Knowledge is power for this aspirational First Nations student

Knowledge is power for this aspirational First Nations student
Edited by Travel Weekly


A First Nations student who learnt local knowledge from his grandmother is now sharing it as a tour guide.

William (Will) Palmer is a proud Arrernte man from Mparntwe Alice Springs. Palmer has always been passionate about learning and understanding his culture having grown up on his homelands 100km west from Alice Springs.

Growing up On Country provided Palmer with continuous learning. His grandmother, Raelene Silverton, guided him and passed on local knowledge including the Arrernte language, cultural significant stories and knowledge of Country.

It was his passion for language and culture that landed him his first job as a First Nations Tour guide. Since he has accepted his position Will has completed a Certificate I in Tourism (Australian Indigenous Culture) through Charles Darwin University TAFE and believes he has now found his calling.

“Before starting my role and training, I had little knowledge about tourism. However, I now feel that it is my calling. I genuinely enjoy conducting tours and raising awareness of our culture to visitors in Central Australia,” he said.

The tourism industry in the Northern Territory is worth almost $800 million and brings visitors from all over the world, many of whom love to learn more about First Nations history, language and culture.

This is where Palmer sees himself thriving as he feels the position suits both his passions and knowledge.

“Tourism plays a vital role in Central Australia by providing employment and training opportunities for local Indigenous communities. It contributes to economic growth and serves as a platform for sharing our culture with visitors, offering educational experiences, and fostering cultural understanding,” he said.

Certificate complements existing language and knowledge

The training provided by CDU TAFE has equipped Palmer to have confidence when guiding a group as well as understanding how to share the knowledge that has been passed down to him.

“The Certificate has complemented my existing language and cultural knowledge by providing structured training in tour delivery. Additionally, it equipped me with essential skills such as understanding tour structure, customer service, first aid certification, and ensuring visitor safety,” he said.

And although Palmer believes he has a long way to go before he can consider himself a role model, he is pursing further education with dreams of providing the same opportunities that he had to others.

“I am still learning. However, my long-term goal is to establish my own tours closer to my family homeland and to inspire and mentor other Indigenous individuals to join the tourism industry.”

Will has just begun his Certificate III in Tourism in hope to make these dreams a reality.

Feature image: Knowledge is power for aspiring First Nations student Will Palmer.

Latest News

  • Food & Beverage
  • Hotels

Lee Ho Fook chef Victor Liong adds another chapter with new offering Singapore’s Quenino Artyzen hotel

Melbourne chef Victor Liong, of the two-hatted Lee Ho Fook, has added to his culinary storytelling with Quenino by Victor Liong, in Singapore’s Artyzen hotel, where contemporary Asian cuisine is served with a relaxed fine-dining flair. Artyzen Singapore emerged from an iconic Singapore heritage landmark that was once the sprawling tropical-garden mansion named “Villa Marie” […]

  • Food & Beverage

Tolpuddle Vineyard opens Tasting Room in Coal River Valley

Tolpuddle Vineyard is opening its Tasting Room at their Coal River Valley property in Richmond, Tasmania, this Friday, 13 December. The Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room, managed by Pip Anderson, previously general manager of hospitality at Mona, will be open from Friday to Monday, 11am to 5pm with appointments available online. Visitors can taste a flight […]

  • Aviation

Air Tahiti Nui celebrates big wins with 2025 APEX awards and Cash & Miles Program

Air Tahiti Nui has again been recognised for service to travellers being honoured with the prestigious Five Star Major Airline title for the 7th consecutive year. Announced at the APEX/IFSA Awards 2025 ceremony, the ranking is based on passenger reviews of over one million flights and 600 airlines. The flagship carrier of The Islands of […]

  • Aviation

Qatar Airways’ Student Club marks four-year milestone with educate a child campaign

Qatar Airways’ Student Club program is marking its fourth anniversary by teaming up with the charity Education Above All that will see the carrier donate $10 for every booking made by a club member. Education Above All is the non-profit organisation founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson and founder of Education Above […]

  • Aviation

Qatar Airways surprises Melbourne passengers with upgrades to celebrate 15 years

Qatar Airways has celebrated its 15th anniversary in Australia by giving passengers Business Class upgrades at Melbourne Airport on Friday. The airline has flown over 9.7 million passengers in and out of Australia since starting its operation in 2009 with Australian operations commencing on 7 December 2009 with the Melbourne-Doha route. Since then, the airline […]