Indigenous Excellence On Show At The 2022 National Landcare Awards
State and Territory finalists in the running for the National KPMG Indigenous Land Management Award
5 July 2022:
Excitement for the 2022 National KPMG Indigenous Land Management Award is building, with the complete list of finalists for the prestigious award announced today.
Ranging from the Undalup Wadandi Rangers Program in Western Australia creating capacity for Wadandi Peoples to apply best-practice Caring for Country traditional practices, to youth leaders from Rosny Mob in Tasmania taking part on on-Country camps to create and grow cultural connection to Country and people, trailblazers in cultural land management from across Australia will come together for the winner’s announcement at the 2022 National Landcare Awards on Wednesday, August 24.
Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish applauded the fantastic work of the finalists, saying that it highlighted the vast range of environmental and sustainability projects being undertaken by First Nations individuals and groups.
“First Nations peoples were the first landcarers and are the custodians of a knowledge system that has developed over 40,000 years. Their leadership and expertise are critical for improving land management to provide both ecological and agricultural benefits,” said Dr Norrish.
“This year’s finalists showcase the diversity of work being done by Indigenous land and sea managers across Australia. The success of their projects demonstrates the ongoing importance of building relationships, sharing knowledge and collaborating to address Australia’s greatest ecological pressures.
A proud supporter of Indigenous-led landcare initiatives, KPMG Australia National Chairman Alison Kitchen said the award provided a much-needed platform to celebrate Indigenous landcare excellence.
“This award ensures First Nations leaders in landcare continue to get the national recognition they deserve,” said Alison Kitchen.
“Celebrating First Nations champions through the National KPMG Indigenous Land Management Award produces a positive ripple effect by enhancing a broader understanding the importance of caring for Country, and promoting positive role models for a future generation of landcarers.
The full list of finalists includes:
ACT: Karen Denny
A Ngunnawal woman and a member of the Buru Ngunnawal Aboriginal Corporation, Karen is committed to protecting and conserving the cultural heritage of the Ngunnawal people. Karen mentors the ACT Landcare community to protect and care for women’s cultural places by advising on natural resource management activities, leading women’s walks on Country and running children’s educational activities. See profile
NSW: Nari Nari Tribal Council
The Nari Nari Tribal Council are ensuring the ongoing protection of ecologically vital wetlands and significant Aboriginal heritage sites at Gayini, the traditional home of the Nari Nari people. Since May 2018, Gayini has been the focus of an ambitious and collaborative wetlands restoration program, with more than 2,000 cultural sites, including burial sites, middens and campsites, recorded. See profile
VIC: Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Narrap Unit
The Narrap Unit has had a significant impact on Natural Resource Management (NRM) within Wurundjeri country by bringing indigenous land management practices back into use (including the reintroduction of cultural burns to the landscape). The current team of 20 full-time employees- including a women-only crew, is expected to grow to 40 in the next year. See profile
TAS: Rosny College Indigenous Students (Rosny Mob)
Rosny mob is made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Rosny College, and alumni. The group participates in annual on-country camps and experiences which focus on, cultural learning, understanding the importance of country, and how they can create and grow cultural connection to country and people. See profile
SA: Mark Koolmatrie
Mark is an enthusiastic Ngarrindjeri story-teller and educator who is engaging Aboriginal people and landholders in a process of re-learning about Aboriginal values and land management practices in the management of aquatic ecosystems in the Ngarrindjeri nation. He is now supporting a small group of Aboriginal youth to re-learn lost knowledge and start applying that to land restoration in the Ngarrindjeri nation. See profile
WA: Undalup Wadandi Rangers Program
The Undalup Wadandi Rangers Program employs local Aboriginal Peoples while creating capacity for Wadandi Peoples to apply best-practice Caring for Country traditional practices. The program has recently seen seven rangers complete their Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management. See profile
NT: Yeperenye Nature Park Traditional Owner Group
Yeperenye Nature Park Traditional Owner Group led the development and construction of a new 8km walking and mountain biking trail between Anthwerrke (Emily Gap) and Atherrke (Jessie Gap) in the East MacDonnell Ranges. Using rent money received from the park to fund the entire project, construction employed 33 Traditional Owners and now showcases the cultural and environmental values of the area. See profile
QLD: Laura Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers
Guided by community Elders, the Laura Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers have undertaken on-ground works to protect country and culture in the Quinkan Country National Heritage area since 2010. Their work includes developing conservation management plans to better understand how the estimated 10,000 rock art sites surrounding the Laura township connect within the landscape. See profile
