River Bali’s GIS Journey
This blog briefly mentions the Stolen Generations, a profoundly traumatic time in our history, we urge thoughtful reflection and sensitivity in your engagement with this content.
Meet River Bali, a proud Gija Man and a dynamic GIS Intern at Winyama with a passion for aviation and technology. River’s journey into the world of drone mapping and GIS began during high school, where he pursued a Cert III in Drone Aviation alongside their regular curriculum. Through a unique partnership with River’s high school, a local TAFE and a drone training program, River had the opportunity to obtain a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) while still in school. This hands on experience not only enriched River’s understanding of aviation but also sparked his interest in pursuing a career that incorporated drones. Now, as an intern at Winyama, River brings a blend of technical skills and real-world experience to the table, making meaningful contributions to the team’s projects.
Journey to Discovering River’s Indigenous Lineage
River’s journey to discover his Indigenous heritage began with his grandmother, who endured the trauma of the Stolen Generations. Taken from her Indigenous roots at a young age, she had no memory of her Mob and understandably doesn’t like to discuss her painful past. Alongside his father, River embarked on a journey to reconnect with his heritage. A chance encounter at a gathering led them to one of River’s Aunties, who shared some names and information, bringing them closer to their roots. Eventually, River’s father connected with a friend that worked in government, specialising in helping Indigenous people find their family history. Through determination and unwavering support, River discovered that his Grandma was a Gija Woman. Whilst we have summarised this journey, the process of uncovering his Indigenous roots was long, emotional and not without countless obstacles.
Discovering Winyama and GIS
During his first year post-high school, River delved into a surveying traineeship, exploring various avenues to kickstart his career. By choosing not to pursue the traditional university pathway into the technology industry, River believes he’s found a route that could benefit others who don’t fit into the typical university mould. For him, the theoretical approach of university education wasn't the right fit, he thrives more in practical learning environments. Although faced with setbacks, such as the cancellation of the planned traineeship, River remained undeterred, showcasing his resilience and determination to carve out his path in the industry.
River’s journey took an unexpected turn when he embarked on an internship at Winyama. Through hands on experiences and guidance from our senior staff, River’s understanding of the industry continues to deepen, solidifying his commitment to pursuing a career aligned with his interests and values.
Before joining Winyama, River had no idea what geographic information systems (GIS) involved. However, his interest in GIS has grown exponentially since starting his internship and he’s looking forward to pairing this with his drone expertise. River finds himself drawn to the potential of using GIS software to empower Indigenous communities.
“Don’t let the initial intimidation stop you from diving into GIS. It may seem complex at first, but it’s surprisingly practical and user-friendly for learning. The tools within the programs are straightforward, and within weeks, I found myself already working on a project. Before starting, I was worried about feeling clueless, but once I began, the support at Winyama helped me to realise that it wasn’t as daunting as it seemed.”
A key highlight of River’s internship experience at Winyama so far has been the cultural mapping projects he’s been involved with. His passion for producing outcomes that empower Indigenous communities to preserve their knowledge and resources has been his driving force. Through his work at Winyama, River not only enjoys the process but also takes pride in the positive impact it has on the communities he serves.
National Indigenous Mapping Workshop 2024 - River’s Experience as a Technical Assistant
National Indigenous Mapping Workshop 2024, Boorloo (Perth)
"My first experience as a technical assistant was really good; I definitely learned a lot," River reflected. He began the week with drone-related tasks, which brought back knowledge he hadn’t used in a while. It wasn’t just a refresher, though—his experience expanded his understanding of how drone technology can be applied to collect and analyse data.
Attending his first National Indigenous Mapping Workshop, River found the experience more intense and hands-on than expected, but it left a lasting impression. "It was a lot more active than I thought it would be, but in a good way," he explained. He found it inspiring to see participants fully engaged, eager to learn. "In other classroom settings, people sometimes aren’t as engaged, but at IMW it was refreshing to see how much people cared about the content and how involved they were in the learning process."
This heightened level of interest from participants motivated River to contribute even more and deepened his appreciation for the importance of GIS in empowering communities.
River's advice for anyone considering attending or participating in an IMW is simple: "Just go for it. Don’t doubt yourself or think you can’t do it just because you might not have the technical knowledge." He believes the workshop environment is one where people can grow their skills, regardless of their starting point.
Overall, River described his time at the National IMW as a fantastic experience. "I’m really excited to do it all again," he said, already looking forward to the next event, with growing confidence and experience.
To make sure you don’t miss where we will be next, follow us across social media, subscribe to our newsletter and keep an eye on our event page here: https://www.winyama.com.au/imw-australia-events
Waiting for the next event? In the meantime, check out our online learning platform, IMW On Demand here: https://www.winyama.com.au/imw-on-demand
Now, as River navigates his internship and looks toward the future, he remains driven by a shared vision with Winyama. Encouraging others to embrace a similar mindset, River underscores the value of determination and adaptability in overcoming obstacles and thriving in the rapidly evolving landscape of the tech industry.
Looking for a change of scenery?
Join the Winyama Team!