Mawambul joint management program

The Nari Nari Aboriginal people have inhabited their traditional Country of Kalyarr National Park for thousands of generations. They hold a deep connection to their lands, waters, plants and animals.

The plains, wetlands and lakes of the lower Lachlan and lower Murrumbidgee are rich in resources and continue to support Nari Nari traditions and culture today. Caring for Country is the essence of being Nari Nari and the community continues to actively care for their land.

Mawambul Co-Management Group

In 2010, Nari Nari Tribal Council (NNTC), Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council (Hay LALC) and NPWS formed the Mawambul Co-management Group under a MoU. They provide advice and direction on many parts of land and water management, for example:

• Aboriginal heritage assessments for activities and projects
• management, conservation and protection of Aboriginal heritage
• signage, interpretation and education programs
• facilitation of Aboriginal cultural activities including on-Country cultural camps.

The 3 groups involved in the agreement proactively share knowledge and resources to reach common goals and targets in the jointly managed area.

Joint management wins

The Mawambul Co-Management Group have achieved many great things within the MoU area including:

• The development of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan and induction program for NPWS staff, government staff, researchers, and contractors.
• Supporting cultural camps for teaching and healing.
• Aboriginal site management including hearths and stone artefacts and recording over 600 Aboriginal sites across the MoU area.
• Creating entrance signs for Kalyarr National Park and the Wooloodool Precinct of Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park.
• Installing cultural signage at Lake Ita picnic area.
• Repatriation of Aboriginal ancestral remains.
• Support for Aboriginal women’s programs including weaving, language research and field trips.