part of the fabric of our region."
A call for support
Together we have an opportunity to build sustainable pathways to education equity.
Making this tour possible requires ongoing financial and community support. The estimated cost of each trip is approximately $30,000, and ECU is actively seeking donors to help ensure its continuation.
With your help, we can:
- Enable future teachers to experience life and learning in remote communities.
- Build long-term partnerships between ECU and regional, rural and remote schools.
- Strengthen the teaching workforce where it's needed most.
To learn more or support future tours, contribute, please contact Dr Julie Boston (6304 5702) or Paul Ineson (6304 2761) from ECU's Development Team.
Together, we can shape the future of education - one student, one community, one country at a time.
