© ATOM 2017 A STUDY GUIDE BY FIONA HALL
http://www.metromagazine.com.au
ISBN: 978-1-76061-067-8 http://theeducationshop.com.au I I
NORFOLK. MARTIN.
Overview:
Martin Clunes, star of the TV series ‘Doc Martin’, is on a “I’ve always been fascinated by islands, each one a micro- quest to discover the islands of Australia. There are over 8000 cosm that tells us something different about our world. And to choose from and in this 3 part series Martin visits sixteen Australia’s islands have it all: exotic creatures, spectacular ma- of the best. They are a cross section of what island life is all rine life, and of course the different people who inhabit them. about; islands that express the diversity, the history and the Whether they’re relative newcomers or they’ve lived there for challenges of life on islands Down Under. generations, these are the resourceful, extraordinary people who call these islands home. This is my voyage around the Martin’s journey begins in Australia’s most iconic city - adventure playgrounds, the best-kept secrets and the aston- Sydney. In the middle of Sydney Harbour lies Fort Denison, ishing surprises of the Islands of Australia.” an island that symbolises the city’s colonial past. This is Martin’s jumping off point as he heads for the subtropical - Martin Clunes paradise of Lord Howe Island, approximately 600 kilometres from the mainland. It’s been settled by humans for less than 200 years and, as a result, it’s astonishingly pristine. Then on to Norfolk Island to learn about its brutal convict past and its proud present, meeting descendants of the Bounty Curriculum Links: mutineers. From Norfolk up to Restoration Island to meet a modern day Robinson Crusoe and his dingo, then on to ‘Islands of Australia’ can be linked to the following Thursday and Friday Islands, tropical home of music and areas of the Australian National Curriculum: pearls. On to the magical Murions where Martin discovers the Ningaloo Reef and swims with the biggest fish in the ocean: • Level 8, 9 and 10 Geography the whale shark. Up to the Tiwi Islands for some bush tucker • Level 9 and 10 History and Aussie footie. Then the Abrolhos Islands to hear a tale of bloody mutiny and to catch a lobster. Down to Rottnest It is also recommended as a supplementary text for where, amongst the tourists, Martin discovers a dark past the following subject areas: and some friendly marsupials. Next Martin travels by boat to the mysterious Island of Carnac, home to hundreds of one • English of the world’s most venomous snakes. Mundoo in South • Food Technology Australia is next for some high energy cattle mustering. Phillip • Visual Arts Island is where Martin handles a fairy penguin and races at top speed in a Mini Cooper. On King Island he helps to gather This Study Guide contains a range of activities relat- © ATOM 2017 storm-driven bull kelp on the beach. And finally to Maria ing to different subject areas across all three epi- Island and Tasmania where Martin learns about the race to sodes of ‘Islands of Australia.’ Teachers are advised save Tasmanian Devils from extinction. to select according to their needs. 2 I I
Lord Howe Island
Martin flies 600kms east over the Pacific Ocean to Lord Howe Island. It’s his first experience of Australia’s remote island communities: the pace of life is slow and the popu- lation is a steady 350, but luckily its inhabitants are friendly. Jack Shick introduces Martin to the treasures of a place that was untouched by human hands until Europeans ac- cidentally stumbled across it in 1788, just 3 weeks after the first mainland colony was founded where Sydney is today. Lord Howe Island is home to several species of flora and fauna that occur nowhere else on earth.
Proud locals call it “The Last Paradise”. Jack shows Martin how to shimmy up the Kentia Palm, the island’s most fa- mous and only export and one of the world’s most popular indoor plants.
ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON LORD HOWE FORT DENISON. MARTIN IN SYDNEY HARBOUR. ISLAND and BIODIVERSITY
Lord Howe Island is a rich biodiversity; due to its isolated location, small size and limited access, there are a number of common threats to its unique environment. In 1982, the Episode One Lord Howe Island Group was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Property, in recognition of the global significance of the island’s beauty and biodiversity.1 Sydney Harbour: The Journey Begins Working in pairs or small groups, students are to research Dramatic aerials of Sydney’s iconic harbour reveal Martin and prepare a ‘Biodiversity Management Plan for Lord kayaking to Fort Denison, the island with a glorious front Howe Island.’ Their plan must include the following areas: seat location right at the heart of the harbour. A prison for early convicts, then a British imperial military outpost, for - Introduction/overview of Lord Howe Island Martin, the fort is the first stepping-stone on his epic voy- - Overview of flora and fauna species on the island age round Australia’s islands. - Identification of any threats to the island’s biodiversity
ACTIVITY – FOCUS ON FORT DENISON 1 http://www.lordhoweisland.info/history-sustainability/world-heritage/
Time code: 02:25 to 03:22
Fort Denison was once a small, rocky island referred to by the local Aboriginal people as ‘Mattewanye’. Martin touches on its varied past since white settlement.
