LAND RIGHTS NEWS PAGES 4-5 - NORTHERN EDITION
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LAND RIGHTS NEWS NORTHERN EDITION
GUNMUL 2022 • NLC.ORG.AU
PAGES 4-5
ANCIENT CYCADS SAVED
CARING FOR COUNTRY EXCLUSIVE INSIDE! OAM FOR MR YOUNG NAJUKPAYI
AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST ABORIGINAL NEWSPAPER. SINCE 1973.
NEWS
EDITORIAL
Land Rights News
2022 so far: Historic land handbacks and
Northern Edition
is published by keeping our mob safe from Covid-19
Chairman Samuel A message from vaccinated and for their
Bush-Blanasi for the kids five years and up to
Northern Land Council. the Northern get their jabs.
ISSN 2653-3723 Land Council I want to thank the
Traditional Owner groups and
We welcome stories Chairman Samuel Aboriginal service agencies
and photos, contact
media@nlc.org.au. Bush-Blanasi who have been doing so
much work to keep their
WELCOME to the first mob safe and operate within
edition of Land Rights NT Health and Chief Health
NLC CONTACTS News for the year. Officer guidelines and rules.
It has been a tough start Although the Biosecurity
to the year as we continued Zones ended at midnight on
Northern Land Council to fight to keep our mob safe 3 March, we still must be
45 Mitchell St from Covid-19 while still careful to protect ourselves
Darwin NT 0820 doing our business. from Covid-19.
(08) 8920 5100 In early February the The virus is still out there,
NLC welcomed the decision and we need to prepare for
nlc.org.au by the Commonwealth the next wave, as it’s not Mr Bush-Blanasi at the Mataranka Showgrounds for the
government, with going away any time soon. handback of Urapunga township and Old Elsey Homstead site.
FOLLOW US the support of the NT So, remember, get the jab,
government, that Biosecurity stay safe, stay on country the Urapunga Township were the Honourable Ken Wyatt
@northernlandcouncil Zones would be established and care for family. returned to Aboriginal hands, AM MP, joined Traditional
across the NLC area to help On a more positive note, allowing Traditional Owners Owners and their families at
slow the spread of the virus. March 24 was a historic to determine the future Mataranka Showgrounds and
@NLC_74
The Biosecurity Zones day with six handbacks of use of their land. later in the day at Cooinda to
were in place for two weeks Aboriginal land in one day. The handbacks marked celebrate the handbacks and
@northernlandcouncil and then were extended Four land claims totalling the end of a long journey to deliver the deeds of title.
another two weeks. 9,733 square kilometres in with some claims more You can read more about
Watch This gave Traditional Kakadu National Park; a land than 30 years old. these historic handbacks
NLC TV on YouTube Owners and community claim incorporating the Old The Minister for on pages 4 and 5.
members more time to get Elsey Homestead site; and Indigenous Australians,
SUBSCRIPTIONS
To subscribe fill out
the online form at
Good start heralds productive year ahead
nlc.org.au A message from the Northern Land innovative and collaborative approaches to land management
led by some passionate Indigenous organisations, some of
Council CEO Joe Martin-Jard NLC’s own ranger groups included. The NLC will continue
ADVERTISING
to support and recognize the hard and innovative work of
Next publication THE Northern Land Council is facing another challenging but Indigenous people in the carbon market, especially over the
date is June 2022 exciting year. Already we have seen some big achievements coming fire season.
Rates are at nlc.org.au/ here at the NLC which, if they are any reflection of the year to NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi and I look forward to
media-publications or come, herald productive change for the future of Aboriginal working with our constituents across the Top End to further
email media@nlc.org.au people across the Top End. strengthen the voice of communities in the coming months.
Firstly, the Aboriginal Sea Company (ASC) was established
Circulation: in February, marking a major milestone in the historic
4,000 print and 700 Blue Mud Bay settlement. Not only will the ASC create
digital subscribers opportunities for employment, it will enable Aboriginal people
to implement profitable and sustainable fishing policies and
care for their most precious resource in a way only they know.
FRONT COVER The NLC’s submission on the NT Government’s Strategic
Traditional Owners Water Plan Directions Paper in January called for Aboriginal
with Minister Wyatt people to be taken seriously in water management
at Cooinda on arrangements across the NT, and to be placed front and
24 March 2022. centre as part of the development of the Strategic Water
Plan. We look forward to seeing how the agenda to 2050
Gunmul is the Yolngu
addresses the issues Aboriginal people are facing with water
Matha word for the
quality across the Top End.
mid wet season
The NLC was proud to be a gold sponsor of the North
(March-April) in north-
Australia Savanna Fire Forum and the inaugural National
east Arnhem Land. Mr Martin-Jard with Djok Traditional Owner Jeffrey Lee at the
Indigenous Carbon Forum hosted by the Indigenous Carbon
Industry Network (ICIN). Both were wonderful examples of Kakadu land handback held at Cooinda.
2 Land Rights News • Northern Edition Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.au
NEWS
Voices from the bush: Doing our best to stay safe
during Covid-19’s spread
ON THE COVID SITUATION IN THE EAST ARNHEM REGION
“We are alright. I always get my mob to be on the safe side of
everything. Better to be safe than sorry.
The numbers are rising. If people test positive they self-isolate.
They understand what this thing is all about, especially the sickness
time. They’re getting to know the feeling and how they take care of
themselves and their family. ”
DJAWA YUNUPINGU, EAST ARNHEM NLC EXECUTIVE MEMBER
ON HOW THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS IMPACTED BUSINESS IN
KATHERINE
“We’ve been challenged in our [Jawoyn Association] office with staff
in all of our programs who just haven’t been able to attend work. It
has put a lot of pressure on us as an organisation to deliver services
out in the communities.
We are struggling. It’s impacting us big time, but we’re taking it one
day at a time.”
LISA MUMBIN, CHAIR OF THE JAWOYN ASSOCIATION AND NLC
FULL COUNCIL MEMBER
ON THE COVID SITUATION IN THE BORROLOOLA BARKLY AREA
“We’ve had a couple of cases in our region of the Coronavirus, in
Elliott.
Those people are isolating at the moment.
