Healthy vision project helps Aboriginal groups in conservation efforts

THE Visions for Healthy Country project is helping Aboriginal organisations across the North Coast protect threatened species while passing on intergenerational knowledge in conservation work.

It has been funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by North Coast Local Land Services.

Activities include weed control, fire management, threatened species surveys, and cultural events, providing meaningful engagement and employment opportunities while embedding traditional knowledge into modern conservation practices.

Recently, Aboriginal leaders and community members gathered at the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens to share knowledge about the critically endangered native guava and other species affected by myrtle rust.

Project partners are monitoring the plants and contributing data to national conservation programs.

The project also focuses on skills development, with training camps in weed and fire management, including basic firefighter training.

The training has been led by Birrigan Gargle cultural heritage manager Grant Brown.

“Training up my people to manage our own lands using both traditional knowledge and modern practices has been a highlight of my 20-year career so far,” he said.

“Words can’t describe how proud I feel to be using fire as a management tool on my traditional lands. I want to see more Aboriginal practitioners helping other land managers care for Country and respond to emergencies when they occur.”

Andy Vinter, senior land services officer with North Coast Local Land Services, said the project empowers Aboriginal communities to continue both traditional and contemporary caring for Country practices.

“Supporting the professional development of Aboriginal practitioners will only increase opportunities for collaboration that lead to better outcomes for protecting biodiversity, emergency response, and the expression of Aboriginal culture,” he said.

“As the project develops, our focus will be on practical work that makes a real difference on Country.

“This includes conservation actions guided by cultural practices, cultural heritage surveys, and community events that strengthen intergenerational connections.”