#WhyIMap: Grady’s passion for sharing knowledge with Mob

Grady Toomath, Winyama’s IT Consultant and Chief Drone Pilot, is one of our most knowledgeable staff members. Before joining our team, Grady’s mapping journey began in high school where he first learnt about aviation. Grady then went on to complete an Advanced Diploma in Engineering and Electrical Design where he spent a decade working as an Instrument and Electrical Designer in the resource sector. Motivated by a strong desire to drive social impact, he then joined us at Winyama as an IT Consultant.

Since then, Grady has demonstrated that anything is possible by continuously developing his skills and sharing his passion through his work. His dedication has led him to become one of Winyama’s Chief Drone Pilots and the course creator of IMW On Demand’s ‘Introduction to Drones’. 

This year, we are thrilled to have Grady share his expertise in drone aviation as one of Winyama’s training assistants at the National Indigenous Mapping Workshop (IMW) 2024. In our interview, Grady discusses his vision for the future of Indigenous Mapping Australia.

Can you share some insights into the work that you do?

From my time as an intern to a graduate role and now into my current position, I have been able to further adapt my learning and share my knowledge. I have worked alongside clients, supporting them by teaching a range of different software. This experience has allowed me to share my knowledge of QGIS and Terra Explore, which are being used to visualise data beyond our standard maps. We use these programs to enhance our understanding of the best practices for collecting, interpreting, and analysing their data to achieve the best results.

An example of the training that Winyama and I provide covers the monitoring and management of drones. We assist our learners in analysing the physical planning of flight journeys and areas. Additionally, we give our clients the opportunity to develop live maps using the collected information. They are then able to learn various ways to visualise, critique, analyse, and assess their data, gaining a deeper understanding of it.

Seeing the pride Mob have in their work and the level of commitment they have to improve their data management practices is rewarding.

How did you first hear about Winyama and IMW Australia?

The first time I heard about Winyama and the Indigenous Mapping Workshop Australia was through my sister’s close friend. This conversation prompted me to explore Winyama and its social initiatives further. I wanted to learn and understand how they operated, and how they interacted with their clients, community, and learners. Witnessing their impactful work and the number of people they had reached inspired and motivated me to apply for Winyama's Internship Program. Even today, I am impressed by the impact you can make when you have a group of passionate people and support from local organisations. The pride our learners feel after an in-person workshop or completing our online IMW On Demand learning platform is unmatched.

This will be your second National IMW Australia, how does that make you feel? 

Overall, I am grateful to be part of such an amazing opportunity that has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling. This is an experience I will never forget or take for granted. 

The best part of this experience is meeting all our learners and having the chance to further develop relationships through personal face-to-face conversations.

Seeing our attendees share their diverse perspectives and their thirst for knowledge at our Workshops continues to motivate me to push the limits, step out of my comfort zone, and share my knowledge.

What’s your vision for IMW Australia?

My vision for the future of IMW involves seeing Winyama continue to grow as a company, expanding our workshops, and offering more diverse courses that provide valuable learning opportunities for our attendees. 

It is crucial to provide key opportunities for the ongoing development of our Rangers, Community, and Mob core skills, ensuring continued guidance through our teaching methods to expand the knowledge we can deliver. I envision the workshop expanding beyond its current scope, evolving IMW into something greater. 

Why do you consider the Indigenous Mapping Workshop such a great opportunity for knowledge sharing?

I believe that the IMW is a great opportunity because it fosters connections, builds new and lasting friendships, and expands professional networks. It serves as a gathering place for Mob to share stories and knowledge in a safe place where we can all learn from each other and express what we want. Additionally, the impact of this knowledge sharing often extends beyond the workshops itself. The people we teach can go on to become teachers themselves, one of our workshop's greatest outcomes.

Although organising the workshops can be challenging due to scheduling conflicts, community responsibilities, and participants travelling from across Australia, the experience of coming together is truly indescribable and deeply meaningful.

What would you say to someone who is considering attending the IMW but might be doubting their skill level? 

If anyone is unsure about attending the National IMW, I would remind them that we all begin somewhere. The workshop is suitable for a range of learners, from beginners to those looking to refresh their knowledge. Push your boundaries and it will provide you with opportunities you would never have thought of; it’s all about embracing the desire to learn and grow.

How exciting is it to see a course on Drones being delivered at the Indigenous Mapping Workshop?

I am incredibly excited to see the ‘Introduction to Drones’ course come to life and watch our learners heavily invested in learning the ins and outs. My passion lies not only in drones themselves but also in collaborating with colleagues.It is all about sharing the fundamental skills in a way that’s accessible, enabling others to grasp the technical and physical aspects with ease and enthusiasm.

Want to get involved in the Indigenous Mapping Workshop? Applications for the 2024 National IMW are now open! Click here to apply

Interested in taking Grady’s ‘Introduction to Drones’ course, apply for IMW On Demand!