Aura Career Inspirations Mentor Program

Last week at Aura, we had the pleasure of welcoming local high school students to Baringa's Blackbutt Forest for our fifth Career Inspirations mentor program. In partnership with The Smith Family, this initiative aims to provide students with valuable insights into career possibilities at Stockland and beyond.

During the program, the students learned that career journeys often aren’t straightforward. Many individuals experience career changes and evolving goals, and that’s perfectly normal! Students participated in a guided tour of the forest, where they learned about the significance of controlled burns and the collaboration with First Nations people to assess the landscape.

Participants discovered how controlled burns promote the seeding process for many native tree species. Interestingly, both fire and smoke play crucial roles in this natural cycle. They were amazed to learn that some trees in Blackbutt Forest are estimated to be over 300 years old.

We were thrilled to have Young Queenslander of the Year, Kurt Jones, join us. Kurt shared how his Year 11 business project, Co-exist Australia, has evolved into a thriving enterprise. As a young CEO, he is empowering peers to respect and care for the environment through initiatives like beach clean-ups and tree planting.

Following our walk through the historical bush, we partnered with Evolve Environmental Solutions to plant 50 trees in a regeneration area within Aura’s conservation zone. Students learned about the importance of group planting for certain species to enhance pollination and the intricate relationships between various plants and animals.

A highlight of the discussion was Aura's endangered species, the Wallum Sedge Frog. This tiny amphibian, no larger than a thumbnail, is a protected species. Students discovered that its habitat, characterised by lower pH levels, is unsuitable for the eggs of pest species like cane toads, which aids in the frog’s population growth.

The students also learned about fascinating carnivorous native flowers and the spiky coral fern. Their curiosity sparked engaging discussions about plant species, and they were excited to discover new apps for their smartphones that identify plants and animal sounds, enhancing their citizen science journeys.

With 50 trees planted during this session, our goal for the next six months of The Smith Family mentor programs is to plant over 200 trees at Aura. We aim to empower the next generation to become ambassadors for building thriving, sustainable communities for both people and wildlife.

Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives and the inspiring young leaders we’re nurturing at Stockland Aura!