In small groups, students are to conduct research into the rich history of Fort Denison. Using an online timeline creation tool (such as www.capzles.com), students are to create a digital timeline on Fort Denison. Students are to include a range of images and text.
Suggested sites to begin research:
http://www.fortdenison.com.au/
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/ northern-beaches/fort-denisons-place-in-sydneys- © ATOM 2017 history-may-surprise-you/news-story/5e7e06e5513 SYDNEY HARBOUR. MARTIN KAYAK. 3d44d902645a66d9df0b6
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Like many of the island’s modern day inhabitants, Sarah Randall traces her ancestry back to Norfolk’s next wave of settlers: the descendants of the legendary Bounty muti- neers, who took Tahitian wives and lived on Pitcairn Island until they outgrew it and relocated here to Norfolk Island in 1856. As result, the distinctive Norfolk dialect is a fusion of 19th century English and Tahitian. Martin is a guest of honour at one of the regular Norfolk evenings; poetry is recited and songs sung in the Norfuk tongue, and guests bring traditional Norfolk dishes that reflect the island’s cultural influences.
The younger generation also take pride in their roots. In Britain or mainland Oz, young girls might take ballet or tap classes but here, under the enthusiastic eye of Maree Reynolds, the Baunti Byuutis learn to perform Tahitian dances to ukuleles and drums as the sun sets over the sea.
ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON NORFOLK ISLAND’S HISTORY and CULTURE
In small groups, students are to conduct research into the rich history of Norfolk Island. Using an online timeline crea- tion tool (such as www.capzles.com), students are to cre- ate a digital timeline on the island. Students are to include LORD HOWE. MARTIN AND KENTIA PALM. a range of images and text. Areas to cover:
- Indigenous settlement - Captain Cook - Reference to current management plans/actions and - First, Second and Third Settlements their impact - Influence of Pitcairn Islanders - Proposed actions for the future - ‘Hell in the Pacific’ - The island in the 20th century through to today Reports should contain a range of images to support the text. Suggested sites to begin research: Suggested sites to begin research:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/ http://www.pitcairners.org/index.html parks/LHI_bmp.pdf http://www.norfolkonlinenews.com/History.html http://www.lordhoweisland.info/ history-sustainability/world-heritage/ 1. Time code: 17:00 – 18:25. Martin visits the remnants of the goal on Norfolk Island, a place that earned the island the name ‘Hell in the Pacific’. Working in pairs, students are to conduct research into this era, guided Norfolk Island by the Inquiry Question: ‘Why was Norfolk Island one of the most notorious penal stations in the English- It is Australia’s easternmost territory, and the remotest speaking world?’ island on Martin’s journey; nearly 1,500 kilometres from the mainland in the middle of the Pacific. Martin has arrived Students are to include the following areas in their in time for the annual Foundation Day ceremony, when research: islanders re-enact the landing of the First Fleet boatload of convicts in 1788. Though to all appearances it’s a - When was the Penal Station established on Norfolk serene island paradise today, Norfolk’s past is darker and Island, and how long was it operational? more colourful than Lord Howe’s – a past that lives on in - Break down/overview of prisoners sent there. Norfolk’s unique customs, culture and language. In the ear- - Impact of events in Britain at the time in terms of pris- ly 19th century it became a byword for the worst horrors of oner numbers. © ATOM 2017 exile: one of the most notorious prison islands in the British - Comparisons between conditions on Norfolk Island Empire, where convicts could expect to end their days in a Penal Station and Van Diemen’s Land. living hell. - Conditions, including: work, punishment, rations. 4 I I
RESTORATION. MARTIN AND DAVID GLASHEEN BUSH.
table below, write either a short, free-verse poem Suggested sites to begin research: about Norfolk Island or a letter about a visit you had to the island. Once completed, swap with another http://convictvoyages.org/expert-essays/ student and read aloud/translate each other’s norfolk-island piece.
http://www.discovernorfolkisland.com/norfolk/his- tory.html
2. Time code: 18:25 – 19:20. Martin mentions the influ- ence of the ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ and the Pitcairn Islanders on Norfolk Island’s culture. Students are to conduct research into this event, guided by the Inquiry Question: ‘What impact would the ‘Munity on the Bounty’ come to have on the people and culture of Norfolk Island?’ 3. Martin meets local author, Archie Biggs, a native speaker of Norfuk, a blend of Tahitian and 18th-centiry English. Archie has written several poems and books in Norfuk and hopes to keep the language alive for the current generation and beyond.
