First Nations Telegraph

Landcare Australia has welcomed Darwin-based Djungan man Ricky Archer as a recent addition to their Board of Directors. As a passionate landcarer and First Nations advocate, Mr Archer aims to help Landcare Australia integrate Indigenous knowledge with current landcare activities, providing both ecological and agricultural benefits.

 

A leader in Indigenous knowledge management, Mr Archer currently serves as the CEO of the North Australian Indigenous Land & Sea Management Alliance.

 

“I’m thrilled to join the board of Landcare Australia and look forward to creating strong opportunities for effective Indigenous involvement. We were the first landcarers, and I know my connection to country and professional experience will advance the incredible work of today’s landcare movement,” said Mr Archer.

“Across north Australia we have a long history of Caring for Country. Our knowledge system has been developed over 40,000 years and can greatly contribute to sustainable resource management in our country. 

 

“Landcarers across Australia are facing increasing challenges, but many of these have been overcome by Indigenous peoples for generations before them. It is increasingly important that we build relationships, share knowledge and collaborate in order to benefit our diverse community of landcarers and their work.

 

“I am hopeful that as a member of the Landcare Australia Board I can help build those connections, and broaden the success of the wider landcare movement here in Australia,” said Mr Archer.

 

Mr Archer is one of four new board members appointed by Landcare Australia, joining Co-Founder of Intrepid Landcare Naomi Edwards (QLD), agribusiness professional Anna Hooper (SA) and fifth generation grazier James Waler (QLD). Board Chair Doug Humann AM has welcomed the appointments, which were a culmination of an extensive national search.

 

“The new Directors will ensure the Board is well placed to support stronger engagement with the diverse landcare community, including First Nations people and young landcarers,” said Mr Humann.

 

“They will assist guide the establishment of new partnership opportunities and programs to generate much needed support for the landcare movement into the future.