The majority of us are doing the right thing, but sometimes some of
the people that have COVID, who are meant to be isolating, are not
isolating”
CHRIS NEADE, BORROLOOLA BARKLY NLC EXECUTIVE MEMBER
ON THE COVID SITUATION IN ROBINSON RIVER
“Everything is pretty much quiet at Mungoorbada, it’s pretty
functional. When we had the lockdown we got support from the NLC
and the NT government’s health team.
Our message to essential service workers coming into our
community would be - if you’re coming into land trust to respect
Traditional Owners and the people on the ground that you work with
and they will respect you.
We’ll try and make it better and safe for everyone.”
RICHARD ‘DICKIE’ DIXON, NLC DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 3
LAND RIGHTS
‘45 years of unfinished business’ resolved with
handback of land at Kakadu
Traditional Owners of the land in the Kakadu region celebrated
the long-overdue return of their ancestral lands to their control
following the delivery of the Deeds of Title to large tracts of the
Kakadu National Park by the Minister for Indigenous Australians,
the Honourable Ken Wyatt AM MP.
AT a ceremony held at Cooinda on 24 March, Minister Wyatt handed back to Traditional Owners
and their families the inalienable freehold title over four land claim areas comprising about 50
per cent of the Park.
Northern Land Council Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi congratulated Traditional
Owners on the long-awaited return of their country following the settlement of the Kakadu
Region Land Claims.
“Today’s land grants to the Kakadu Aboriginal Land Trust, to be held on behalf of the
Traditional Owners, complete 45 years of unfinished business,” Mr Bush-Blanasi said.
“Back in 1977, the Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry recommended the recognition of
the land in the Alligator Rivers Region - what we know as stage one, Kakadu National Park - as
Aboriginal land under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
“For too long there have been two classes of land in Kakadu National Park – Aboriginal land
and other land ‘subject to Aboriginal land claim’. Today that has been fixed once and for all time.
“This land that has been returned is the traditional country of the Limilngan/Minitja,
Murumburr, Garndidjbal, Yurlkmanj, Wurngomgu, Bolmo, Wurrkbarbar, Matjba, Uwinymil, Bunidj,
Djindibi, Mirrar Gundjeihmi and Dadjbaku peoples.”
Mr Bush-Blanasi said the return of land to the Traditional Owners heralds a range of new and
exciting opportunities.
“The resolution of the underlying land title will allow for new investment and tourism
opportunities. We are already seeing the development of more locally-owned and operated
Aboriginal tourism and other business enterprises in Kakadu.
“There are new opportunities for Traditional Owners to be directing, involved in and to benefit
from improved and enhanced park operations, fire abatement programs and the new carbon
economy,” he said.
As part of the handback arrangements, the land will be leased back to the Director of
National Parks, which will provide ongoing rental income to traditional owners.
"Land security is economic security and this move empowers Aboriginal Territorians to use Murumburr elder Violet Lawson said it's been a "long hard road
their land for their future," Minister Wyatt said. since land rights first came in but the whole thing finally arrived".
Minister Wyatt joined Traditional Owners from the Kakadu region to celebrate the return of their ancestral lands. [Images: on pages 4 and 5 by Glenn Campbell]
4 Land Rights News • Northern Edition Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.au
LAND RIGHTS
Traditional Owners rejoice as Urapunga and Old Elsey
Homestead site handed back
At a ceremony in Mataranka on 24 March,
Minister Wyatt joined Traditional Owners
and their families to deliver the Deeds
of Title to the Urapunga township to the
Urapunga Aboriginal Land Trust (ALT)
and the Old Elsey Homestead site to the
Mangarrayi ALT.
URAPUNGA is a small Chairman Samuel
community 320km south- Bush-Blanasi said that
east of Katherine and is on the handback of land
the traditional country of the represented a bittersweet
Budal Yutpundji-Milwarapara end to the long struggle
group, who speak the fought by many generations Minister Uibo, Dr Daniels, Senator McCarthy, Minister Wyatt and members of the Mangarrayi ALT.
Ngalakan language. of Traditional Owners.
Like many similar “The old people for this
‘townships’ established country have handed down
around this time, Urapunga stories about terrible days
was officially proclaimed in the Urapunga area and
in 1887 but land in the town right along the Roper River
remained unsold and the country back in the 1870s
town struggled to thrive and 1880s. Our mob didn’t
other than on paper. want pastoral development
Since the passage of and there were many violent
the Aboriginal Land Rights confrontations between our
(Northern Territory) Act mob and the pastoralists and
1976 (the Land Rights others who followed them,”
Act) a number of parcels said Mr Bush-Blanasi.
of land in the area have “Back in those days our
been recognised as people were shot at with
Aboriginal land. rifles, they were hunted,
In 2001, the Budal but they and the many
Yutpundji-Milwarapara generations that followed
group were successful them have survived. Today Andy Peters (left) and senior Traditional Owner Eric Woods (right), lead the Bunggul during the
in their native title claim we honour the lives of handover ceremony at Mataranka showgrounds
but technical issues the old people who kept
concerning road tenure our laws, our culture, country following the
frustrated progression our language and our settlement of the Elsey
of the settlement until lives strong. Region Land Claim (No. 245).
an Indigenous Land Use “Here we are today at the That claim was lodged in
Agreement (ILUA) reflecting Mataranka Showgrounds as 1997, but for reasons beyond
the native title determination guests of the Najig clansmen the control of Aboriginal
over that land was and women of the Yangman people it was not until 2019
finalised in 2005. people, and we celebrate the that the land was recognised
In 2019 the areas in fact that after all these years to be held in trust by the
Mangarrayi ALT on behalf NLC Executive Council member Dr Daniels.
'It has been a long time coming but this of the traditional owners,
the Bobobingga clan of the
ceremony today links up our ancestors Yangman people.
with the current generations on this land.' “There are a lot of stories
NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi around this place and many
of them were told by the
the town of Urapunga the traditional owners have wrong people. Aboriginal
subject to the ILUA were their land back." people from here know
included in schedule one Mr Bush-Blanasi also the true stories about
of the Land Rights Act congratulated the Traditional what happened on this
following the passage Owners of the site of the country and all of the young
of the Aboriginal Land Old Elsey Homestead, near people here today can be
Rights (Northern Territory) Warloch Ponds south of happy that those stories
Amendment Bill 2018. Mataranka, on the long- are the true stories,” Mr
Northern Land Council overdue return of their Bush-Blanasi said. Minister Wyatt with members of the Urapunga ALT.
Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 5
CARING FOR COUNTRY
11 PAGE EXCLUSIVE
Ancient plants get new home in epic relocation mission
Coordinator Steven Brown region, this species of cycad
The Kenbi Rangers said the rangers have is classified as ‘vulnerable’
previous experience with under the Territory Parks and
have successfully transplanting cycads - in Wildlife Conservation Act.
extracted and 2016 they relocated plants Cycads as a plant group have
as part of the Ventia outlived the dinosaurs and
relocated nearly Remediation project many of the species found
150 cycad plants on Cox Peninsula. in the NT cannot be found in
He said a great deal any other part of Australia.
from the Finniss of care was taken during The Kenbi Rangers are
Lithium project the salvage operation, also conducting other
including keeping the environmental and cultural
site, protecting root systems intact and protection work on the mine
the plants identifying the correct soil site, including water quality
for their new home. monitoring, weed spraying
from possible “Taking on this task and sand bagging for flood
destruction. was a huge job, but the water damage prevention.
Kenbi Rangers pride Core’s 175,000 tonnes
THE precious plants were themselves on doing jobs per annum Finniss Lithium
identified by rangers that others believe cannot be Project is due to open in
conducting cultural heritage done,” said Mr Brown. late 2022. In March, the
monitoring work on Core One month on, Australian miner announced
Lithium’s proposed mine site the success of the it had locked in a deal to
on the Cox Peninsula near cycads’ relocation was supply lithium spodumene
Darwin last October. already evident. concentrate to Elon Musk’s
Kenbi Rangers, together “We have been back electronic vehicle company
with the team at EcOz to the site on a number Tesla over four years.
Environmental Consulting, of occasions and derive Core Lithium Managing
decided to move the enormous satisfaction in Director Stephen Biggins
147 Cycas armstrongii seeing the regrowth of new said the company is “thrilled
to safer grounds. leaves after such a short to have reached this
It took six rangers, a time,” he said. agreement with Tesla. “Tesla
Bobcat, an excavator, weeks Core Lithium has is a world-leader in electric
of meticulous planning and since told Mr Brown that vehicles and its investment
three days of hard work to the relocated cycads in offtake and interest in
carefully lift the cycads out have had an 87 per cent our expansion plans for
of the ground and transplant regrowth sucess rate. downstream processing are
them to their new location. Although found in very encouraging,” he said. Kenbi Ranger John 'Mango' Moreen with one of the 147 relocated
Kenbi Ranger abundance in the Darwin cycads.
The rescue team: (L to R) Jack Gardner, Ian McFarlane, Nadine Kurz, Steven Brown, John 'Mango' Kenbi Ranger Rex Sing moves a cycad plant with the help of
Moreen, Matt Beard, Rex Sing. Ranger Coordinator Steven Brown.
6 Land Rights News • Northern Edition Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.au
CARING FOR COUNTRY
11 PAGE EXCLUSIVE
Timber Creek women rangers protecting country
and culture
It’s been business as usual for Timber
Creek rangers despite pandemic
restrictions. NLC Ranger Compliance
Coordinator Carmen Taylor caught up
with the rangers in late January.
TIMBER Creek Rangers ticket so skippers the
are working hard to keep “Green Hornet” ranger
the community safe and vessel for patrols. She lives
running smoothly despite at a community 50km west
Covid-19 restrictions. of her workplace in Timber
Located about 200km Creek and travels daily.
east of the NT/WA border,
Timber Creek is the last Meet Ranger Monte
town on the Victoria
Highway heading west out
Cattermole
of the NT. During the dry Ms Cattermole has
season the town thrives been a ranger for about
with passing travellers and 12 months. She finished
tourists keen to see the school and heard there
biodiversity in flora and were ranger positions Timber Creek Rangers Monteanna "Monte" Cattermole, Cindy Archie and Makita Bobby.
fauna, Judbarra National available. Her mother and
Park, stunning escarpments, aunties were part of a
waterfalls and lookouts strong Timber Creek Ranger
and of course fishing on the team in 2006 and she fondly
mighty Victoria River. remembers watching them
Recently, the town has capture the invasive cane
been quieter than usual. Not toad. Her father was a police
only does the wet season officer and she knows that
mean less tourists, but the her role as a ranger will
Covid-19 pandemic reached provide her with a strong
some nearby communities career pathway.
and outstations, meaning Monte’s passion is the
ranger travel and meetings Junior Ranger Program and
were cancelled. But she hopes to work with the
the work continues for local school children with
the six NLC rangers flora and fauna surveys,
at Timber Creek. including bush tucker
Ms Taylor caught up with identification and traditional
three of the female rangers practices like language and
in late January to conduct basket weaving, handed Timber Creek Rangers regularly patrol around Policeman's Point, which overlooks the Victoria River.
compliance area planning down from her grandmother.
out on-country. She believes the more Last year she was flying
kids are involved with the in helicopters attending
Meet Senior Ranger
Cindy Archie
project, the more they will
be able to care for and
culture camps and hopes to
continue this year.
BENEFIT ENQUIRY
respect country and culture. The rangers are
Ms Archie has been continuing to look after
DO YOU HAVE A PAYMENT
a ranger since 2015. She Meet Ranger Makita community with weed
enjoys getting out on spraying, rubbish collection DISBURSEMENT (BENEFIT) ENQUIRY?
country with field trips,
Bobby and grass fuel load reduction
patrolling and generally Ms Bobby has also by slashing and mowing
Contact NLC Disbursement Hotline
looking after country been a ranger for about in anticipation of this
and her community. This 12 months. She had been years’ fire season.
includes weed spraying,
identifying and removing
waiting for a ranger position
for a while so is proud
They will follow the
practice of early 'cool' 1800 769 2589
illegal rubbish dumping and to wear the uniform and burning after the wet
biosecurity health checks follow her passions of season has passed to Visit us at 45 Mitchell Street in Darwin or email us at
on the local domestic pets going out bush, talking to reduce the likelihood of late
for any sign of disease. the old ladies and elders season wildfires. AnthropologyRoyaltyDistribution@nlc.org.au
Cindy holds her coxswain and visiting sacred sites.
Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 7
CARING FOR COUNTRY
11 PAGE EXCLUSIVE
Pros and cons of joint management of our
parks
The ideas and concerns of Traditional Owners need to be taken seriously when it comes to joint management
of our parks in the NT, writes NLC Caring for Country Joint Management Project Officer Anna Gordon.
JOINT management of NT and protect country. People important, and governance
parks has existed in the pay for preventing wildfires, training for all partners
Top End for over a decade. and Traditional Owners would be useful.
Negotiations between the can decide how to use this A proper monitoring
NT government and the money made from early and evaluation program
Land Councils, on behalf of season burning. Carbon would help the partners
Traditional Owners, started in projects require a lot of know what’s going well and
the early 2000s. people working together where they can improve.
New plans of over many years – rangers, All joint management
management were written land councils, Parks, and partners need to continue
with Traditional Owners to other organisations - but learning how to work better
guide how joint management have huge potential to together. This isn’t easy, it
would be put into practice. benefit Traditional Owners takes commitment and time
There were lots of promises in the long run. together on country.
made and expectations However, joint The NT government
raised for how joint management hasn’t lived is looking to the future
management would benefit up to all it was thought to as they write a 30 year
Traditional Owners. be. Politics changed funding Parks Masterplan from
How far has joint to employment programs 2022 to 2052. As partners
management come? Prior to that were essential for in managing a number
joint management, NT Parks giving local people training of NT Parks, Traditional
were not recognised as and flexible jobs on parks. Owners need to have a
Aboriginal Land – and there For joint management say in this plan.
are many benefits that come committee members, The NLC is planning a
with this recognition. government processes Joint management Forum The Judbarra National Park Joint Management Committee meets
with Traditional Owners from twice a year.
'We need to ensure Traditional Owners 24-26 May 2022 to discuss
are being listened to, learnt from and this plan and highlight
supported as decision-makers for their the key challenges and
opportunities ahead.
country.' Traditional Owners'
Traditional Owners now can be confusing and slow concerns and ideas need
have opportunities to work things down. This can be to be taken seriously so
on country, as rangers and frustrating for local people that real benefits can
through casual employment who want to see changes in flow to communities and
from commercial activities park management. country. We need to ensure
undertaken on the park, Country camps were Traditional Owners are being
such as crocodile egg meant to be every year, but listened to, learnt from
collection and removal of have been inconsistent, and supported as decision
feral animals. Traditional with some not happening makers for their country. Wardaman rangers attend an Indigenous Ranger Compliance
Owners also get a cut of for years. Providing access Support (IRCS) workshop at Giwining Nature Park late last year.
any income that is made to country where families
from people visiting and can share stories and
using the park for different teach young ones is key to
purposes, such as camping, maintaining culture. Parks
tours and mustering. need to respect the authority
Through Joint of Traditional Owners and
management committees, their valuable knowledge for
Traditional Owners get a managing country. Too often
say on where people like it is one-way rather than
scientists can go and what two-way management.
they can do. This helps in In many cases, Traditional
protecting important cultural Owners have developed good
sites and species by making relationships with Parks
sure people don’t go to the rangers and learnt a lot from
wrong places on country. partnering with NT Parks.
In some parks, the There is always more to
carbon industry is a big learn on both sides. Cultural (L to R): Maddy Stenmark, Basil Murrimal, Carmen Taylor, Bill Harney Senior, Jason Raymond, Timothy
opportunity to earn money training for Parks rangers is Allyson, Kenny Allyson, Douglas Cooper.
8 Land Rights News • Northern Edition Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.au
CARING FOR COUNTRY
11 PAGE EXCLUSIVE
Malak Malak Rangers’ skills called on for rescue of
fishing trio
THE skills and qualifications The police contacted Malak Rangers all worked
of the Malak Malak Rangers Malak Malak Ranger Theresa together to successfully
nearly came in handy in Lemon about assisting in rescue the trio”.
January, when two adults and looking for the trio. As the Acting Senior Sergeant
a child needed rescuing on local Daly River Police don’t Isobel Cummins said, “This
the Daly River. have coxswains certificates, was a fantastic result
The trio were on an Ms Lemon and her son Travis, and we are all very happy
extended fishing trip in also a Malak Malak ranger, to see these fishos back
the area when they were prepared one of the boats for safe and sound.
forced to activate their the rescue mission. “Police would like to
emergency beacon (EPIRB) However, just when they remind mariners of the
around 11am on 6 January, had done that the police importance of having Malak Malak Rangers Theresa Lemon and Travis Maloney
after their vessel had been contacted her to say a personal and vessel prepared the rescue boat for the stranded fishos.
overturned and beached due helicopter had located and safety equipment when
to poor weather. rescued the trio and were venturing out on Territory
Northern Territory Police transporting them back to waters,” she said.
said in a statement that the Darwin for assessment. “Without the activation
Joint Rescue Coordination The Northern Territory of their EPIRB the trio
Centre (JRCC) tasked police said: “In response to may have been stranded
Police Air Wing to fly over the EPIRB activation, JRCC, at the location for an
the area and confirm the the NT Joint Emergency extended period in what
location. The boaters had Services Call Centre, Water can be best be described as
written a message in the Police, Police Air Wing, unfavourable conditions.” Meanwhile - Malak Malak, Wardaman, Wagiman and Bulgul
sand for rescuers, indicating Off Shore Services, Daly Rangers recently came together for some Raindance aerial
they were all safe. River Police and the Malak incendiary training.
Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 9
CARING FOR COUNTRY
11 PAGE EXCLUSIVE
Meet NLC’s new Kakadu Joint Management Officer
Natasha Nadji, to communicate with those
outside of my family group.
NLC’s new Kakadu Cannon Hill is my first
Joint Management home, this is the country my
fathers’ family comes from.