- As a class, discuss why language is such a crucial part of cultural identity? Relate this specifically to © ATOM 2017 Norfuk, given what you know about the history and people of Norfolk Island. FRIDAY ISLAND. MARTIN AND MR TAKAMI. - Using the common Norfuk terms/phrases in the 5 I I
NORFUK MODERN ENGLISH TERM1 TRANSLATION Bussup Broken in pieces Carfoot Don’t know why Car-do No good Deffy This way Daffy That way Do-mine Never mind Dem Those Dar-de-way That’s the way THURSDAY ISLAND. MARTIN WITH SEAMAN DAN AND PATRICK MAU. Dars-et That’s it Estolley Untrue Foot nort Why not Fuwa Why Gurret Angry 4. It’s obvious that ties to their British and Pitcairn roots Gwen Going run deep among the people of Norfolk Island, and He-he Periwinkles these sit along their own modern identity. Consider Hilli Lazy, dopey Martin’s following quote: “If you’re an island in the mid- Ho-ya Peculiar dle of nowhere, perhaps you can only really belong to Hattay Here it is your past.” Ippy A silly person Itty Consumption Compose a 300 word reflection on that quote, with refer- Lub-be Leaves alone ence to what you’ve learnt about the people, culture and Lubbe side is Leave it where it is history of Norfolk Island. Larn To tell Mahone Always ailing Morla Tomorrow Moosar Nearly Restoration Island Nasey Mischievous Nor gwen Not going Dave Glasheen is a real life modern day Robinson Crusoe: Nufka Kingfisher an ex marketeer and business speculator who, after Nawe To swim financial disaster in 1993, decided to transform his life Oolie Often utterly by leasing an island and giving up all the trappings Poo-oo Green of high-powered urban life for self-sufficiency and solitude. Plun Banana His partner persuaded him to move to Restoration Island Porpay Red Guavas but after 6 months she couldn’t hack it anymore. But Dave Pilly-pilly Stuck together loves it and has been here for 20 years. Martin learns how Dave survives off the land and gets to swim in croc Pul-loo Burley infested waters which he’s reliably informed by Dave are Sullun A person safe at the right time of day! Sorlun Finished Suff Waves (sea) Sink Suff Low tide Tulla me Tell me Tull-story Untruth ACTIVITY: LIFE AS A CASTAWAY Tayte Potatoes As Martin states; “Some people are born into island life. A Tin-a-hi Begging handful, like Dave, seek it out.” Unay Isn’t it? Umer-oo-lar Clumsy Dave leads a fascinating, and isolated, existence on Uclun We (all of us) Restoration Island. Whaa What Wusser Worse - Conduct research into Dave’s life on Restoration Island. Wylie Tangled up Using this, as well as notes from the documentary, Yallar Annoyed write a reflection on Dave Glasheen and his decision Yorlyee All of you to be the sole resident of Restoration Island. Ideas to Wut a way you? How are you? © ATOM 2017 cover include: when and why he came to the island, Whatawee How are you? challenges he has faced, how the island has shaped Webout you gwen? Where are you going? his identity. 6 I I
NORFOLK ISLAND
Suggested sites to begin your research:
http://www.vice.com/read/ the-black-tuesday-castaway-0000520-v21n12
https://newrepublic.com/article/114549/ THURSDAY ISLAND dave-glasheen-lost-boy-restoration-island
ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON PEARL FISHING Thursday Island and Friday Island Time code: 46:21 – 47:00 At the heart of the Torres Strait, Thursday Island is a true Ocean Crossroads with a cultural mix all of its own; influ- On Thursday Island, we meet Seaman Dan, a pearl fisher- ences come not only from mainland Australia but also man. We learn that the Torres Strait Islands were once a nearby Papua New Guinea, ancestral Melanesian settlers, central part of the world’s pearl industry, and yet the indus- and Japanese pearl divers. try has all but vanished from the Islands today.
