The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will support a series of cultural burns in the Murrah Flora Reserves alongside Aboriginal fire practitioners.
Paula Tomkins, NPWS Area Manager, said the Service will support local Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation members to undertake the burns starting 26 July.
"These cultural burns not only benefit the biodiversity in the Flora Reserves south of Narooma, but also support Aboriginal community engagement in caring for Country," said Ms Tomkins.
"The small, low-intensity cultural burns are due to start the week of 26 July and will occur throughout July and August at Nutleys Creek, Mountain Fire Trail, Darby Trail and Vimmy Ridge.
"These burns continue the work of the Murrah Flora Reserves Cultural Burning Project that includes NPWS, Biamanga National Park Board members and community members from Moruya to Bega.
"We're looking forward to undertaking this burn with 10 young Aboriginal people who recently completed training through the NSW Police Force, Caring for Country Aboriginal Youth Project.
"Cultural burns have been practised for thousands of years and provide an opportunity for Elders to share traditional fire practices with younger generations to reaffirm their place in Country.
"Cultural burns also reduce fuel loads to help prevent the potential spread of wildfire, spark plant germination, suppress weeds and reinvigorate the landscape," said Ms Tomkins.
Dan Morgan the Firesticks Alliance Regional Coordinator explained that the development of collaborative knowledge and partnerships to care for Country has many benefits.
"It is the start of a holistic journey, we pay respects to all those involved and extend the invitation to those who would like to walk this journey with us well into the future," said Mr Morgan.
"It's a great chance for communities to work together and is often a healing process for both the people and the land," said Mr Morgan.
NPWS would like to thank the Aboriginal fire practitioners taking part in the cultural burns, Biamanga National Park Board members and members of the Firesticks Alliance, an organisation dedicated to building recognition of cultural practice and knowledge.
