Sharing knowledge for healthy Country
Aboriginal organisations from across the North Coast have come together at Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre to showcase Aboriginal-led land management and strengthen partnerships through the Visions for Healthy Country project forum.
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 forum brought together Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Traditional Owner groups, industry representatives and project partners to share knowledge, discuss project outcomes and explore opportunities to improve environmental and cultural outcomes across the region.
Representatives presented on a range of on-Country activities, including weed management, cultural fire management, threatened species conservation, training initiatives and community engagement programs.
The gathering marked an important milestone for the Visions for Healthy Country project, coinciding with the halfway point of project delivery. Participants used the forum to evaluate progress, share lessons learned and identify priorities for the next stage of the project.
A key topic of discussion was cultural fire management. Project partners highlighted both the importance of cultural burning and the challenges associated with implementing these practices across project sites.
The forum also provided an opportunity for Aboriginal organisations and industry partners to discuss collaborative approaches to land management, capacity building and environmental stewardship.
Andy Vinter, Senior Land Services Officer with North Coast Local Land Services, said the forum highlighted the value of Aboriginal-led approaches to caring for Country.
"The forum provided a valuable opportunity for Aboriginal organisations to share knowledge, learn from one another and strengthen partnerships that support healthy Country outcomes across the North Coast," Andy said.
"It was particularly encouraging to see the strong interest in cultural fire management and the willingness of organisations and partners to work together to support greater implementation of these practices on Country."
The Visions for Healthy Country project supports Aboriginal organisations to undertake on-Country activities that improve environmental outcomes while strengthening cultural knowledge, skills and community connections.
More information about the project is available on the Local Land Services website.
Media Contact
Charlie Whiteley, Communications Advisor | charlie.whiteley@lls.nsw.gov.au | 0428 679 974