From the cultural mix comes a love of music. Martin meets In groups, students are to research and prepare a digital Seaman Dan, an 87 year old former pearl diver who late in timeline on the Pearling Industry in Australia, with spe- life shot to international fame with his gently lilting music cific reference to the Torres Strait Islands. Students are to that draws heavily on Torres Strait calypso. Martin finds include a range of images and text, and are to cover the Dan sitting in the same chair you’ll find him in every day, following: outside a record shop on Thursday Island’s main street. They’re accompanied by Dan’s grandson Patrick Mau, who - The origins of the industry inherited Dan’s music gene and fuses hip hop with Torres - How pearls were harvested Strait themes. - Any dangers and discriminative behaviours towards pearl divers From Thursday Island Martin takes a boat to Friday Island - Setbacks for the industry due to modernisation where he meets Kazu Takami, a former pearl fisherman, - The current state of the industry and its legacy on the who now runs the only remaining cultivated Pearl Farm in area today Queensland. It’s a reminder of the days when these islands were the centre of the world trade for pearl shell, attracting Suggested sites to begin research: a generation of Japanese divers to settle here and make a living. The meat is still highly valued and a main product of http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/ Kazu exports. Martin samples some of the delicate flesh australian-story/australias-pearling-industry © ATOM 2017 and is shown how pearls are formed with surgical precision in farmed oysters. http://www.qhatlas.com.au/content/pearling
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1. Overview and explanation of Marine Parks in Australia 2. Overview of the Ningaloo Marine Park (including an ex- planation of the Sanctuary Zones, Management Zones and Commercial Zones). 3. Plastic and other pollutants and their threats to Marine Parks 4. Threatened species within our Marine Parks 5. Sustainable fisheries within our Marine Parks
- Each group is to assume the role of employees of the Australian Marine Conservation Society. Presentations should include images and any rel- evant clips.
- Suggested sites to begin research:
http://www.marineconservation.org.au/pages/ marine-parks.html ABROLHOS. MARTIN WITH CRAYFISH.
https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/ downloads/parks/Ningaloo%20Marine%20Park%20 Zones%20January%202014.pdf
Episode Two: North and West Time code: 05:25 - 08:30
Martin is asked to take photos of the beautiful, and en- Ningaloo Reef and the Magical Muirons dangered, whale shark as part of the ‘Wildbook for Whale Sharks’ program. Ningaloo is Western Australia’s greatest natural wonder. It’s not as famous as the Great Barrier Reef, though unlike As a class, visit http://www.whaleshark.org/ and its crowded counterpart, you can reach Ningaloo Reef investigate the site, including the photos of these majestic by walking straight off the beach. And it has a cluster of creatures. islands of its own; the “Magical Muirons” as they’re called by those in the know. Unlike all the other islands on this - Discuss the purpose of this program. Are there similar journey, what’s fascinating about the Muirons is not what programs operating elsewhere in the world for other you see on land but what’s under the water. Martin swims species? amongst the vividly colourful coral gardens, swimming with Damselfish, Butterfly fish, Clownfish, Groupers, Codfish, Stingrays and turtles. But for the biggest encounter of NINGALOO. UNDERWATER WHALE SHARK. all, Martin heads back towards the main reef – to swim with the whale shark, the world’s largest fish. As a “citizen scientist” he photographs his sightings to help biologists build a picture of this mysterious creature about which we still know little.
ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON MARINE CONSERVATION
Time code: 03:00 – 04:35
The Ningaloo Reef is a thriving ecosystem. Management and preservation of this reef, and others like it, is of vital importance.
- In small groups, students are to research and © ATOM 2017 prepare a 3 – 5 minute presentation on one of the following areas:
NINGALOO. MARTIN ON BOAT. 8 I I
Tiwi Islands
For a firsthand experience of island Aboriginal culture that’s alive and kicking, the Tiwis are hard to beat. The twin islands of Bathurst and Melville to the north of Darwin take pride in their ancient customs, treating Martin to a wel- come of traditional yoi dancing.
