Traditional Paakantyi Language of the Kurnu-Baakandji nation used in this article. (L. A. Hercus – Paakantyi Dictionary).

The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder’s (CEWH) Science Program funds the Flow Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (Flow–MER).

Figure 1 Welcome smoking ceremony at Toorale Shearers Quarters. Photo credit Tamara Kermode.

On June 17 the Kurnu-Baakandji People, 2rog Consulting, University of New England, DPI Fisheries and members from the Toorale Joint Management Committee and National Parks and Wildlife Services gathered on Toorale National Park to share cultural and science knowledge (Figure 1).

Figure 2 Kurlaku at Booka Dam. Photo credit Tamara Kermode.

We were visited by Kurlarku (Brolga) during the day (Figure 2 and 3). They called to us as they flew over, and Elder Badger Bates shared with us that the Kurlaku were letting us know we were doing something good.

Figure 3 The Kurlaku as they soar the skies over Toorale Shearers Quarters, letting us know we are doing good things. Photo credit Tamara Kermode.

Managing water for the environment is a collective and collaborative effort, working in partnership with communities, private landholders, scientists and government agencies – these contributions are gratefully acknowledged.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, work and play. We also pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.