New partnership between Steadfast and Landcare Australia to empower a First Nations-led bushfire mitigation initiative
Landcare Australia, in partnership with Steadfast, has announced $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.
Bangerang Elder Uncle Kevin Atkinson expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.
“This project is all about sharing knowledge, sharing Culture and walking side by side to care for Country. It’s a great opportunity to practice our Traditional ways of land management combined with new technology like the COVRAM app for native vegetation assessment and monitoring. We are looking forward to working alongside the local landcare groups and our partners at Landcare Australia and Steadfast to see the benefits of this project for Country and people. In Bangerang language we say itjumatj woka, itjumatj yenbena – healthy Country, healthy people.”
Robert B. Kelly AM, Steadfast Group’s Founder, Managing Director & CEO, says:
“As climate risks continue to pose issues for the insurance industry and the people we serve, Landcare Australia’s work to protect land and waterways is increasingly important. We are committed to empowering on-the-ground initiatives that strengthen and future-proof the wellbeing of our communities.
“Groups such as the Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation have strong and long-standing ties to communities and local landcare groups, and and are doing incredible work to protect the land. It’s a privilege to support this work.”
Dr Shane Norrish, CEO Landcare Australia welcomed the opportunity to support local landcare groups and the Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation with their work on Country.
“We are very excited about our new partnership with Steadfast and how together we can support the Itjumatj Woka Healthy Country Project.
“The project isn’t just about land management, it’s about reconciliation and strengthening community. By working together, the landcare community and Traditional Owners can promote landscape health and social cohesion. I hope this project will inspire other landcare groups and First Nations organisations across the country to collaborate on projects to improve landscape restoration and support First Nations people to care for Country.
The total funding granted, excluding GST, is $55,000 from June 2024 to June 2025. 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.
