First Nations Telegraph

Champion Indigenous landcarers, Victoria’s Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Narrap Unit, have been announced as the winners for the 2022 KPMG Indigenous Land Management Award at the National Landcare Awards Gala Dinner.

The Narrap Unit cares for Wurundjeri Country by blending conventional environmental conservation and land management methods with Wurundjeri cultural practices, and is currently one of the only Traditional Owner groups within Australia delivering Natural Resource Management (NRM) services in the open market. Due to their incredible work and demand for their services, the current team of 20 full-time employees - all with a Cert III in Conservation Land Management, is expected to grow to 40 in the next year.

“We’re honoured to accept this award which acknowledges the benefits thousands of years of cultural knowledge brings to land management here in Australia,” said Narrap Unit Manager and Wurundjeri Elder, Sean Hunter.

“Providing our people with meaningful, secure employment where they can not only connect with Country but elevate the cultural ecological values of Country and Aboriginal perspectives, has never been more important.”

“We hope our work will inspire young Aboriginal people across Australia to pursue a future in conservation and land management, and join us in our commitment to restoring and managing the health of Country.”

KPMG Australia Chief Purpose Officer Richard Boele who presented the award congratulated the Narrap Unit on their achievements, saying their success demonstrated why First Nations leadership in land management was critical for the future of conservation in Australia.

“The Narrap Unit are champions in Indigenous land management. First Nations people were the first landcarers and are the custodians of over 40,000 years of knowledge and the Narrap Unit’s incredible achievements show exactly why indigenous land managers are essential for ensuring positive conservation outcomes across Australia,” said Mr Boele.

“I congratulate all the members of the Narrap Unit on their well-deserved win and their outstanding success in landcare. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Country and the community.”