Our Work

Projects on
Country

From mangrove canopy to coastal sea country — real work, real data, and real outcomes for Indigenous land management.

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Active · RMIT University · COSC3043 · Sem 1 2026

AI Mangrove Classification System

A peer-reviewed machine learning system trained on drone-captured multispectral imagery to detect and classify mangrove species across Traditional Owner sea country. Developed with RMIT University, the system achieved 97% species classification accuracy and 98.96% binary detection accuracy.

97%Species Accuracy
98.96%Binary Detection
477Training Images
3Species Classified
Research TeamKirtan Shah · Thomas Blanks · Jake Dyl
SupervisorDr Damiano Spina · RMIT
Next PhaseKJR Evaluation · Sem 2 2026
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Completed · 2024–2025 · Australian Government

Age Assurance Technology Trial – Aboriginal Ambassador

Aboriginal Ambassador for the Australian Government's AATT — evaluating 60+ technologies from 48 vendors, supporting 1,000+ students across QLD, NT, WA, VIC and ACT. Ensuring Indigenous voices shaped national policy on online safety and responsible AI.

ClientAustralian Government
PartnersKJR · ACCS
Reach1,000+ students · 5 states
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Active · 2025

Marine Debris Task Force – Torres Strait

Working alongside Dennis Fay (Salty Monkeys), Dr Kelvin Ross and Aaron Bell (KJR) applying drone technology, AI, and Traditional Owner knowledge to marine debris monitoring, ghost net identification, reef health assessment, and Sea Country stewardship.

PartnersSalty Monkeys · KJR · Torres Strait Island Regional Council
FocusMarine Debris · Ghost Nets · Reef Health
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Completed · Cultural Heritage

Jarramali Rock Art Documentation Project

Partnered with KJR and Traditional Owner-led cultural tourism operators to document and preserve significant Aboriginal rock art sites using drone technology — maintaining cultural authority and Indigenous ownership of knowledge throughout.

PartnerKJR · TO Cultural Tourism Operators
TechnologyDrone Photography · Digital Mapping
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2025 · Ranger Network

Cape York & Torres Strait Environmental Resilience Program

Environmental technology and ranger engagement journey from Cooktown through Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal, Archer River, Weipa to Mapoon — delivering drone mapping demonstrations, biosecurity surveillance support, and marine debris monitoring across Cape York communities.

LocationsCooktown · Hope Vale · Weipa · Mapoon · Torres Strait
FocusBiosecurity · Marine Debris · Drone Mapping
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Upcoming · Sem 2 2026

Autonomous Under-Canopy Drone System

RMIT University postgraduate project developing autonomous navigation systems for drones operating beneath rainforest canopy — targeting creek monitoring, root system mapping, and biodiversity detection in areas unreachable by above-canopy UAVs.

PartnerRMIT University
FocusAutonomous Nav · Sub-Canopy AI