Unlocking the Heart of the Land: National Gathering Unites First Nations Wisdom for a Resilient Future

Tuesday 22 August, 2023: The Biri Bulmba Budang National Custodians of Country Gathering (the Gathering) starts today in Cairns with over 600 delegates from across Australia. The inaugural event, hosted by First Nations people and led by the Firesticks Alliance, aims to foster collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to work together to address the pressing need for ecological restoration, enhanced biodiversity and community resilience. With the intensifying impacts of a changing climate and the threats presented by the return of El Nino, understanding and adopting Cultural land management practices from Australia’s First Nations peoples is a proactive strategy to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and extreme weather, including bushfires, droughts and floods.

Gathered under the iridescent sky, an amalgamation of souls have come together for the week – custodians of the soil, protectors of biodiversity and stewards of resources. This crossroads of minds, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, propels us towards solutions that forge a path where harmony and sustainability intertwine.

Fostering a sense of unity, First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians are coming together to share knowledge in areas of agriculture, conservation and natural resource management. The collaborative platform is exploring best practice and innovation, sharing practical information and stories, and creating partnerships to support First Nations engagement while transferring knowledge and practice. The event offers a space for communities to forge and strengthen connections invigorating cultural stewardship of the land.

Over 40 speakers will address topics such as innovation for contemporary land and sea management, biodiversity, threatened species management and best practice agriculture. Special guests include ABC TV presenter and Landcare champion Costa Georgiadis; former politician and Olympian gold medallist Nova Peris; together with Firesticks co-founder Victor Steffensen, Chair of the Aboriginal Carbon Fund, Barry Hunter, and over 41 Traditional Owners and Indigenous Ranger groups.

Firesticks Alliance co-founder and expert Cultural fire practitioner Victor Steffensen emphasises the holistic nature of Indigenous knowledge as its significance in a contemporary context, saying: “The National Custodians of Country Gathering will showcase the entire Indigenous knowledge system and its relevance to modern society. We want to show how rich our culture and practices are across science, conservation, agriculture, language and connecting with Country, and how these various knowledge systems can be holistically applied to ensure better outcomes for our communities, future generations and the world they are set to inherit.

“Indigenous knowledge-based solutions are nature-based solutions. Through this event, we want to show how we are all stronger together – Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Send that love out there!”

Recognising the collaborative spirit that defines landcare efforts, Landcare Australia chair Doug Humann AM acknowledges that while many landcare groups have long worked hand-in-hand with Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations, this event makes a pivotal step in our journey of shared responsibility with First Nations people.

“This important event will lead the way on how we can come together, walk together and work together with First Nations people to integrate Cultural land and sea management into landcare practices, conservation and sustainable agriculture,” commented Humann. “Beyond this, by integrating First Nations’ knowledge and management perspectives, our land and sea-scapes across Australia will benefit and our communities and future generations will be enriched,” he adds.

Quick Facts:

The Biri Bulmba Budang National Custodians of Country Gathering is taking place this week, ends Friday 25 August 2023 at Tjapukai (Djabugay) Cultural Park Cairns, Far North Queensland. Hosted by Wet Tropics Bama with Firesticks Alliance, the event is supported by Landcare Australia and the First Nations Landcare Working Group
40 speakers from across Australia including local grassroots community groups
600 delegates including Costa Georgiadis, Victor Steffensen, 41 Traditional Owners and Indigenous Ranger groups
Agriculture Workshop with Victor Steffensen will be recorded and available to watch via landcareaustralia.com.au

Main image: Victor Steffensen on Yirrakanji Country at Dungarra – Redden Island,

Photo Credit: Annette Ruzicka Photography

Landcare Australia Honours Local Land Heroes this Landcare Week, August 7-13 2023

Friday, 4 August 2023: Landcare Australia proudly announces the annual return of Landcare Week (7-13 August), a heartfelt initiative celebrating the tireless efforts of everyday Australians. This annual campaign aims to raise awareness and ignite a powerful sense of unity among individuals devoted to restoring, protecting and enhancing both the natural environment and the vital agriculture sector within their local communities.

According to the Biodiversity Council’s recent publication ‘Biodiversity Concerns Report’[1], 97% of Australians want more action to safeguard our precious natural resources, recognising that each and every person bears the responsibility to preserve Australia’s biodiversity. Landcare Australia is working hard to provide meaningful change, offering a unique avenue to positively impact the environment. With the support of government and corporate partners, for the past 34 years, Landcare Australia has proudly led the charge alongside Landcarers in supporting Australians as they tackle critical environmental and agricultural issues. In every community across Australia, there is a landcare group or other community-led environmental group with volunteers getting their hands dirty to care for the natural environment.

Quotes attributable to ABC TV presenter and Landcare advocate, Costa Georgiadis:

“Wherever my travels take me around the country, I’m constantly inspired by the incredible commitment and genuine care demonstrated by volunteers and Landcare groups. There is a real sense of community generated by these passionate individuals as they work to protect our precious environment on every scale from villages, towns and cities to bushland and farmland. Landcare Week will shine the spotlight on their extraordinary contributions,” shared Costa.

