Lurlene Hendersen and BMRG independent chairman Russell Stewart signing the MOU (November 2006)
Wakka Wakka Cherbourg School Dance Troup (TOWG Forum held 19 March 2007)
Wakka Wakka Cherbourg School Dance Troup (TOWG Forum held 19 March 2007)
Burnett Mary Regional Group
Caring for country: BMRG working with Traditional Owners
An exciting partnership in late 2006 was the formalisation of the Burnett Mary Regional Group's Traditional Owner working group (TOWG) to more effectively engage Traditional Owners in the region.
The working group has been in development for 18 months and at the TOWG meeting at Eidsvold on 20 November 2006, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between BMRG and the Traditional Owners that have a connection to the country in the region.
The TOWG identifies in their 'charter' as being the united voice of the respective Traditional Owner peoples in the region and being the first point of reference for business relating to NRM and caring for country.
The main aim of the TOWG is to seek, develop and implement improvements in the management of traditional lands for their people in their own right, and in conjunction with other sectors.
The MoU also includes the TOWG electing BMRG board directors for their sector.
Indigenous representatives on the TOWG include Butchulla, Bailai, Djaku-Nde, Jangerie Jangerie, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, Jinibara, Cherbourg Shire Council, Kabi Kabi, Taribelang Bunda, Wakka Wakka and Wulli Wulli.
BMRG's regional NRM plan Country to Coast - a healthy sustainable future includes investment for country, heritage and indigenous targets to the total of $656 000. The types of activities identified for future investment may include:
- development of a regional Traditional Owner NRM plan.
- continued development of protocols for Traditional Owner groups.
- the capture of traditional ecological knowledge for the elders.
- development of promotional materials for use at key events by, and for, Traditional Owners.
- leveraging assistance through Indigenous volunteers to engage expertise to deliver corporate governance training.
- incorporation of a mediation process to assist TOWG grievances.
The partnership is an exciting step forward in the development of engagement protocols and the identification and promotion of special values that Indigenous people have for their land, sea and river country.
Last updated 05 April 2007