The Northern Land Council's Learning on Country Program (LoCP) recorded its highest-ever student participation rates in the first half of 2025, with more than 3,300 Indigenous students engaging in on-country education and vocational training across 14 remote community sites.

LoC Program Manager Shane Bailey said the results reflect a strong Semester 1 and "a growing recognition of the program's impact in enhancing school engagement, cultural knowledge, and employment pathways for remote Indigenous students".

A total of 3,341 students participated in LoCP activities during the reporting period.

Mr Bailey noted that this was an increase of 518 students from the previous semester.

Of these, 293 students were actively enrolled in VET programs; primarily in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Maritime, and First Aid with 45 students attaining Certificate I, II, or III qualifications.

"This milestone is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our Cultural Educators, Rangers and Coordinators," he said.

"Their commitment is empowering young people to learn in ways that are grounded in culture and connected to future employment opportunities.

"It also reflects the commitment from our School Principals and teachers in creating an engaging learning space that excites students and brings them through the school gate each morning."

Additional highlights from last semester included 591 days of on-country learning delivered by Traditional Owners, Rangers, Coordinators, and educators; 76 students engaged in work experience or internships, and 19 transitioned into employment; 90 staff directly employed through LoCP this semester—80 of whom are Indigenous; delivering an 88 per cent Indigenous employment outcome; 85 Rangers from partnering Indigenous Ranger groups; and 136 school staff (including 85 Indigenous staff) contributed in-kind support to the program.

The Northern Land Council said the outcomes highlighted the value of the Learning on Country model in improving education outcomes and also "reinforce its role in fostering Indigenous employment, cultural knowledge transfer, and long-term economic participation".

The success of the Learning on Country Program will be further explored at the inaugural Northern Australia Learning on Country Summit in Darwin in September.

The event will bring together leaders from across the region to collaborate on "shaping the future of culturally responsive, two-way learning models that connect education with Indigenous knowledge and employment pathways", the Council said.