Officer, sat down This is where I go to heal
with Land Rights myself and my family, the
country calls us home when
News to share we are gone for too long.
stories about her I am so privileged to have
a place that I can come back
family, growing up to and know I am safe and
on country and her can provide for my family. I
am lucky that our families
hopes for Kakadu fought to keep this country
National Park. what it is today, also proud
to have learned from some
“I am Natasha Nadji, known of our great leaders. Growing
as Tash to friends and up out here I was taught
family. I am a descendant to uphold the laws of our
Ms Nadji spoke at the land handback ceremony at Cooinda in late March.
of Bill Niedjie and Jonathon cultures and to be strong
Nadji, we are Bunitj and for our people, I am grateful all stakeholders involved.
Gaagadju people. I am also to have been given this To ensure that all parties force so our communities stakeholders and community
a descendant of Raidar knowledge of our fathers’ are adhering to the Land can become self-sustaining needs. Great teamwork will
Nesset and Sharon Auld, my country and laws. Rights Act and all other in all aspects of life. achieve great outcomes.
Norwegian descended family. I believe my role as the complexities, to help ensure In this position I am As a former ranger
I grew up in Jabiru and new Joint Management that the cultural knowledge looking forward to working and a Traditional Owner
at Cannon Hill Outstation, Officer is to support the passed on by Traditional closely with all the family I hope to see a future of
both places are held dear Traditional Owners in the Owners is always protected groups with ties to the Traditional Owners running
to my heart. I attended management of the park and and kept within the right clan management of the park, I and managing their own
the school in Jabiru, this is to help them maintain this groups. I hope to help our hope that we can all work businesses, and generations
where I gathered the skills connection to country and people become a stronger together to overcome some working continuously on
of the hurdles that have their homelands. I want
slowed down progress on to see the country taken
'I hope when my great grandchildren are
here in this world they get to experience
the land, culture and family kinship that
I'm blessed with.'
country and within the clans; care of the way my father
Covid-19, sorry business, and my generations have,
clan successions, seasonal with no restrictions to
work and much more. cultural practices and
With all the amazing responsibilities. Agreements
work that has already been upheld and fulfilled with
done I realise this is a big support and respect for
journey for everyone, I am each other, that have
proud to be taking this realistic outcomes for future
journey with them. This will families to thrive.
strengthen the relationships I hope that when my
between clan groups, I am great grandchildren are here
hoping that others from our in this world they get to
community take interest in experience the land, culture
similar positions throughout and family kinship that I am
Kakadu. This has always blessed with. I want to pass
been the hope for Kakadu’s my knowledge on to the next
future, Traditional Owners generations knowing that
and families to prepare they will be proud living the
for when the lease is same way their ancestors
finally handed back to our did: sharing, caring and
community and outstations protecting this wonderful
are being self-maintained way of life. I will work hard to
and self-sufficient. This will achieve this in my lifetime, I
help shape this position into know others do too.”
Natasha Nadji during her induction training at the NLC Darwin Head Office. what the Traditional Owners,
10 Land Rights News • Northern Edition Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.auCARING FOR COUNTRY
11 PAGE EXCLUSIVE
Unwanted rubber vine creeps across the border to NT
Waanyi/Garawa rangers While no plants were found on 300 brown seeds. Always keep a look out for rubber
the NT side of the border during the Rubber vine needs to be stopped vine and report any plants to the Weed
have been conducting latest survey, the threat is very close from establishing and spreading Management Branch.
surveys to search for the with rubber vine moving up drainage across the Northern Territory, If you would like further
lines close to the border. particularly in the Gulf region. information see nt.gov.au/weeds or
presence of rubber vine, Outside the ALT, new rubber vine Working together is the only way call the Weed Management Branch on
an invasive weed, within plants were found growing in the NT to keep the NT free of rubber vine. (08) 8999 4567.
and the Weed Management Branch
the Aboriginal Land Trust are working with the landowner
(ALT) that they operate on. to develop a surveillance and
control program.
WITH support from the NT Rubber vine is a Weed of National
Government Weed Management Significance and is a Class A (to be
Branch, the rangers surveyed the eradicated) declared weed in the
Waanyi/Garawa ALT in late March to Northern Territory.
determine whether rubber vine had The weed is considered is one of
crossed the border from Queensland. the biggest threats to NT waterways,
open woodlands and rainforests by
strangling native vegetation.
It spreads mainly by water and by
prevailing winds as its seed pods are
able to float in salt water for up to 40
days before becoming waterlogged.
Rubber vine plants have
distinctive white bell-shaped flowers
and grow as a shrub between 1-3
metres tall, or as a vine growing
up to 15 metres. There is a milky
sap when the plants are damaged.
Leaves are opposite, dark green and
glossy. The mid rib and stalks are
purplish in colour. Rubber vine also
has very distinct seed pods that
grow mostly in pairs and are 15 cm NTG District Weed Officer Brad Sauer, Waanyi/Garawa Rangers John Clarke and
Waanyi/Garawa Ranger John Clarke long. Each seed pod holds around Jeremiah Jackson and Ranger Coordinator Greg Doddrell.
Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 11CARING FOR COUNTRY
11 PAGE EXCLUSIVE
Tourist fees for NT parks to be introduced in 2023
THE NT Government will parks and reserves. parks and reserves so that we To visit a Territory park announced by the NT
introduce a Territory Parks Also, the Parks Pass can look after Country better or reserve for a day it cost Government in 2020.
Pass next year. does not apply to any urban in partnership with Traditional an adult $10; $30 for a “Before and since then,
The one-day, fortnight or parks and reserves. Owners,” she said. fortnight, and $60 for an Parks and Wildlife have been
open season pass will allow Park and Rangers Minister “We will continue to open season pass. Child, working and consulting with
a visitor to enter all Territory Selena Uibo said revenue share revenue with the family and tourism operator the tourism industry as well
parks and reserves. resulting from the Parks Pass Traditional Owners of Jointly rates will apply. as key stakeholders like
The introduction of a Parks will be used to support the Managed parks. A big Other states and the Land Councils. This is to
Pass fee will only apply to care and management of improvement in revenue will territories across Australia ensure that the price along
visitors from other states and the parks estate. mean more opportunities and New Zealand use a parks with the structure of the
territories, and from overseas. “Revenue from the Parks for Park Rangers and pass with a wide range of Parks Pass will reflect the
Territorians will be exempt Pass will be used to support Traditional Owners to work price structures. way tourism works in the
from a fee to enter Territory the care and management of together on Country.” The Parks Pass was Territory,” Ms Uibo said.