Martin tags along with a group of women elders as they teach young local girls how to forage through a mangrove TIWI ISLANDS. MARTIN AND COMMUNITY. swamp for bush tucker; longbum shells, mud mussels and mangrove worms are just a few of the delicacies mother nature provides. He also meets Tiwi artist Pedro Wonaeamirri, whose artwork sells internationally for thou- sands of dollars a piece. Pedro shows Martin how Tiwi art unites the traditional customs and the land itself. ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON TIWI ART
But the Tiwi Islands have their modern face too. Australian Marin meets Pedro Wonaeamirri, a talented and world re- Rules Football is an obsession here, and a third of island- nowned traditional Tiwi artist. He explains how the designs ers play it. It’s been an astonishing success story for young for his paintings come from Tiwi ceremonies; that his art Tiwi lads, transforming some of them into national celebri- connects land, songs, dances and his people. ties. Martin meets coach Willie Rioli and discovers how Tiwi girls are finding their own success in the sport! - Research Pedro and find examples of his art. In small groups, select three that appeal to you and explain why.
ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON BUSH TUCKER ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON AFL & the TIWI The Tiwis have a deep respect of their land and use their traditional skills to forage for food. Martin sees firsthand the Tiwi’s obsession with Australian Rules Football (AFL). For an island with a population of less In small groups, students are to research traditional than 4,000, they have produced a remarkable three Norm Australian ‘bush tucker’. The class will create a Padlet Smith Medallists (an award for the best and fairest player page (https://padlet.com/) entitled ‘Aussie Bush Tucker.’ in the AFL Grand Final). Allocate groups one of the following areas to research and add to the padlet: As a class, read the following article:
1. Types of bush tucker (animal, vegetable, seafood, http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/tiwi- water). islands-community-pirlangimpi-has-produced- 2. Methods for finding bush tucker three-norm-smith-medallists/news-story/ 3. Bush tucker recipes b7f32fe76f246813155114d025d3d099 4. Bush tucker as medicine 5. Bush tucker images Discuss:
Suggested sites to begin research: - Why do you think the Tiwi people are so obsessed with (and good at!) AFL? http://www.mbantua.com.au/bush-tucker/ - How does it relate to their sense of identity and belonging? http://www.sbs.com.au/food/cuisine/ native-australian The Houtman Abrolhos Islands https://www.darwinfreespiritresort.com.au/your- complete-guide-to-bush-tucker-in-the-northern- Martin arrives at the Abrolhos Islands in time for Anzac territory/ Day, a national holiday that attracts hundreds to these re- mote coral skirted islands for a dawn service and the Last http://www.aboriginalculture.com.au/bushfoods. Post. After remembrance, it’s time for one of Australia’s shtml favourite betting games – 2 Up … and lots of beer! © ATOM 2017
Once the crowds leave, life returns to normal for the small community of cray fishermen who spend months at a time 9 I I
ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE LOBSTER FISHING
Martin heads out with the ‘cray fishers’ who operate off the Houtman Abrolhos Islands. We learn about the sustainable nature of their fishing.
As a class, read the following article: https:// au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/17714910/ lobster-fisheries-back-from-the-brink/
Discuss the challenges this industry has faced, how has ROTTNEST ISLAND. MARTIN QUOKKA SELFIE. been able to rejuvenate itself and your predictions for its future.
here every year. It’s a way of life that’s quiet, remote and simple. The only way to overnight here is to be invited by Rottnest Island a fisherman; luckily Martin’s the guest of Aaron McAullay, who’s been living on the island during cray season all of his 5 kilometres off Perth, Rottnest has long been a play- life. ground retreat for mainland visitors. Many who came as children are now bringing kids of their own. It’s a place Martin learns how to fish for crays, and how this is one of of fond memories, though at peak times it’s so popular the world’s prime examples of sustainable fishing. Life here there’s a lottery for places to stay. There he meets some of is peaceful enough now, but the islands’ history is one of Australia’s cutest creatures, the small furry marsupials that mutiny and bloody murder. Martin is taken out to see the gave the island its curious name. legendary wreck of the Batavia, sunk here in 1629. Most of the 316 Dutch passengers and crew managed to get to This island is the quokka’s main habitat, and when Dutch shore. But the lack of food and fresh water was only the sailors first spotted them in 1658 they compared them with beginning of their problems. A small group of rebels muti- giant rats – hence the name that translates as “rat’s nest”. nied against the leaders and began a horrific programme of bloody murder. A search party from Dutch Indonesia But Rottnest has a dark past, and Martin meets an eventually rescued the survivors and the murderous muti- Aboriginal family whose ancestors were buried here, and neers were tried and hanged. who are now working to make something good out of a tragic and moving history. For most of the 19th century, Rottnest was used as an Aboriginal prison. Many tribal elders were sent here by colonial authorities, a double ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON the ‘BATAVIA’ punishment because in Aboriginal culture it was deemed a land of spirits, and not a place for men to inhabit. Now a Martin refers to the infamous events surrounding the team of volunteers are working to create a memorial gar- ‘Batavia’, which was wrecked off of the coast of the den as a place of peace, tranquility and reflection. Houtman Abrolhos Islands on the 4th June, 1629.
