The Dr Dave Outback series DVD and associated education resource was an initiative of the Murray Darling Association and Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre with funding from the Murray Local Land Services.
Other contributors include Dr Dave Watson – Charles Sturt University, Crystal Kirk (artwork) Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Western Local Land Services, Griggmedia, PeeKdesigns, Bourke Shire Council, Brewarrina Shire Council, and Central Darling Shire Council.
The Outback series consists of the following videos and their accompanying activity sheets.
Dr. Dave is in the far western corner of the Murray-Darling Basin talking to locals who live and work on the Darling River. Learn about the Darling River’s unique characteristics and the importance of the river.
Ancient fish traps could be the oldest man-made structures on earth, dating back 40,000 years. Learn more about how aboriginal people made these fish traps on the Barwon River near Brewarrina in New South Wales.
Part of our coat of arms and with an aboriginal name of Ngurri, Emus are the third largest bird in the world. Learn about emu eggs and their feathers.
A survey conducted in Western NSW found there were 2.5 million feral goats. Learn about the damage they do in the bush.
Mistletoe plants have many positive effects on the environment. Learn about the rich source of nectar and fruits and the safe habitat they provide for birds.
There are 26 different kinds of woodland birds with declining populations in the Murray–Darling Basin. Learn about the species of thriving woodland birds in the north west of NSW.
See some of the oldest artwork on the plant when Dr Dave looks at Aboriginal rock art at Mt Gunderbooka.
Outback yabbies can make a tasty feast. Learn about where they like to live and how to tell whether you have caught a girl or a boy yabby.
The Valley of the Eagle in Gundabooka National Park, south of Bourke is a perfect habitat for the Wedge-tailed eagle. Learn about the role they play in the landscape and why they are important.
In the heart of Wiradjuri Country in New South Wales lies one of the keys to protecting the native fish of the Murray-Darling Basin. The Narrandera Fisheries Centre has been integral to the survival of our freshwater species since renowned fish scientist, John Lake, established it in 1959. Narrandera Fisheries has become specialised in the study, breeding and restocking of native fish species releasing up to 1.5 million Murray cod, Golden perch, Trout cod and Silver perch each year in to rivers and lakes across inland NSW.
Native woodlands have been providing for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. Learn about some of the Indigenous uses of native plants.
When you are cold you find some clothes to put on to help keep you warm and dry. In today’s world we use available materials to make jumpers, coats and pants to help protect us from the cold, wind and rain.
The traditional Aboriginal people of the Murray-Darling Basin were no different. They used available materials to make clothing that would keep them warm and dry. Wiradjuri Elder, Aunty Nancy Rooke, explains that ‘possum skin cloaks’ were how her ancestors would have kept dry and warm during the colder months.
Listen to a song that is inspired by the Darling River, about its history and the singer’s personal reflections of what it means to him.