From next year visitors to Litchfield National Park and other NT parks will need to get a Parks Pass.
The Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020 – 2030 outlines key
initiatives to achieve a sustainable Aboriginal tourism sector and build on the
Territory’s strengths and cultural assets.
Grouped under five strategic pillars, the ten year strategy aims to lead the
Northern Territory Aboriginal development of the sector in partnership with Aboriginal people and operators,
Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 to deliver cultural and economic benefits for Aboriginal people.
ANNUAL REPORT CARD Read more about the NT Aboriginal Tourism Strategy report card at
www.tourismnt.com.au
Living Living Living Living Living
cultures communities lives landscapes interactions
Respectfully sharing our Strengthening knowledge Nurturing skills and Providing better access Improving communication,
Aboriginal cultures and understanding in developing support tools and services to engagement and
Aboriginal people and to create better business, destinations monitoring our
across networks job and industry success connections with
visitors and the industry
12 Land Rights News • Northern Edition Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.auCARING FOR COUNTRY
11 PAGE EXCLUSIVE
‘Grants enable Aboriginal More than 1,000 new
rangers to protect rangers to be employed
country’: Minister Uibo THE federal government is expanding the Indigenous Rangers Program,
which will see more Indigenous people involved in land and sea
THE NT Government’s Aboriginal Ranger Grants country management.
Over the next six years, $636.4 million will go towards funding up to 1,089
Program is a $24 million investment in Aboriginal new rangers by 2026-27 and 88 new ranger groups across Australia, budget
land and sea management across the Territory, papers released in late March say.
The funding will also go towards increasing the number of women
over 8 years, writes Minister for Parks and rangers, expanding the youth rangers program and setting up a professional
Rangers, Selena Uibo. Indigenous land and water management body.
Handing down the budget, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Australia’s
Starting in 2017 and with funding committed until 2025, the program has First Nation people have cared the country for thousands of years. The
delivered both capital funds for equipment as well as infrastructure and investment would “safeguard Australia’s unique environment for future
project funding to support new and ongoing operational activities. generations,” he said.
The successful partnership approach between the Department of The Indigenous Rangers Program will contribute towards economic
Environment, Parks and Water Security and Aboriginal land and sea and cultural targets in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the
managers has been crucial to the success of this program. government says.
Between 2018 and 2021, under the NT Government’s initial The program helps traditional owners, elders and local communities
commitment, the program provided $4 million of capital funding. This to manage the lands and waters using traditional knowledge and
assisted 32 ranger groups through providing essential equipment and cultural practice.
facilities. This included 4WD and all-terrain vehicles, spray equipment, It was first funded in 2007 through the former Working on Country program
boats, and trailers, which were all essential to support fire, weed, and and has created more than 2,100 full-time, part-time and casual jobs in land
feral animal management as well as coastal patrols and managing and sea management around the country.
access to Country.
Drones used to track rare
rock-wallaby
ABORIGINAL rangers are trialling thermal imaging drones to track one
of Australia’s rarest wallaby species in the Kimberley region of WA. A
population once thought to be more than 2,500 strong has plummeted to
an estimated 500.
The Nyikina Mangala Rangers have been successfully monitoring the
elusive wallabies (wiliji) using sensor cameras since 2013. However, it takes
months to process imagery and model data as cameras are retrieved weeks
after deployment. A partnership between Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation,
Charles Darwin University, and the World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia is
seeking to solve this problem using a combination of traditional knowledge
Larrakia Nation Land and Sea Rangers.
and cutting edge technology.
Over the same time period, $7.4 million in project funding assisted 27
ranger groups. The funds went to supporting a broad suite of projects
from “classic” land management – fire, weeds and feral animals – to
innovative approaches integrating Aboriginal knowledge with “western”
science. This included new ways of funding land and sea management,
such as the investigation as well as expansion of a philanthropic funding
model. This model has seen increased funding delivered to a number of
Aboriginal land management organisations.
Substantial grant funding has also been provided to support the
development of Healthy Country and Indigenous Protected Area
management plans. This is essential to integrating Aboriginal knowledge
and “western” science as well as implementing integrated management
at local, catchment and regional scales.
The NT Government has committed $11.9 million to fund the Aboriginal
Ranger Grants Program for a further four years from 2022. The program will
also coordinate funding provided under the INPEX managed Ichthys LNG
Coastal Management Offset commitment. This will provide $24 million over
22 years for the “Conservation management of dugongs, cetaceans and
threatened marine matters of national environmental significance (MNES)
in the Top End”. This recognises the important role Aboriginal sea rangers
play in the conservation and management of marine species and habitat.
I acknowledge and thank all of our Aboriginal Ranger groups for their
dedication to protecting Country. Nyikina Mangala Ranger Tyrese Skeen improving his drone skills with training from
pilots Rebecca Rogers and Aliesha Hvala.
Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 13CARING FOR COUNTRY
11 PAGE EXCLUSIVE
Aboriginal rangers key players in future of
carbon market
The national carbon as Qantas have committed
to carbon neutrality
market is booming through the purchasing
and Indigenous of ACCUs from Aboriginal
ranger-led burning projects
Australians are in including Yugul Mangi,
the perfect place to Numbulwar and Yirralka.
Yugul Mangi Senior
reap the benefits, Ranger Jana Daniels and
industry leaders Numbulwar Numbirindi
Ranger Joanne Pomery
told the inaugural gave a presentation to
National Indigenous fellow Indigenous rangers
from across the Top End,
Carbon Forum. Kimberley and Far North
Queensland on their two
OVER 250 people from fire abatement projects
across the carbon industry – SEALFA and SEALFA2 –
‘zoomed’ in for the forum, which operate across the
hosted by the Indigenous South East Arnhem Land
Carbon Industry Network Indigenous Protected
(ICIN) in mid-February. Area (SEAL IPA). South East Arnhem Land IPA is managed by the Yugul Mangi and Numbulwar Numburindi rangers.
The event followed on
from the North Australia 'It's a win-win 5 facts about the South East Arnhem Land Fire Abatement
Savanna Fire Forum held situation, you can't (SEALFA) projects
the day before.
