Narran Lake Nature Reserve joint management program

Narran Lake Nature Reserve is on Yuwaalaraay/Euahlayi Country. It’s a traditional meeting place for Aboriginal peoples in the region with many Dreaming paths leading to the reserve. There are also many sites of cultural significance in the area.

Located in the Murray-Darling Basin in central northern NSW, the unique reserve provides important breeding and feeding habitats for a range of waterbirds and protects 3 wetland-dependent threatened species. These environmental values are recognised through the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance.

Joint management of the reserve helps to protect Aboriginal culture and unique wetland habitats in this special place.

Joint management

In 2009, traditional custodians and Elders of the Yuwaalaraay/Euahlayi Nation formed the Narran Lake Nature Reserve Joint Management Committee (NLNRJMC). National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the committee agreed to an MoU for more effective joint management of the reserve.

The MoU agreement aims to strengthen Aboriginal involvement in managing Dharriwaa and empower them to:

• add input and strategic direction for site management
• ensure land management reflects traditional practices
• protect and conserve culturally significant items and areas
• identify and carry out culturally important projects.

The importance of working together was further solidified in the Narran Lake Nature Reserve plan of management. With the support of NPWS and the NLNRJMC, Dharriwaa’s abundant land, water, plants and animals will be protected for the benefit of the environment, traditional custodians and future generations.

Open day

Every year, the NLNRJMC works with NPWS, local schools and the community to host an open day on the reserve. It involves storytelling, dance, interpretative walks and information sessions about culture and land management. The annual event aims to educate school groups and the community about Aboriginal culture and conservation activities on the reserve. For updates on the next open day, contact the local NPWS office.