Partnership approach to caring for Country

In a new approach to managing local landscapes, Council is partnering with Aboriginal land management experts.

The City of Whittlesea has partnered with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to have the Narrap Ranger Unit work on Country alongside Council.

The Narrap Rangers work across Wurundjeri Country using both conventional environmental conservation and land management practices and Wurundjeri cultural practices.

“We have so much to learn from our Traditional Owners regarding conservation land management, so this partnership is very exciting,” City of Whittlesea Administrator Peita Duncan said.

“Places like the Plenty Gorge, the Merri Creek and Quarry Hills Regional Parkland have been the subject of cultural heritage investigations in recent years. These studies aim to tell the story of local landscapes and identify the significance of place. By working with the Narrap Rangers, we can build greater opportunities for reconnection with country.”

Since July, the Narrap Rangers have been focusing on Quarry Hills Regional Parkland, where works prioritise restoring natural areas and reducing weeds through controlled burns.

In addition, Narrap and Council have been enhancing areas of native vegetation and preparing areas for upcoming cultural burns – a traditional practice that has been used by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people for generations as a way of managing, regenerating and healing Country.

The work undertaken by the Narrap Rangers will continue returning elements of traditional caring for Country practices back to the natural landscapes across the City of Whittlesea and their expertise will assist in decision-making on appropriate land management.