Abstract 1: Revitalising Ryans Lagoon: Restoring Traditional Custodianship and Ecological Balance Together
Nestled on the Murray River floodplain in Victoria, below Lake Hume, Ryans Lagoon Conservation Reserve has been transformed from cow paddocks into a thriving ecological and cultural haven, thanks to impactful partnerships. These collaborations were pivotal in returning the management of Ryans Lagoon to traditional custodians, the Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation (DDAC), giving DDAC the opportunity to share their rich culture and traditional skills.
Rangers from DDAC are involved in ecological thinning, weed management, pest control, and revegetation of native grasses and wetland plants for traditional uses. The site also serves as a hub for cultural burning, harvesting, and educational activities.
Additionally, efforts have been made to restore a natural hydrological regime to the Nationally Important wetlands, currently cut off from Murray flows. The delivery of environmental water supports habitat for species important to DDAC, including the endangered Sloane’s Froglet, totemic turtle species, and a diverse array of waterbirds.
Speaker: Beau Murray, Uncle Phil Murray & Catherine McInerney
Abstract 2: Galangoor Gira Wallum Djaa: Comparing Cultural and Conventional Fire Regimes in Wallum Country
In 2024, Butchulla fire practitioners conducted two distinct fire treatments in Wallum Country: a high-intensity “hot burn” for asset protection and a low-intensity “cultural burn” grounded in Traditional Knowledge. The project measured outcomes across soil temperature, canopy scorch, vegetation loss, and faunal activity. Results showed that the hot burn caused significant vegetation mortality and slower post-fire recovery. In contrast, the cultural burn preserved canopy structure, encouraged native groundcover regeneration, and supported rapid fauna return. Beyond ecological benefits, the cultural burn enabled intergenerational knowledge sharing and strengthened cultural connections to Country. This work demonstrates that Indigenous-led fire practices are not only ecologically sound but culturally essential. The findings point to the importance of incorporating Traditional Knowledge into land and fire governance frameworks to build climate resilience and promote regenerative land stewardship.
Speaker: Sydney Collett & Conway Burns
Abstract 3: Culture and Country – small wins for big gains
The SA Arid Lands Landscape Board supports the management of over half of South Australia (520 000 sq/kms) which incorporates the traditional lands of 18 First Nations Groups. Partnering with communities to support on Country visits to manage and protect places and culture is a core value of the board. This is amid the challenges and opportunities presented by a range of other industries and land users now calling the region home. With greater input of First Nations partners in the board’s work, the board supports First Nation’s pastoral enterprises, ranger programs, healthy country planning, pest plant and animal control, protection of culturally sensitive species and places and more. There are many small wins, which when connected, begin to feel extra big!
With persistence, authenticity, patience and trust, together we are learning to celebrate every win, value all the knowledges and gradually restore some balance in Community, Country and Culture.
Speaker: Jodie Gregg-Smith
Abstract 4: Grounded in Country: Building Resilience through Cultural Understanding and Landscape Awareness
As the Cultural Broker for Gulf Savannah NRM, I have witnessed firsthand how our landscapes — both physical and cultural — are changing. Both Indigenous and Resilient organizations are those who stand firmly grounded in their Country, seeing the reality of environmental, social and economic shifts clearly, and responding with understanding, respect and agility. This workshop explores how Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural brokerage, and community-driven insights strengthen organizational resilience. By “standing where we are,” we can better navigate complex trajectories — climate change, shifting economies, community pressures — and shape sustainable futures. Participants will engage in reflective dialogue, case studies from the Gulf Savannah, and practical strategies for embedding cultural frameworks into their resilience planning. Together, we’ll explore how understanding our present landscape clearly enables us to sustain not only our people but the places and knowledge systems we care for.
Speaker: Natarsha Bell