- Working in small groups, students are to produce a digital story book that tells the events of the ‘Batavia.’ Story books must include images, text, and a narration (voice over). - Areas to include: background to the voyage, the ship- wreck, the mutiny, the rescue and punishment.
Suggested sites to begin research:
http://museum.wa.gov.au/research/research-areas/ maritime-archaeology/batavia-cape-inscription/ batavia © ATOM 2017 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-03/un- earthed-grave-sheds-light-on-batavia-shipwreck- ROTTNEST ISLAND mass-murder/6068008 10 I I
ROTTNEST ISLAND
ACTIVITY: PROMOTING ROTTNEST ISLAND
- In small groups, students are to produce a digital brochure, promoting Rottnest Island. Brochures should include: basic geographical facts about the island, a brief history, the best times to visit, key attractions (including the quokka), and a range of images. - When complete, share your brochures with the class. CARNAC ISLAND. MARTIN IN SAILBOAT.
ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON ROTTNEST ISLAND’S INDIGENOUS PAST
We learn that the Noongar people on mainland Western Carnac Island Australia believed the souls of all who died went across to Rottnest (which they called Wajemup). They feared and While Western Australians and tourists flock to Rottnest, respected the place. This is juxtaposed with the decision they rarely set foot on another island that’s even closer to turn Rottnest Island into an Indigenous prison from 1838 to shore. That’s because the modest sized Carnac Island – 1931. is home to hundreds of deadly venomous Tiger Snakes. Snake expert Dr. Mitch Ladyman takes Martin on a wander In small groups, students are to conduct research into around Carnac, to catch a Tiger Snake. Nobody knows the indigenous past of Rottnest Island. Using an online for sure how these poisonous reptiles came to infest this timeline creation tool (such as www.capzles.com), students place – around 3 of them to every 25 sq m – but one story are to create a digital timeline, including details about the goes that ‘Rocky’ Vane, a snake showman who lost both traditional beliefs associated with Wajemup, the key facts his wife and partner to the tiger snake’s fatal bite in 1903, about the island’s time as an Indigenous prison, and at- dumped his collection of them on Carnac. Mitch has tempts at healing the wounds of the past. Students are to conducted research on Carnac Islands’ tiger snakes for the include a range of images and text. past 20 years. Traditionally, tiger snakes are fresh water, swamp dwelling frog eaters, however the tiger snakes Suggested site to begin research: of Carnac have learnt to survive without these luxuries. Despite their harsh island environment, they continue to https://www.creativespirits.info/aus- thrive, feasting regularly on the eggs and chicks of Silver © ATOM 2017 tralia/western-australia/fremantle/ Gulls. With chicks under close guard of their parents, at- wajemup-rottnest-island tacks are a constant danger.
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MUNDOO ISLAND
ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON MUNDOO ISLAND’S DELICATE ECOSYSTEM
We learn about the impact that drought can have on Mundoo Island, and the delicate balance required to man- age and maintain its unique ecosystem.
- Assume the role of Colin or Sally Grundy, and create a PowerPoint presentation that describes Mundoo Island and the challenges their family faces as fourth generation farmers of this land. Include: MARTIN ON HORSEBACK wetlands, endangered species, tree planting, water quality, cattle farming and the impact of drought. - Presentations must include a range of relevant images.
