Introduction

The Coorong Region in South Australia lies within the traditional lands of the Ngarrindjeri people. For thousands of years, it has been a place of deep cultural significance, sustained by rich freshwater systems, abundant food sources, traditional medicines and diverse wildlife.

The Ngarrindjeri Lands and Progress Association (NLPA) plays a vital role in caring for this unique environment, drawing on knowledge handed down through countless generations. Central to this work is creating pathways for Ngarrindjeri people, particularly young people, to reconnect with Country and culture while gaining skills that support long‑term employment in land and conservation management.

Mas National works closely with NLPA and training partners to help create programs and pathways that enable the ongoing training of young conservationists while helping keep them engaged, supported and connected

The Challenge

In remote regional communities, many young people face barriers to traditional education pathways. Disengagement from school is common, with classroom based learning often failing to reflect culture, place or lived experience.

Mas National has worked closely with Ngarrindjeri Lands and Progress Association to identify skills gaps within its environmental and agricultural programs, with a growing need to build a local workforce equipped to care for Country into the future.

The Solution

To address these challenges, Mas National partnered with NLPA to help design a training pathway that grounds young people in Country and culture while supporting continued engagement with school.

Mas National supported the program by connecting NLPA with the right Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), ensuring training was relevant, accessible and delivered on Country. Just as importantly, Mas provided tailored mentoring to support local trainees to navigate challenges, remain engaged, and build confidence throughout their journey.

High school students in the program spend one day each week learning and working on site in a culturally strong, supportive environment, while maintaining their connection to school and the broader community.

Mas National Apprenticeship Consultant Tarah Marygold has played a key role in developing the program, working closely with NLPA, schools and young people to identify pathways that reflect individual strengths and aspirations.

The Results

When Tarah first met Tyerone, he was disengaged from education and struggling with the structured expectations of school. Tarah helped arrange for him to spend one day a week training within NLPA’s agricultural program, ensuring appropriate supports and mentorship was provided.

Within weeks, teachers began to notice a marked change in Tyerone’s energy and commitment to school.

“A couple of weeks ago I stuck my head into the class and asked how he was going,” Tarah said. “He looked at me and said, ‘I just love it.’ To see that light in his eyes, compared with when I first met him and he wouldn’t even look at me, that’s really special. It’s why I do my job and have done for the last 23 years.”

For Tyerone, the experience has provided more than practical skills.

“I just really love it out here,” he said. “There’s a really strong connection between all the boys, how we respect each other, take care of each other and help each other out. I feel like it’s family out here. You’re treated equally and you’re treated with respect.”

The weekly sessions have also helped Tyerone settle into the routine of school.

“Every Wednesday I get to go and work on Country with the Ngarrindjeri crew. It gives me a refresh and a chance to just forget about school. Then I go back into class feeling like I’ve had a break.”

Tyerone now looks forward to each Wednesday session and hopes to continue building his skills with the program as he deepens his connection to culture and community.

Conclusion

For Tarah, programs like this are about far more than employment outcomes.

“This is about dealing with people one on one and actually making a difference within a community,” she said. “We’re working directly with kids and their families and really making a difference in their lives. It’s not just about signing young people up to apprenticeships, it’s a whole story about changing a young person’s life. And I know it will. I know Tyerone’s in the right place because I’ve seen this story many times before.”

Through strong partnerships, culturally grounded training and ongoing mentoring support, Mas National and Ngarrindjeri Lands and Progress Association are helping young people reconnect, build confidence and create pathways to meaningful careers learning about and caring for the land of their ancestors.