From Acknowledgement to Action: Grassroots Community Landcare Embracing the Voice
By Turlough Guerin FAIA GAICD
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The "Voice to Parliament" referendum has instigated profound dialogue throughout the nation, echoing the crucial importance of incorporating First Nations' wisdom into contemporary governance. This resonates deeply with grassroots community Landcare. As the referendum’s influence permeates further into the realm of environmental stewardship, it's becoming increasingly apparent that merely acknowledging Indigenous voices isn't enough; we need to translate this acknowledgment into tangible action.
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A Renewed Emphasis on Indigenous Youth: One of the pivotal steps towards solidifying the inclusion of the "Voice" is empowering Indigenous youth. They carry forth the torch of their ancestors, blending ancient wisdom with a new-era perspective. It is time for Landcare NSW to roll out programs specifically designed to engage, educate, and empower Indigenous youth in Landcare projects. This will foster an atmosphere where they can both learn and lead.
Cultural Exchange Initiatives: To bridge the gap between contemporary and traditional knowledge, grassroots community Landcare can champion cultural exchange programs. These initiatives will enable broader Australian communities to immerse themselves in First Nations’ traditions and values, facilitating a deeper understanding and appreciation.
Research Partnerships: Collaboration with Indigenous communities isn’t limited to fieldwork. Landcare NSW merges traditional ecological knowledge with scientific methodologies by establishing research partnerships. This will continue to pave the way for sustainable innovations, with the potential to enhance land management.
Micro-Initiatives Led by Indigenous Communities: The future of grassroots Landcare should involve funding micro-initiatives proposed and led by Indigenous communities. This will not only respect and prioritise their voice but also ensure that projects are culturally sensitive and effective. We balance state-level initiatives with these very local initiatives. Landcare NSW does this well.
Recognition of Sacred Spaces: Landcare has always been about conservation and restoration. By collaborating with First Nations communities, we can identify and protect areas of cultural and spiritual significance. This will ensure that Landcare activities uphold the sanctity of these spaces, ensuring they're preserved for future generations.
Transparency and Continuous Dialogue: For the Voice to Parliament to truly resonate at the grassroots level, Landcare NSW advocates for transparent communication channels between Indigenous communities and the broader Australian population. Continuous dialogue ensures that projects align with community aspirations and our pressing environmental challenges. We know that this is hard to achieve.
Inclusivity in Leadership: For the Voice to be truly effective, there's a need to go beyond recognition and ensure representation. Grassroots community Landcare can strive to have more First Nations individuals in leadership roles, guiding the organisation with their unique perspectives.
In the words of an old Indigenous proverb, “We don’t inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” This sentiment encapsulates the ethos of Landcare NSW and is a reminder of the shared responsibility we have. As the discussions surrounding the Voice to Parliament referendum unfold, we are reminded that our actions today will echo through generations.
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It's not merely about honouring the legacy of the past but carving out a future that celebrates inclusivity, mutual respect, and shared stewardship of our treasured lands. Embracing the Voice is not just an obligation, but a privilege that enriches our collective journey. Let's journey together.
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NSW Government Parliament of NSW Local Land Services Landcare NSW National Landcare Network Tara Moriarty Penny Sharpe Chris Minns David Harris Aboriginal Affairs NSW Leslie Williams MP Linda Burney MP Australian Government Murray Watt Tanya Plibersek Andrew Leigh MP Anthony Albanese Australian Institute of Company Directors Governance Institute of Australia Ag Institute Australia (AIA) University of Sydney University of Melbourne Yes23