Episode Three: South Suggested site to begin research:
http://mundooisland.com.au/ Mundoo Island
Mundoo Island is like a slice of classic Aussie outback life, but in the middle of a river estuary. Colin and Sally Grundy Phillip Island are fourth generation farmers of this land, herding Angus beef cattle on horseback, the first in their family to work Most of Martin’s island stops have been pretty remote, this breed on the island. As Martin joins them for a day of but this one’s very accessibility is what makes it special. cattle mustering, he learns more about the unique possibil- An easy day trip from Melbourne, Phillip Island is home ities and challenges of farming on an island. They’re joined to an unusual mix of high-octane sports and local wildlife. by Rob Virgo, a 79 year old cowboy from Adelaide, who Australia’s first Grand Prix race was held here in 1928 regularly lends a hand here and shows Martin the ropes. but Phillip Island Grand Prix track is home to a uniquely There’s no doubt it’s a beautiful place, with an impres- Australian obsession with V8 supercars, motorbikes and sive population of water birds, but like so many Australian historic car races. And this is Martin’s chance to try a lap farmers, Colin and Sally are intensely aware of changing round the circuit in an iconic Mini Cooper – traveling at 200 weather patterns and how they’re threatening traditional kph! farm life. Less than ten years ago, drought brought heart- © ATOM 2017 breaking devastation to Mundoo, and wiped out hundreds With so many sports lovers and tourists, you might wonder of cattle. It’s a delicate ecosystem but with care, hard graft what their impact is on the native wildlife. But Phillip Island and luck it can be made to work. boasts one of Australia’s greatest conservation success 12 I I
MARTIN, PHILLIP ISLAND.
stories. Martin meets penguin specialist Paula Wasiak, who takes him to see the island’s flourishing colony of Fairy or Little Penguins, the only penguin species native to Australia. Most tourists only get to queue up on the board- walk to watch their eccentric sunset ‘march’ back to their burrows. But Martin has been offered the unique oppor- tunity to get close to them, and help out with the monitor- ing process as they are lifted from their burrows, weighed and measured. Large tracts of Phillip Island were bought back from landowners to create this important breeding programme – in fact it’s the biggest land buy-back in the whole of Australia for a single animal species. And the pay- ing tourists who come to watch them parading every night help fund their conservation.
PHILLIP ISLAND. MARTIN WITH PENGUIN AND PAULA.
ACTIVITY: BALANCING TOURISM AND THE ENVIRONMENT
We learn that Phillip Island is home to one of the world’s largest Little Penguin colonies. The Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach attracts over 500,000 visitors per year.
- Students are to prepare a research report that an- swers the following Inquiry Question: ‘How can the Phillip Island Penguin Parade balance tourism and the Environment?’ - Students are to include: how the Penguin Parade has changed since it began in the 1920s, its role in the conservation of the Little Penguin popula- tion, the negative impact tourism has had on the Little Penguin’s and the Island’s environment, and © ATOM 2017 ways the Island can manage and minimize visitor impact and the positive role it can play for the Little Penguins. PHILLIP ISLAND. MARTIN WITH PENGUIN. 13 I I
This is where a particularly fascinating aspect of island wildlife management comes in. Scientists who have been trying to save the Tassie Devil have released sev- eral healthy breeding pairs onto a much smaller island off the east coast of Tasmania. Maria Island has become KING ISLAND. MARTIN WITH FARM ANIMALS. a sanctuary, a type of Noah’s Ark, to help save the Devil from extinction. Martin spends a night on the island, and with the help of biologist, Phil Wise, tries to spot one in its wild, natural habitat. They leave bait, and wait to hear the King Island unearthly howls that contributed to the creature’s familiar name. Martin heads south to King Island, in the blustery Bass Strait between Tasmania and mainland Australia. It bears After hunting for healthy Devils on little Maria Island, Martin the brunt of the fearsome Trade Winds blowing all the way heads to the northern part of Tasmania to learn how scien- from South America, and its shores are littered with one tists are developing a new vaccine to halt the devastating of the highest concentrations of shipwrecks in Australia. spread of the disease. In Narawntapu National Park, biolo- Martin meets Stephanus Pretorius, one of several re- gist Sam Fox, takes Martin on a hunt for trapped Devils, sourceful islanders who make a living out of the bounty and he gets right up close and personal, as Tassie Devils provided by the wild seas: huge swathes of bull kelp are tagged and tested. washed ashore by the storms and tides. It’s one of the big- gest species of seaweed and it’s used in all kinds of eve- ryday products without us realizing; from cakes, puddings and sauces to toothpaste and shampoo. Martin follows the kelp through the factory process, and taste-tests it.
ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON THE KING ISLAND KELP INDUSTRY
- Students are to research the King Island Kelp Industry and prepare a research report that includes the follow- ing: an overview of the Kelp Industry on the island (in- cluding how the kelp is processed and what it is used for), a history of the industry on the island, challenges it has faced and management plans for the future.