Facilitated by Nova
really lose out on
this.' 1. Jointly managed by the Yugul Mangi Rangers based in Ngukurr and
Peris OAM, attendees
the Numbulwar Numburindi Rangers based in Numbulwar.
heard from a heady mix of Cissy Gore-Birch
scientists, rangers, and other 2. These two carbon projects make up a 15,000 km2 area.
experts from across the The ranger groups
Kimberley, Top End and Far shared their knowledge, 3. Aerial and ground burning is done from April/May to the end of July,
North Queensland. philosophies and strategies sometimes into August if it’s been a late wet season.
The Carbon Market around fire management 4. On average the rangers fly around 7,000 km each year in
Institute and Market Advisory and the benefits to the helicopters all over the project area.
Group spoke of a positive community that the carbon
outlook in the national and fire projects have brought. 5. Some of the income generated from the projects has been used
global carbon market, where In recent decades the to purchase new fire equipment, do some upgrades to the ranger
the price of carbon has Northern Land Council has base and employ more casual rangers from the community.
tripled in the past year to led the way by supporting
around $53 per unit. Aboriginal ranger groups and
Further, Indigenous- land managers during the Mr Martin-Jard.
derived units are a highly- early stages of the carbon The Indigenous Carbon
sought premium product abatement industry, who Industry Network co-chair
that currently makes up are reducing Australia’s Cissy Gore-Birch told the
more than 50 per cent greenhouse gas emissions forum that as groups begin
of those sold on the by caring for their country. to enter the market and as
voluntary market. NLC chief executive Joe new opportunities come
“Savanna burning units Martin-Jard said Aboriginal online, it’s important to get
are premium and in demand ranger groups are at the the right information and to
due to the additional co- ‘tip of the spear’ of the protect Indigenous rights.
benefits they offer - from war on carbon. “When you think about the
management of country, fire “The NLC thrives on story it's a win-win situation,
prevention and biodiversity seeing the success of you can't really lose out on
outcomes,” the Market Aboriginal owned and driven this,” Ms Gore-Birch said.
Advisory Group’s Lachlan projects, like the savanna “It's really important to
Ince explained. burning program where really think about where you
Mr Ince also anticipated Indigenous rangers and land are as traditional owners,
a further shift away from managers meld modern understanding your rights
government-purchased science and traditional and interest in this space,
ACCUs towards the knowledge to care for their and making sure you get
voluntary offset market, country in ways that only the right people and the Numbulwar Numburindi Ranger Joanne Pomery works with fire
where corporate giants such they know how to do,” said right information.” each year as part of the SEALFA2 project.
14 Land Rights News • Northern Edition Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.auCARING FOR COUNTRY
11 PAGE EXCLUSIVE
‘Hard work paying off’: Wardaman Rangers register
savanna burning project
The NLC’s Wardaman Rangers have breaks around these sites.
“Not only will the
become of the latest group to enter into savanna burning project
a savanna burning initiative with the help to regenerate the
environment and protect
Clean Energy Regulator, a Government sacred sites on Wardaman
body responsible for accelerating carbon country, it will also generate
local employment and
abatement for Australia. operational funding for
FOLLOWING extensive has been burning on their Traditional Owners and
consultations with country for many years community members.
Wardaman Traditional – and Traditional Owners “We’ve got up to eight
Owners, the ranger group have been burning for rangers who have been
registered late last year thousands of years - having employed casually and
to earn carbon credits by a registered project will this will enable more
reducing carbon emissions enable the Wardaman regular work for them and
through their on-country Rangers to generate more better capacity-building
fire management. income, he said. for the entire community.
Today the Indigenous “The overall objective is The rangers will get a
carbon industry is estimated to reduce the late season lot of training, and other
to be valued at around fires, which is generally Traditional Owners will get
$53 million per annum. what’s going to produce the opportunity to come out
As of November 2021, more carbon and do more bush, join in the program
there were 33 Indigenous- environmental damage. and give us their guidance Wardaman ranger Kenny Allyson conducts some early burning on
owned and operated “We registered late last along the way.” the IPA.
savanna fire management year because it was a good Mr Drenen expects to
projects in Australia. year of burning outcomes start seeing the key benefits
The rangers operate on from our perspective. We did from the project in about
the Wardaman Indigenous burning in April and May and three years, when the project
Protected Area (IPA), which kept the fires small, put in will be independent and
covers over 224,000 hectares strategic breaks.” start trading their carbon
of country that lies within
the Victoria River and Upper 'The savanna burning project will
Daly catchments.
Under the Clean Energy
generate local employment and
Regulator, the rangers can operational funding for TOs and
earn carbon credits for community members.'
conducting low carbon-
emission burning. In tropical But it’s not just all about credits on the market.
savanna regions of the Top burning, it’s about looking “The project is currently
End this means ensuring after country and protecting funded through the
‘cool burning’ is done in the country, Mr Drenen added. Indigenous Land and Sea
early dry season to prevent The Wardaman IPA Corporation, with funding
late dry season wildfires, is a hotspot for ancient coming through INPEX. So at
which emit higher amounts rock art, with six of its this stage the carbon credits
of greenhouse gases. 200-plus recorded rock go back to INPEX. It’s when
“It’s a great outcome. The art sites registered with the project proves itself and
rangers have been working the Australian Heritage is ready to go independent,
towards this for five or Commission. An important in approximately three
ten years,” Wardaman IPA part of the Wardaman years, that we’ll retain those
Coordinator Andrew Drenen Rangers’ burning work [carbon credits] and be Natalie Blitner, one of the Wardaman rangers, is looking forward
told ABC News. involves slashing long grass able to trade them on the to another fire season this year!
While the ranger group to create strategic fire market ourselves.”
