Working together to care for Country

A partnership built on Country, culture and shared responsibility

What does ‘Caring for Country’ mean?

For Aboriginal people, Country is much more than a place or piece of land. It encompasses the relationships between people, land, waters, culture and community.

Country holds deep cultural, spiritual and historical significance. Oral histories and creation stories connect people to lands and waters, carrying complex meanings, values and responsibilities that have been maintained for generations.

First Nations people hold rights and obligations to care for Country. Caring for Country involves maintaining cultural connections, sharing knowledge and looking after land and waters for current and future generations.

Traditional knowledge and cultural practices offer valuable perspectives on managing land, water and biodiversity. Built on thousands of years of observation, experience and connection to place, this knowledge can contribute to a deeper understanding of local landscapes and environmental change.

The Northern and Yorke Landscape Board supports opportunities to respectfully bring together First Nations knowledge and contemporary land management practices. By bringing different knowledge systems together, we can support healthier landscapes and improve outcomes for Country.

Everyone has a role to play

Whether you are a landholder, farmer, community organisation, business, local government, researcher or community member, there are opportunities to contribute to healthier landscapes while respecting the cultural values of Country.

The Northern and Yorke Landscape Board encourages people to:

• learn about the Country on which they live and work
• respect Aboriginal cultural knowledge and heritage
• engage early with relevant First Nations organisations
• participate in landscape restoration and conservation
• support First Nations-led initiatives
• share knowledge and experience
• look for opportunities to work collaboratively

Healthy Country Planning

The process provides a structured way for communities to discuss what is important to them and develop a shared vision for the future. It helps identify priorities across a range of areas, including cultural sites, native vegetation, watercourses, native species, enterprise opportunities and spending time on Country.

Healthy Country Planning is supported by an action plan that outlines practical steps, projects and activities to help achieve community priorities and objectives. These plans provide a clear framework for guiding future work and supporting long-term outcomes for Country.

The Northern and Yorke Landscape Board supports Healthy Country Planning across the region by coordinating and funding activities to develop Healthy Country Plans. This work is undertaken in collaboration with Traditional Custodians and independent subject matter experts who facilitate the planning process and support communities to document their priorities.

Healthy Country Plans provide a foundation for identifying projects, partnerships and opportunities that reflect community aspirations and support the ongoing care of Country.

Knowledge and partnerships

Working with First Nations Ranger Programs

Ranger programs provide opportunities for First Nations people to care for Country, strengthen cultural connections and apply knowledge on Country.

The Australian Government’s Indigenous Rangers Program supports First Nations people to manage Country according to Traditional Custodians aspirations. Rangers combine traditional knowledge and cultural practices with Western science to manage land, river and sea Country and deliver environmental, cultural, social and economic outcomes.

The Northern and Yorke Landscape Board is working alongside First Nations ranger teams in the region to identify opportunities to support their aspirations, strengthen capability and apply ranger knowledge and skills on Country.

More information:

Indigenous Rangers Program – National Indigenous Australians Agency