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Environment and Heritage
Environment and Heritage

Purpose of Aboriginal joint management

The joint management of parks aims to protect and sustain our parks and reserves, and support Aboriginal culture and practice.

 

The joint management of parks and reserves is important for the successful ongoing management of our lands and waterways.

Joint management includes working together to:

  • encourage the continuing practice of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal culture in the ongoing management of parks and reserves
  • enhance sustainable use of resources as part of the continuing practice
  • manage and reduce impacts on areas of high cultural significance
  • make decisions about park management
  • involve Aboriginal people in education and tourism programs, such as the Discovery Ranger Program
  • ensure Aboriginal people are involved when cultural stories about a park and/or areas that are important to Aboriginal people are chosen and shared
  • develop plans of management, Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments, fire, pest and weed, and other management plans for a park
  • improve employment, education, training or contracting opportunities for Aboriginal people
  • in some cases, provide a financial return to the Aboriginal community.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned these webpages may contain images of people who have passed away.

  • A small group participates in an Aboriginal cultural heritage workshop at Royal National Park. Participants gather around an instructor who shares traditional knowledge and practices, surrounded by natural bushland. The workshop aims to foster understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture and connection to Country.
    Aboriginal cultural heritage workshop, Royal National Park, 50th NPWS celebrations 2017
    Aboriginal cultural heritage workshop, Royal National Park, 50th NPWS celebrations 2017
    Image Credit: Lachlan Copeland/DPE
  • Children engage in an outdoor WilderQuest activity in Sea Acres National Park, exploring nature under the guidance of a park ranger. Surrounded by tall trees and lush vegetation, the group learns about the local environment and Indigenous connections to the land.
    WilderQuest Discovery tour, Sea Acres National Park
    WilderQuest Discovery tour, Sea Acres National Park
    Image Credit: Kevin Ho
  • An Aboriginal ranger conducts a cultural burn at Mogo, surrounded by eucalyptus forest. The controlled burn, part of traditional land management, is conducted carefully to clear undergrowth, promote biodiversity, and maintain the health of the ecosystem, highlighting cultural practices.
    Mogo cultural burn
    Mogo cultural burn
    Image Credit: L Oliver/DPE
  • An Aboriginal ranger presents a guided tour in Mungo National Park, with a lush green landscape stretching into the background. The ranger is part of a guided cultural heritage tour, highlighting the area’s deep Aboriginal significance and connection to Country.
    NPWS ranger leading a guided tour, Mungo National Park, Willandra Lakes World Heritage Region
    Mungo National Park, Willandra Lakes World Heritage Region, NPWS ranger, guided tour
    Image Credit: John Spencer/DPE
  • An Aboriginal ranger stands in a clearing among shrubbery in Mungo National Park, with a vast, arid landscape visible in the background. The ranger is part of a guided cultural heritage tour, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the region.
    NPWS ranger leading a guided tour, Mungo National Park, Willandra Lakes World Heritage Region
    Mungo National Park, Willandra Lakes World Heritage Region, NPWS ranger, guided tour
    Image Credit: John Spencer/DPE
  • An Aboriginal guide leads visitors on a cultural tour at La Perouse, sharing stories of local Aboriginal history and connection to the coastal landscape. The tour provides insights into traditional knowledge and the deep relationship between people and Country.
    Kadoo Tours, La Perouse
    Kadoo Tours La Perouse
    Image Credit: Dallas Kilponen
  • Participants observe Aboriginal engravings on rocks during a guided tour at Grotto Point in Sydney Harbour National Park. An Aboriginal guide explains the cultural significance of these carvings, connecting visitors with Indigenous heritage within the urban landscape.
    Guided tour of historic Aboriginal rock art, Grotto Point Aboriginal Site, Dobroyd Head
    Guided tour, Grotto Point Aboriginal Site, Dobroyd Head. Historic Aboriginal rock art.
    Image Credit: Simone Cottrell/DPE
  • Ancient Aboriginal rock carvings at the Guringai site, etched into a sandstone surface. The engravings feature distinctive shapes and patterns, including circles and linework, symbolising cultural stories and heritage. The conservation project highlights the importance of preserving these significant carvings to maintain connections to Indigenous history and traditions.
    Guringai Rock Art Conservation Project
    Guringai Rock Art Conservation Project
    Image Credit: M Cooper/DPE
  • A display table with assorted Aboriginal crafts arranged for a children’s discovery workshop. The crafts include items decorated with traditional patterns and natural materials, showcasing Aboriginal artistry and cultural significance. This setup highlights the importance of hands-on activities in teaching children about Aboriginal heritage and cultural practices.
    Discovering Aboriginal crafts at Kiandra: stone implements, boomerangs and traditional rope making
    Discovering Aboriginal crafts at Kiandra - stone implements, boomerangs, traditional rope making
    Image Credit: L Morrell/DPE
  • Clontarf dancers perform the Ibis Dance in traditional attire, celebrating Aboriginal culture through movement and song. The dancers, wearing body paint and feathers, convey stories and connections to nature, highlighting the role of dance in cultural expression and preservation.
    Clontarf Academy perform an ibis-inspired dance in Gwydir valley, Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area.
    Clontarf Academy perform an ibis inspired dance in Gwydir valley, Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area
    Image Credit: Lee Middleton/DPE

Contact us

Aboriginal Heritage and Partnerships

Email: [email protected]