CULTURE, BURNING AND BUSH

REGENERATION ON GARBY

COUNTRY

Community Safety Officer Jamie Bertram

Acknowledgement of Country.We would like to show our respect and acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, of Elders past and present on which this conference takes place. May we acknowledge the traditional custodians whose cultures and customs have nurtured and continue to nurture this land.

We have come to learn that the Acknowledgement of Country is such an important aspect of Indigenous Australia.... They’re unique and special and in essence a respectful gesture from the traditional peoples to all people, visitors and friends.

Rationale for Project

› Since the 1980s the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Corporation has undertaken many projects with a cultural focus in Garby Country.

› The coastal lowlands and headlands of Garby Country are rich in Culture and Heritage assets and resources and provide habitat for a suite of coastal and floodplain Ecological Endangered Communities.

› Inappropriate fire regimes pose a threat to Culture and Heritage assets and resources.

› The reinstatement of appropriate burning regimes has the potential to enhance the ecological condition of Country.

Key Partners› Yarrawarra Aboriginal Corporation.

› Coffs Harbour & District Local Aboriginal Lands Council

› National Parks and Wildlife Service.

› Envite.

› Crown Lands.

› NSW Rural Fire Service.

Vision

› The preservation of our Aboriginal Heritage and Culture with full acceptance and integration of all peoples into our Community.

› The creation of meaningful employment opportunities for Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people in our Community.

Mission

› To maintain and share our Cultural identity and integrity while respecting and preserving our Heritage for the benefit of future generations, through the delivery of quality Cultural experiences that are consistent with our core values.

› Protect Aboriginal Heritage assets and provide habitat for Endangered Ecological Communities threatened species and Culturally important resources, food and medicines.

Core Values

› Reconnecting the Community and Environment and sustaining that connection.

› Create uniqueness underpinned by our commitment to Cultural Identity.

› Cultural maintenance, by Respect, Acceptance and Integrity.

Empowering Traditional Custodians

› Empowering and building capacity among traditional Custodians to participate.

› Prescribed burn planning, preparation, implementation.

› Post burn regeneration at Culturally important sites.

› Manage and sustain Aboriginal Culture and Heritage.

› Address issue's in a Culturally appropriate partnership approach.

› The local Aboriginal Community has long aspired to greater levels of participation in Culturally relevant burning.

Bush Regeneration Team

Bush Regeneration Team Setting up monitoring site.

Research

› Yarrawarra Corporation has an established Cultural Heritage Unit (Jalumbo).

› Bush Regeneration Team (Giriin Team) with long term members of staff, volunteers and advisors.

› On going interest of the partners involved in this project including Garby Elders, Coffs Harbour & District Local Aboriginal Land Council, National Parks & Wildlife Service and NSW Rural Fire Service.

› Steering Committee will provide additional guidance & promote effectiveness.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge, scientific research and current best practice.

Scar TreeGarby Elders are responsible for the protection and maintenance of cultural sites on country under Traditional Lore.

Coastal LowlandsImprovement of the on-going health & resilience of coastal lowlands, headlands and floodplains.

Headlands and EstuariesGarby Elders are the Traditional Custodians of North East Gumbaynggirr Country.

ResourcesMaintain Culturally important resources, foods & medicines.

Training & Support

› The Rural Fire Service has provided recognized fire training, competency development and capacity building opportunities for members of the Bush Regeneration Teams.

› The Rural Fire Service and National Parks & Wildlife Service have prepared and approved prescribed burn plans.

› Both agencies are responsible for the control of on ground fire operations.

TrainingThe Rural Fire Service has provided Bush Fire Awareness Training, competency development and capacity building opportunities for members of the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Corporation Bush Regeneration Team.

Training Facilities' Yarrawarra Aboriginal Corporations Conference Rooms.

Fire Fighter TrainingBush Regeneration Teams becoming familiar with Rural Fire Service equipment.

Prescribed Burn Implementation Actively participate during fire operations under supervision of the Rural Fire Service.

Traditional MethodsTraditional Drip torch, still used on Country.

Burn OperationsYarrawarra Bush Regeneration Team members able to observe and become involved during burning operations.

Burn Operation’sBush Regeneration Team members under close supervision.

Post Burn MonitoringPost burn cultural surveys undertaken at priority sites by Yarrawarra Aboriginal Corporation Officers to validate records of Aboriginal cultural materials & resources in more open & exposed post fire environment.

“Pass on your Knowledge”