Aboriginal land manager gathering builds community and culture
North Coast Local Land Services recently hosted a forum on Country, bringing together Aboriginal organisations from across the region to build knowledge, strengthen connections and explore opportunities in sustainable agriculture.
The event was supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and delivered by North Coast Local Land Services, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
More than 30 Aboriginal land managers and industry professionals joined the 2-day event – including native nurseries, bush tucker, food and horticulture enterprises – to share traditional ecological knowledge for growing food and businesses that support community and culture.
The first day, hosted by Namabunda Farm, Alstonville, focussed on opportunities for community, culture and Aboriginal owned businesses. A wealth of knowledge was in the room.
Aunty Tracey from Namabunda Farm said, “It's about coming together and driving home on common ideas and goals we can aspire to as a community, people and organisation for the betterment of Country and our future generation. It's very inspirational.
“I'm so excited about the next steps we can take to actually achieve common goals through our networks, but for community as part of the community culture, education, training, employment and, most importantly, our environmental and biodiversity issues on Country,” she said.
The second day was hosted by Conscious Ground Organics, Byron Bay and focussed on what is possible with native and traditional foods. Topics included growing sustainable food supplies, and medicinal and beauty products.
Bianca from Backarindi Bushfoods said, “We grow native foods to restore Country back to what it was like prior to colonisation.
“To bring back what's meant to be here, share that with our youth, encourage them to get involved with their culture on a different perspective, on a different way.”
The gathering concluded with an opportunity for those attending to connect with industry experts who can help them in their business and training ventures.
The event was delivered under the North Coast Climate Smart Agriculture project.
Media contact:
For more information, please contact Michelle Gapes, Regional Communications Advisor, North Coast/Hunter via email michelle.gapes@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0467 291 890.