Tamworth Regional Landcare Association

Weaving Country, Culture and Collaboration

Through the NSW Landcare Enabling Program Phase 3 – Aboriginal Partnerships Grant application process, North West Regional Landcarers secured funding to deliver the Weaving Country, Culture and Collaboration initiative across the North West of NSW.

Capacity building - LEP_14_LLCTRLA2

The issue

  1. While Landcare and Aboriginal communities often share common goals around caring for Country, opportunities for meaningful collaboration have historically been inconsistent across our Tamworth region.
  2. Our organisation wanted to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal communities but lacked the cultural confidence, governance structures and engagement pathways needed to ensure partnerships were culturally appropriate, respectful and enduring.
  3. Aboriginal communities expressed a desire for greater involvement in environmental projects, knowledge sharing and decision-making processes, while ensuring cultural protocols and local priorities remained central to project delivery.

The solution

  1. North West Regional Landcarers developed the Weaving Country, Culture and Collaboration initiative to create a framework for long-term Aboriginal partnerships across the region.
  2. The project supports Aboriginal-led engagement through cultural consultations, on-Country activities, yarning circles and collaborative planning processes.
  3. Key project activities include:
    • Regional cultural mapping and relationship building
    • Development of cultural governance and engagement frameworks
    • Cultural safety training for Landcare staff, volunteers and partners
    • Aboriginal-led on-Country learning opportunities
    • Cultural artwork and intellectual property protocols
    • Development of Aboriginal workforce pathways
    • Delivery of Aboriginal-led community and environmental projects
  4. The project places Aboriginal voices at the centre of decision-making and ensures local communities guide priorities, project design and future opportunities.

The impact

The project planning has established a stronger foundation for collaboration between Landcare and Aboriginal communities across Tamworth and Liverpool Plains.

Expected long-term outcomes include:

  • Stronger and more respectful relationships between Landcare and Aboriginal communities.
  • Increased cultural awareness and confidence within the Landcare network.
  • Greater participation of Aboriginal people in Landcare activities and leadership opportunities.
  • Improved understanding and recognition of cultural knowledge and caring for Country practices.
  • Development of culturally safe policies, procedures and engagement frameworks.
  • Increased opportunities for Aboriginal-led environmental and community projects.
  • A lasting partnership model that can continue well beyond the life of the grant.

Most importantly, the project creates space for Aboriginal communities and Landcare to learn from one another, share knowledge and work together towards healthier landscapes and stronger communities.

Author: Ninna Douglas

Key facts

  • Project Partners:
  • North West Regional Landcarers
  • Tamworth Regional Landcare Association
  • Northern Slopes Landcare Association
  • Local Aboriginal Land Councils
  • Aboriginal Elders and Knowledge Holders
  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
  • Integr8y
  • Schools and Education Partners
  • Local Land Services
  • Community Groups and Volunteers

Project Partners