Suggested sites to begin research:
http://www.kingisland.net.au/king-island- products?pid=112&sid=128:King-Island-Kelp- Industries-Pty-Ltd
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-14/ island-fights-to-keep-kelp-industry/4819190
Maria Island and Tasmania
Less lucky than Phillip Island’s penguins is one of Australia’s most iconic creatures: the Tasmanian Devil. © ATOM 2017 This, the world’s largest surviving marsupial predator, is under serious threat from a horrible facial tumour disease that’s threatening to wipe out the species. MARIA. MARTIN SITTING ON ROCKS 14 I I
TASMANIA. MARTIN AND SAM WITH TAS DEVIL
ACTIVITY: FOCUS ON THEFUTURE OF special that comes from their isolation and their need to THE TASMANIA DEVIL make things work without outside help. Most of all, he’s grateful for the opportunity he’s had to meet so many Students are to undertake a research report, guided by the wonderful people. Inquiry Question ‘Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD): Can they survive?’ WRITING ACTIVITIES:
Areas to include: - Students are to complete an expository piece of writing exploring the idea of ‘Identity and - Facts about the Tasmanian Devil Belonging’. The essay must refer directly to events - What is DFTD explored in ‘Islands of Australia’, as well as their - How is it transmitted and what how many devils does it own reflections and ideas from the broader world. currently effect - One’s physical environment indicates where one - Are the devils endangered belongs. - The program on Maria Island and other management - We never truly identify who we are because we are plans constantly shaped by our surroundings. - Predictions for the future - Culture is an important factor in shaping one’s identity. Final Activities: Consider including some of the following quotes from In a final sum up on an island beach, Martin looks back ‘Islands of Australia’ in your essay: at his long voyage round Australia’s ring of islands; from the East Coast Islands with their European settlers, to the ‘If you’re an island in the middle of nowhere, perhaps you indigenous people and watery wildernesses of the North can only really belong to your past.’ © ATOM 2017 and West, to the South Coast Islands with their strong links to the mainland and beyond. He can’t pick one favourite, ‘It’s one meaning. It’s Tiwi….[My art] gives me more power but he can confidently say that islanders have something and stength in my life.’ 15 I I
References: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au http://www.fortdenison.com.au http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/ northern-beaches/fort-denisons-place-in-sydneys -history-may-surprise-you/news-story/5e7e06e5513 3d44d902645a66d9df0b6 http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/ parks/LHI_bmp.pdf http://www.lordhoweisland.info/ history-sustainability/world-heritage/ MUNDOO. MARTIN ON HORSEBACK http://www.pitcairners.org http://www.norfolkonlinenews.com/History.html http://convictvoyages.org/expert-essays/ http://www.aboriginalculture.com.au/bushfoods. norfolk-island shtml http://www.discovernorfolkisland.com/norfolk/ http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/tiwi-islands history.html -community-pirlangimpi-has-produced-three-norm -smith-medallists/news-story/b7f32fe76f246813155 http://www.discovernorfolkisland.com/norfolk/ 114d025d3d099 language.html http://museum.wa.gov.au/research/research-areas/ http://www.vice.com/read/ maritime-archaeology/batavia-cape-inscription/ the-black-tuesday-castaway-0000520-v21n12 batavia https://newrepublic.com/article/114549/ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-03/unearthed dave-glasheen-lost-boy-restoration-island -grave-sheds-light-on-batavia-shipwreck-mass -murder/6068008 http://www.vice.com/read/ the-black-tuesday-castaway-0000520-v21n12 https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/ 17714910/lobster-fisheries-back-from-the-brink/ http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/ australian-story/australias-pearling-industry https://www.creativespirits.info/australia/western -australia/fremantle/wajemup-rottnest-island http://www.qhatlas.com.au/content/pearling http://mundooisland.com.au https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/ downloads/parks/Ningaloo%20Marine%20Park%20 http://www.kingisland.net.au/king-island-products Zones%20January%202014.pdf ?pid=112&sid=128:King-Island-Kelp-Industries-Pty -Ltd http://www.whaleshark.org http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-14/ https://padlet.com island-fights-to-keep-kelp-industry/4819190 http://www.mbantua.com.au/bush-tucker/ http://www.sbs.com.au/food/cuisine/ native-australian Endnote © ATOM 2017 https://www.darwinfreespiritresort.com.au/your 1 http://www.discovernorfolkisland.com/norfolk/ -complete-guide-to-bush-tucker-in-the-northern language.html -territory/ 16 I I
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