Aboriginal organisations combine in vision for ‘healthy country’

ABORIGINAL organisations from across the North Coast have combined 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

Funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust, the project is delivered by North Coast Local Land Services (NCLLS), a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

It is supporting Aboriginal-led initiatives that heal Country through weed control, fire management, threatened species surveys, and cultural events.

These activities aim to 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 Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Saving Our Species program.

Andy Vinter, Senior Land Services Officer with NCLLS, 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.