Communication can be an undervalued and underused tool in maintaining wellbeing. It can be rare to find a safe environment to speak openly with others, free of judgement. But you don’t always have to speak to other people. The Country around you can be a great listener.

Whadjuk Noongar Elder Professor Len Collard recently retired from his role as Australian Research Council Chief Investigator at the School of Indigenous Studies at UWA.

In episode four of Noongar Wellbeing, he talks about the importance of communication and being aware of the energy you convey to others. This can transcend language, and act as a bridge between cultures. 

Professor Collard talks about how learning the language of the Country you are on shows respect, and shapes deeper cultural understanding. For example, the phrase 'follow your heart' is meaningless in Noongar because the emotional centre in Noongar culture is in the stomach. To take care of your spiritual health you must 'follow your stomach'.

LISTEN TO

Professor Len Collard on the magic of Wangka or talking

SBS NITV Radio

04/07/202231:50

Play

Noongar Wellbeing is hosted by Ballardong Whadjuk Noongar woman Brooke Collard. Produced by Lucy Torvaldsten at Envelope Audio.

Follow 

Noongar Wellbeing

 in the 

SBS Radio app

, or your favourite podcast app like 

Apple Podcasts

 and 

Spotify

, to hear all six episodes in the series.

More episodes of Noongar Wellbeing

What does self care and wellbeing mean to First Nations Elders?

Koodah Cornwall on reigniting your inner fire

Vivienne Hansen on Noongar Bush Tucker and medicine