Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation’s
Itjumatj Woka ‘Healthy Country Project’
Landcare Australia, together with Steadfast, has provided $55,000 in funding to support the Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation’s Itjumatj Woka ‘Healthy Country Project’ in partnership with landcare groups in Wangaratta, Victoria.
The funding will support two cultural burn workshops, and COVRAM app training for rangers and landcare members to learn more about native vegetation condition assessment and monitoring. The project will help build capacity of the Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation to create employment opportunities for First Nations people in caring for Country.
The project is also an opportunity for Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation to collaborate with the Warby Range Landcare Group and other regional landcare groups. The Warby Range Landcare Group has had a longstanding 30-year relationship with Bangerang Traditional Owners and together they have created significant cross-cultural and environmental benefits for the community. The funding will support Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation to continue their collaborate with the Warby Range Landcare Group and involve Ovens Landcare Network and Gecko CLaN. The project aims to fulfill Bangerang’s aspiration to empower its people to take a lead role in caring for Country.
This partnership between Landcare Australia and Steadfast had key criteria to support a collaborative project with a landcare group and a First Nations organisation. The project demonstrates a commitment to First Nations people and youth, focusing on collaboration, reconciliation, opportunities for First Nations people to care for Country, and shared outcomes with the broader community.