Working Together for Aboriginal Partnerships
Murray region consultation and application
Efficiency - LEP_23-020_RLC10
The issue
When funding for LEP phase 3 Aboriginal Partnerships became available to apply for it presented a fantastic opportunity for the Murray region. The funding would allow for the region to be able to build on previous years of work to embed Landcare in a cultural landscape. There are eleven Aboriginal nations and language groups throughout the region and eight Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALC)s. The challenge was to pull together a considered, robust and achievable application in a short timeframe that considered past work and built on existing relationships and collaborations to strengthen Aboriginal Partnerships in Landcare.
The solution
Regional discussions were held where a more strategic, co-designed and Country first approach was strongly endorsed. These forums highlighted the importance of bringing Aboriginal groups together, aligning with the Nations across the Murray region, and embedding engagement into core Landcare planning rather than treating it as a stand-alone initiative. As a region we all agreed to work together to conduct engagement and consultation Aboriginal organisations, groups and representatives from across the region to utilise existing relationships as well as ensuring relevant Landcare staff reached out to connect. Extensive and deliberate consultation was conducted by Landcare coordinators and host representatives across the region, engaging with Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs), Aboriginal Corporations, cultural organisations and individual community leaders through meetings (in person and online), phone calls, emails and workshops. Leading up to the application a total of 24 engagements were held with 21 individuals 16 organisations/ groups. Conversations focused on co-design, employment pathways, secondment opportunities, mentoring, cultural burning, youth engagement and capturing success stories.
The impact
Consultation with Aboriginal representatives directly shaped the regional proposal, including the scale of the program, focus on relationship-building, inclusion of yarning circles and case studies, and emphasis on sustainable employment. After we received confirmation of our successful application in April 2026, we worked as a region to engage with Aboriginal contacts, inform them our success and provide more information on our program plan and the Regional Aboriginal Landcare Coordinator roles soon to be advertised. Harnessing existing relationships has been a powerful tool for collaboration and engagement to strengthen Aboriginal Partnerships across the region. We are all fully invested and looking forward to ensuring that the delivery of the program across the Murray region successfully strengthens relationships between Aboriginal communities and Landcare across the Murray region through shared learning, cultural knowledge, community leadership and meaningful partnerships.
Key facts
- 6 regional planning discussions held
- Consultation conducted by Landcare coordinators and host representatives
- 24 engagements held with 21 individuals and 16 organisations/groups
- Harnessing existing relationships - a powerful tool for collaboration & engagement strengthening Aboriginal Partnerships across the region