Growing cultural knowledge
A visit to Red Centre Enterprises, a proud First Nations business that grows native ingredients for food and medicine, is set to positively impact future revegetation efforts and on-ground projects.
As part of our commitment to building strong partnerships with First Nations communities, several of our landscape officers visited visited Red Centre Enterprises in Lower Light in May. It was an opportunity to learn from owners Yuandamarra and Nadia about the cultural and environmental value of native plants.
From traditional medicinal uses to their role in sustainable land management and commercial harvesting, the team gained valuable insights into how Indigenous knowledge can enhance our revegetation projects and ensure culturally respectful plant selection that benefits both Country and community. The visit was also an important step in exploring potential commercial opportunities and building ongoing business relationships with local First Nations businesses. The Board is committed to better understand its services and the value Red Centre Enterprises can add to our activities and projects.
These collaborations are key to supporting long-term, sustainable outcomes - rooted in respect, tradition, and shared stewardship of the land.
Here’s what our landscape officers had to say about the visit:
"Exploring the profound connection and wisdom Yuandamarra holds regarding plants - their properties, uses, and cultural significance - not only from a historical standpoint but also in how they can be adapted and applied in the modern world, was both enlightening and transformative," said Eloise Trickett. "This knowledge has expanded my perspective on how native plants can be woven into the fabric of contemporary life, offering benefits to the broader community and future generations.”
"Yuandamarra and Nadia were the most incredible, kind-hearted and knowledgeable people. The visit just blew my mind," said Philippa Wilkinson. "I didn’t realise there were so many plants that had medical properties and nutritious value too.”
“What I really took from the visit was the importance of growing culturally important plants on Country," said Nick Nicholls. "These plants have been distributed across the landscape by First Nations people for tens of thousands of years and Red Centre continuing this tradition is something well worth supporting and incorporating into planning future projects.”
