As NAIDOC Week draws near, we’re reminded of the power of collaboration and the importance of listening deeply to the voices that have cared for Country for tens of thousands of years. Across the North Coast of NSW, a new initiative is bringing together Landcare groups and First Nations communities to strengthen resource management through shared knowledge and respectful partnerships.
The North Coast Regional Landcare Network has launched a series of place-based yarning workshops designed to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration. The first workshop, held in Lismore in partnership with Richmond Landcare Inc, was titled ‘Walking Together: Cultural Knowledge and Conversation’. Led by Aboriginal Landcare Officer Michael Kennedy, the event created a space for local Aboriginal stakeholders, Landcare staff, and volunteers to connect, share, and plan for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
These workshops aim to:
• Identify collaborative On-Country projects that respect and incorporate Aboriginal knowledge and practices
• Support positive communication and long-term partnerships
• Explore the benefits of joint projects for Aboriginal communities
• Embed collaboration with Aboriginal organizations across the Landcare network
The Lismore workshop was enriched by the contributions of participants from Bundjalung Tribal Society, Namabunda Farm, Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council, Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council, and the Widgabal Wiabal Native Title group. Their insights, experiences, and cultural knowledge are invaluable to shaping how we care for Country across the region.
This initiative is made possible through the NSW Landcare Enabling Program — a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW, supported by the NSW Government. It reflects a growing commitment to ensuring Aboriginal voices are central to land management and conservation efforts.
As we walk together into NAIDOC Week and beyond, these workshops serve as a powerful reminder that by working together, we are stronger — and we can create a better legacy for future generations.
(Photo credit: North Coast Regional Landcare Network).