We are delighted to share that the Bagaaybidi Gali Group and Toorale Joint Management Committee supported by 2rog have been successful in obtaining funding under the Australian Government’s Cultural Flows Planning for Cultural Economies program. The Federal Government’s $20 million investment in the program represents a significant step toward enabling First Nations peoples in the Murray–Darling Basin to realise their Cultural flows aspirations. Through this initiative, First Nations groups are supported to develop Cultural Flows Plans, strengthen governance structures, and establish water-dependent economic opportunities, laying the foundation for greater participation in water ownership and management.
In partnership with the Gamilaroi/Gomeroi/Gamilaraay and Kurnu-Baakandji Nations, 2rog will contribute to the delivery of two Cultural Flows planning projects across the Gwydir and the Junction of the Warrego/Darling regions. These projects will be undertaken in collaboration with members of the Gamilaroi/Gomeroi/Gamilaraay Nation, represented by the Bagaaybidi Gali Group in the Gwydir catchment and the Kurnu-Baakandji People represented by the Toorale Joint Management Committee (JMC) at Toorale National Park & State Conservation Area near Bourke. The work across both regions will be Nation-led, with community priorities, cultural knowledge, and decision-making guiding the direction and content of each plan.
Importantly, funds are dedicated to employ local Aboriginal people to help develop and deliver the plans. Local people will help develop better local decisions. And lead to better plans and management.
The projects will have a collaborative and community-led approach and the program provides a pathway for First Nations groups to strengthen their role in water management and prepare to independently lead future cultural water planning, ownership, and management. Further information is available on the DCCEEW Cultural Flows Planning for Cultural Economies Grants program website.
