On-country datathon gives Indigenous business an insight into AI

By PETER ROWE

Goondoi Rangers, in collaboration with the Radiant Life College in North Queensland, recently welcomed delegates from across Australia to an educational on-country experience as part of the 2024 Indigenous Australian Datathon.

The visit included a guided journey along the newly opened Dreamtime Trail, a cultural and educational path set within the rainforest bordering the school grounds.

Held over three days at James Cook University, the Datathon brought together more than 140 delegates to explore innovative AI applications with business potential.

“The 2024 Datathon is a vital space for First Nations involvement in technology and AI advancement, extending our capabilities across diverse industries,” Pastor Edwards said.

Delegates had the unique opportunity to engage directly with the land and culture through the expertise of the Goondoi Rangers.

Designed to impart local Indigenous knowledge, customs, and environmental stewardship practices, the visit provided an insightful experience that connected delegates to the deep cultural heritage of the region.

“This is the first time we have had this on-country component in the Datathon, and we built that in because we wanted people to have more of an understanding about our culture as First Nations people,” Advance Queensland Deadly Innovation Strategy leader Duncan Kerslake said.

“We want people to build a cultural capability and give them that perspective you only gain through working with mob.”

Activities included a visit to Etty Bay, where they participated in and learned firsthand the necessity of seagrass management for local marine habitats, which is designed and managed by First Nations peoples.

Cassowary Coast Councillor and Reef Guardian executive Jeff Baines, who attended the event and said it was an ‘amazing experience’.

“In my capacity as a councillor and as a Reef Guardian, it’s amazing to be a part of events like this because they’re so collaborative and cooperative,” he said.

“Having worked with Radiant Life College for eight years, the growth is astounding and seeing something world class like this in our community, done by our community, makes me feel optimistic about the future.”