Quote attributable to Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP:

“At its heart, Landcare is an example of community at its best – passionate locals working to better protect and care for the environment around them.

“People want to be part of something optimistic and practical. An organisation that solves problems, brings people together, and protects our precious home. That’s what Landcare does.

“Every time I visit a local Landcare group and meet people doing their bit for the environment, I leave full of hope and gratitude.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon. Murray Watt:

“I’ve seen firsthand how Landcare works with farmers to improve their natural resource management, around Australia,” Minister Watt said.

“Farmers understand they are stewards of the land, so they are keen to learn more on how they can play a part in restoring and conserving the natural environment on their properties.

“The benefits for producers aren’t just environmental – it’s beneficial for their businesses. Planting tree lanes provides shelter for stock, while improving soil health increases productivity. It’s a win-win situation and it’s one of the many reasons our agriculture sector has such a great story to tell.

“That’s why the Albanese Government has invested $302 million through the Natural Heritage Trust to help farmers to adopt sustainable practices, build resilience to climate change, harness carbon and biodiversity markets, and protect and invest in natural capital and biodiversity.

“Congratulations to Landcare for inspiring and leading change right across the country.”

Quotes attributable to Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish:

“Landcare Australia, landcare peak bodies, landcare groups and organisations, together with governments, business and industry, Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations, continue to shape the growing landcare movement. Through collaboration and a shared vision, we are building a future where environmental sustainability and agricultural prosperity go hand in hand.

“Together, let us seize this moment. Let us forge a legacy of environmental stewardship and ensure that future generations inherit a land teeming with life, abundance and resilience. Landcare Week is not just a celebration; it is a catalyst for change, an embodiment of the collective power we possess to shape a sustainable and thriving future for Australia. Join us on this journey of hope, empowerment and restoration.

“Landcare truly is for everyone! Whether you seek to make a tangible difference from the comfort of your own home, workplace, youth group, or school. Landcare Week extends an invitation for all to come together to learn, share, be inspired and empowered,” said Dr Norrish.

With over 6,000 groups and more than 140,000 volunteers, Landcare Week provides a powerful reminder that there are opportunities for all Australians to get involved in a local community group like landcare, bushcare, ‘Friends of’ to help improve biodiversity and restore local natural environments.

For more information on Landcare Week activities in your area, find and contact your local Landcare group using the National Landcare Directory HERE.

[1] Borg, K., Smith, L., Hatty, M., Dean, A., Louis, W., Bekessy, S., Williams, K., Morgain, R. & Wintle, B. Biodiversity Concerns Report: 97% of Australians want more action to protect nature. The Biodiversity Council, June, 2023

Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program supports over a thousand Aussie schools with projects to empower environmental action

Wednesday 7 June, 2023: More than 1,100 schools and early learning centres (ELC) across Australia will receive funds to help build and develop hands-on environmental learning projects through this year’s Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program. Each school will be awarded a grant of up to $1,000 in the coming weeks as the program celebrates its fifth year.

The program has awarded grants to projects focused on sustainable food production, waste management and biodiversity, as well as 325 grants that will focus on expanding students’ First Nations perspectives education and deepening their connection to Country.

Woolworths Community Program Manager, Loretta Arrastia, said: “We hope that both students and educators have fun as they explore new learning experiences that connect with the natural environment. It’s all about getting hands-on with nature and helping kids learn about the different ways they can care for their local environment.”

Students looking for fun ways to get involved in environmental sustainability activities can also check out Junior Landcare’s online Learning Centre, with hundreds of free activities for all ages. There is a series of First Nations perspectives learning activities developed for Junior Landcare by First Nations educator and Wiradjuri man, Adam Shipp. It includes activities exploring First Nations peoples’ languages maps, Indigenous weather knowledge and creating Indigenous plant use gardens.

Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, said: “For over 25 years Junior Landcare has recognised the vital role children and young people play in caring for the environment. Thanks to the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants, and the Woolworths-supported Junior Landcare Learning Centre, young people have an opportunity to experience hands-on learning with environmental education.”

Adam Shipp said: “The knowledge from our Elders and ancestors that have come before us is extremely important to capture and keep alive. Our lands will be much healthier in doing so, and so I am delighted that a number of Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants will be funding First Nations perspectives projects this year.

“From creating a yarning circle to learning about bush tucker – these are valuable experiences that can help our kids gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture and knowledge systems in their everyday environments.”

To date, including the latest round, Woolworths has contributed over $5 million to more than 4,900 Junior Landcare projects across Australia and reaching more than 400,000 kids.

New National First Nations conference supported by landcare to unlock agricultural and environmental benefits for future generations

Thursday 25 May 2023: The Biri Bulmba Budang National Custodians of Country Gathering (the Gathering) will take place in Cairns from August 21-25, 2023. The inaugural event, hosted by First Nations people and led by the Firesticks Alliance, will celebrate the diversity and richness of Aboriginal culture and knowledge, and explore how it can contribute to environmental restoration and community resilience.