HTS NEWS
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Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 15CARING FOR COUNTRY
11 PAGE EXCLUSIVE
Water reforms needed: NLC calls on NT government
to bring water management system into 21st century
Water Controller - who must water supply, including
juggle the responsibilities people living remotely.
that come with being the Not only will this help
head of a mega-government keep our children healthy,
department and the but it will allow our old
discretionary power to make people to stay in their
water licensing decisions. community to receive
Instead, decisions medical treatment.
about water licensing and Instead of receiving
management should be dialysis treatment while
made by an independent being isolated in town, there
water commission - must be good enough water
with trust, transparency available out bush to make
and accountability the dialysis machines work.
at the forefront. We now have an
Instead of the opportunity to set up a
disconnected approach we system that works for all
have today - where land Territorians – a system where
and water are planned for Aboriginal landowner voices
and managed separately are heard and their caring
- decisions about country for country practices are
should be made as a whole. recognised; a system that
Wardaman Rangers and Traditional Owners measure water flow on the Flora River. Government must empower leads the country.
communities to take If we don’t choose
The NLC has land and waters, and every least polluted water ways a leading role. the right path, we will
living thing that relies on and flood plains. A series of management face a future that no
called on the NT them, are at risk. Right across the NT, bodies should be established Territorian wants to see.
government to We need to be unafraid Aboriginal land and sea across the NT. These bodies The Northern Land
to make a change. rangers are managing would be tasked with the Council’s submission on
bring its water What does this new path biodiversity and biosecurity planning and coordination of the NT Strategic Water
management look like? Firstly, policies, for the benefit of land, water and biodiversity Plan Directions Paper is
laws and decision making all Territorians. across their catchment. available at nlc.org.au.
system into the processes must include us - In our response to the This way, Aboriginal
21st century and Aboriginal people. Government, we propose people would have a voice in *This opinion piece by
In the words of a future where water how country is managed. NLC Chairman Samuel
in line with its the late musician Dr licensing and management We want a future where Bush-Blanasi was originally
commitments Yunupingu, words are easy, decisions are not made all Territorians have access published in NT News on
words are cheap. by one person – the NT’s to a safe and sustainable 2 February 2022.
to Aboriginal We hear from government
Territorians. that they want to work with
Aboriginal people but we
WATER is precious. Often we don’t see this in practice.
don’t appreciate it until our For too long bureaucrats
tap water turns brown, bores and politicians have been
dry up, rivers stop running or endorsing policies and laws
fish start dying. that fail to recognise that
Earier this year the meaningful engagement
Northern Land Council and shared decision making
responded to the Northern are necessary parts of
Territory Government’s being accountable.
Strategic Water Plan When our knowledge of
Directions Paper – and we country and western science
called for substantial reform. are combined, the benefits
The NT is at a crossroads. can be immense.
We either continue on We’ve seen this with
the established path doing reduced hot bushfires in
things in the same way again the NT. Could a similar
and again, but hoping for a approach for water reap
different outcome. Or we immeasurable benefits?
can recognise our water We have proven we can
management system in work together. Where we
the NT is broken. work together is where you’ll
It needs to change - our find healthy country - the The NT's precious waterways, such as Bitter Springs, need to be protected.
16 Land Rights News • Northern Edition Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.auNEWS
‘A giant on whose shoulders we all stand’:
Celebrating Alan Young Najukpayi, OAM
anthropologist staff as sacred sites while working
‘astonishing’ in its detail, with the Aboriginal Areas
breadth and scale. Protection Authority (AAPA).
Mr Young Najukpayi has Mr Young Najukpayi
also contributed to extensive has also been a long-
mapping of the cultural term collaborator with
elements of southern portion anthropologist Deborah
of the Judbarra National Park Bird-Rose on her books
and to the Judbarra National Dingo Makes Us Human: Life
Park Plan of Management. and Land in an Australian
His keen and enduring Aboriginal Culture; and
determination to see justice Hidden Histories: Black
'It is only through the selfless
commitment of people like Mr Young
Najukpayi that we have got a lot of
country back.'
NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi
for his people extends not stories from Victoria River
just to matters relating Downs, Humbert River and
to land, law and culture Wave Hill Stations; and as
but also to living and a collaborator with author
working conditions. and historian Darryl Lewis on
Mr Young Najukpayi was his book A Wild History: Life
instrumental in the strike and Death on the Victoria
by Aboriginal stockmen at River Frontier.
the Victoria River Downs NLC Chairman Samuel
pastoral leaseholding in Bush-Blanasi said he did
protest against working not hesitate to support
for rations, and demanded Mr Young Najukpayi’s
they receive proper pay and nomination for an Order of
conditions and a return of Australia medal in 2021.
their ancestral lands. “I can think of no
Mr Young Najukpayi was awarded an Order of Australia medal for Those lands were not more worthy recipient for
returned to them until the such an award than Mr
his selfless devotion to his country, his culture and his people. conclusion of the Wickham Young Najukpayi, who has
River Land Claim, when contributed so much to his
MR Young Najukpayi was knowledge of country has been critical to the land in and around the people, country and the
born in the early 1930s in developed in a number success of a number of Yarralin community was work of the Northern Land
the Natives’ Tent beside of ways. Work on the resolved and continuing returned in 2016. Council over many, many
the hospital at the Victoria stations gave the younger land-related claims and Over the course of years. Mr Young Najukpayi is
River Downs homestead generation the opportunity matters under the Aboriginal many years he has also a humble man but he is one
and grew up in the “native” to learn about country Land Rights (Northern contributed to extensive of the giants upon whose
compound nearby. directly from the older Territory) Act (ALRA) and the recording and registration of shoulders we all stand."
He began working at the men in the stock camp. Native Title Act.
station just prior to the During the wet season, the These include, but are
second world war, and cattle work would cease not limited to, the Jasper
worked at Moolooloo, Pigeon meaning families would Gorge – Kidman Springs
Hole, Centre Camp and move out to their traditional Land Claim (ALRA 1990) and
Mount Sandford outstations countries where they gained the Wickham River Land
on Victoria River Downs further knowledge. Claim (ALRA 2009).
(VRD) station, along with In addition, Mr Young Mr Young Najukpayi’s
other stations further west. Najukpayi spent a number evidence and knowledge of
He worked as a drover on of years living in the bush country has been crucial in
a number of occasions, twice with the older generation the Victoria River Native Title
travelling to Queensland where he gained further Claim (ongoing).
and pushing cattle to VRD’s insights into country In that claim he
Wyndham meatworks in the and its mythology. contributed to a map that
east Kimberley district a In more recent years, will form a key element
number of times. his evidence, knowledge, of the claim and has been Mr Young (centre) displays the Deeds of Title at the Kidman
Mr Young Najukpayi’s assistance and advice described by the NLC Springs handover in 1990.
Gunmul 2022 • nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 17You can also read
