“The app is a way for people to discover our country’s ancient history—the stories that Mother Earth has kept for thousands of years,” Dennis explains.
Your Country uses GPS technology to connect users with the traditional custodians of the land, displaying publicly available information about the First Peoples’ Country they are standing on.
Dennis, a proud Narranga-Kuarna man and La Trobe University graduate, earned his Bachelor of Education in 2005 and has served as a principal in Mildura since 2014. In 2026, he will take on a new challenge as Acting Principal at Merbein P-10 College and whenever there’s an opportunity for a teachable moment, Dennis is ready to seize it.
The idea for Your Country was sparked during family travels across Western Australia.
“We were constantly researching, asking, ‘Who are the traditional people here?’ That curiosity, combined with my background, inspired the concept,” he says.
But it wasn’t just about curiosity, it was about creating a tool that fosters respect and understanding.
“In Victoria, we’re seeing something really important with Treaty. We don’t yet know where it will lead us as Australians, not just Aboriginal people - but it’s an opportunity for everyone. My hope is that people see it that way. In education, we’re already seeing the influence of First Peoples’ knowledge, and communities are richer for understanding the history of their town and place. Your Country is designed to help with that, to give people a way to learn without feeling uncomfortable about asking the question.”
Initially the idea was designed for travellers, campers, caravanners, families seeking authentic experiences, however the app is quickly revealing broader potential.
“We often get caught up in the ‘us and them’ when it comes to Acknowledgement of Country. What we forget is that it’s not about people, it’s about Country. Country is the most important thing. It’s about grounding ourselves in the place we are, respecting this beautiful environment that is our town, our home, our Country. We all connect to her in different way, whether you’re drawn to the bush, the river, the ocean, or the beach. Mother Earth has always been there; she’s part of who we are. Your Country is about helping people recognise that, knowing the Country you’re on, understanding its name, and honouring the custodians who have cared for it for generations.”
Developing the app wasn’t without challenges. Navigating permissions for open-source mapping and ensuring cultural accuracy were complex tasks, but Dennis persisted.
“While the idea sparked in 2021, I really pulled the trigger this year. From concept to launch, it was about four months. The hardest part was coding it to respect disputed lands and cultural mappings.”
Looking ahead, Dennis has big plans. He aims to expand internationally and add a “things to do” feature for families, showcasing cultural experiences and activities in the regions they visit.
“Being an educator, I always come back to teaching, helping kids learn where they are and who they’re visiting.”
