Aboriginal rangers putting visions into practice
The NSW Government, through Local Land Services, has brought together Aboriginal organisations from across the NSW North Coast to care for Country, protect threatened species and strengthen intergenerational cultural knowledge.
The Visions for Healthy Country project continues to build momentum across the region as Aboriginal organisations lead practical, on-ground conservation work across multiple sites in coming months.
The Visions for Healthy Country project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by North Coast Local Land Services, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
The project is supporting Aboriginal-led initiatives that heal Country through weed control, fire management, threatened species surveys, and cultural events. These activities will create meaningful engagement and employment opportunities while embedding traditional knowledge in conservation practice.
As part of the project, Aboriginal leaders and community members have come together at the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens to share knowledge about the decline of the critically endangered native guava (Rhodomyrtus psidioides) and other species impacted by myrtle rust. Project partners are monitoring the health of native guava plants on-country and contributing data to conservation programs undertaken by the Australian Network for Plant Conservation and NSW DCCEEW’s Saving Our Species program.
Andy Vinter, Senior Land Services Officer with North Coast Local Land Services, said, “The project is empowering Aboriginal communities to continue traditional and contemporary caring for Country practices while creating opportunities to share knowledge and develop professional networks that will provide lasting benefits beyond the project.”
The project is also supporting partners to develop their skills in weed and fire management through training camps, including Basic Firefighter training delivered at locations such as Woody Head.
Workshop host Grant Brown, Birrigan Gargle Cultural Heritage Manager said, “Training up my people to manage our own lands using both traditional knowledge and modern practices has been a highlight of my 20-year career so far.”
Through workshops hosted by project partners on Yaegl Country participants have discussed strategies to implement traditional fire management practices.
“Words can’t describe how proud I feel to be using fire as a management tool on my traditional lands.
“I want to see more Aboriginal practitioners helping other land managers to manage Country and respond to emergencies when they occur,” Grant added.
These activities are generating additional benefits by providing the opportunities for leaders in Aboriginal land management to share their work, learn from others and build support networks across the region.
Andy continued, “Supporting the professional development of Aboriginal practitioners will only increase the opportunities for collaboration that will lead to better outcomes for protecting biodiversity, emergency response and the expression of Aboriginal culture.
“As the project develops, our focus will be on practical work that makes a real difference on Country. This includes conservation actions guided by cultural practices, cultural heritage surveys and community events that strengthen intergenerational connections.”
Find out more information about the Visions for healthy Country 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