This unique gathering between First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians will bring together people who are involved in agriculture, conservation and natural resource management to explore best practice and innovation; share practical information and stories; and create partnerships to support First Nations engagement, knowledge and practice.

“The Gathering aims to bring greater awareness and opportunity to broader Australia of the contribution of Indigenous knowledge,” shares Djabugay man Barry Hunter, Chairperson of the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation. “People will learn firsthand how Traditional ecological knowledge and governance can contribute solutions to today’s social and environmental concerns.”

Barry continues: “the Gathering promises to be an inspiring opportunity for people to come together to share knowledge and Culture.

The event will feature practical Masterclass sessions that include ethnobotany, Cultural Fire indicators and monitoring, tool making, art, dancing, weaving, and Indigenous knowledge of plants and agriculture. The symposia sessions will showcase Indigenous practitioners leading presentations and panel discussions on Indigenous knowledge and agriculture, Indigenous led research and partnerships, cultural and environmental markets, economic opportunities, water, and education and wellbeing.

Over 600 attendees are expected to attend including Traditional Owners and First Nations people involved in agriculture and natural resource management, corporate Australia, government agencies, and volunteer groups including landcare.

Landcare Australia Chair Doug Humann AM acknowledges that while many landcare groups have long worked hand-in-hand with Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations, Landcare Australia is looking forward to strengthening connections between First Nations people and landcare through supporting the National Custodians of Country Gathering.

“Beyond this, by integrating First Nations’ knowledge and management perspectives, our land and sea-scapes across Australia will benefit and our communities and future generations will be enriched,” he says.

Ticket sales for the Biri Bulmba Budang National Custodians of Country Gathering are now on sale. For more information, please click here.

Quick fact: The Biri Bulmba Budang National Custodians of Country Gathering is taking place from Monday 21 to Friday 25 August 2023 at Tjapukai (Djabugay) Cultural Park Cairns, Far North Queensland. Hosted by Wet Tropics Bama with Firesticks Alliance, the event is supported by Landcare Australia and the First Nations Landcare Working Group.

Junior Landcare grows collection of First Nations perspectives education resources with new Yarning Circle series

1 May 2023 | Ahead of Reconciliation Week and as part of Junior Landcare’s 25th anniversary, Junior Landcare today launched a new series of First Nations perspectives education resources, designed to help deepen children’s connection to Country, and enrich their learning experiences and wellbeing through the use of yarning circles.

The series of eight activities were developed for Landcare Australia’s Junior Landcare program by First Nations educator and proud Wiradjuri man, Adam Shipp, together with environmental educator and education specialist, Sam Harrison.

Freely available in the Junior Landcare Learning Centre, supported by Woolworths, the resources have been designed to support educators and those working with children to create and use yarning circles respectfully, regularly and in collaboration with First Nations people and organisations.

“Our old people would sit or stand bare foot on the earth, on the dirt, which itself provided a healing and safe environment,” shared Adam about the significance of yarning circles in First Nations culture. “We create these circles to be a safe place for all; a space where all people have a chance to yarn on equal terms. These are practices that can be adopted in our schools and early learning centres today, with many benefits – not just for learning outcomes but for children’s physical and mental wellbeing, too.”

From locating the best place to establish a yarning circle to everyday activities that can be done within a yarning circle, the resources are supported by a series of fun videos featuring Adam together with students, educators and First Nations community members to showcase living examples of yarning circles, as well as the connections that can be made with the outdoors and with First Nations people throughout the process of creating a circle.

“Yarning circles are spaces where kids can experience the richness of Indigenous culture and see it come alive; where it can be passed through generations from little ones right up to Year 12s, and even the broader community,” shared Richard Reid, Darumbal man and First Nations parent at one of the participating schools.

The new resources join 10 curriculum linked First Nations perspectives learning activities already available in the Junior Landcare Learning Centre, including Local Seasons: Exploring First Nations weather, Creating an Indigenous plant use garden, and Whose Country, exploring First Nations people’s languages map.

“We’re excited about these new activities designed to help bring First Nations perspectives into the home and classroom, shared Loretta Arrastia, Community Programs Manager – Woolworths Supermarkets. “Yarning circles are a wonderful opportunity for children to come together, reflect, share and learn.”

According to Dr Shane Norrish, Landcare Australia CEO: “We couldn’t be prouder to be expanding our collection of First Nations perspectives resources. By empowering educators, parents, carers, community groups and individuals – significantly children and young people who are the landcarers and leaders of the future – to develop a deeper understanding of First Nations practices and foster meaningful partnerships with Traditional Owners and First Nations people, our children will be better equipped to look after the land and their futures.”

To access Junior Landcare’s First Nations perspectives resources and new yarning circle activities, click here.