First Nations partnerships are helping to heal land and water in New South Wales.
A collaboration between the Commonwealth Environment Water Holder (CEWH) and Nari Nari Tribal Council (NNTC) is working to support water for the environment outcomes.
The Nari Nari people are Traditional Owners of lands in the lower reaches of the Riverina Region in NSW.
CEWH First Nations Partnerships, Jason Ramsamy and NNTC Chair Jamie Woods co-presented the 10-year partnership at the Ozwater 2026 Conference in Brisbane in May.
The partnership agreement works to improve cultural and environmental outcomes at Gayini.
The agreement supports NNTC's Traditional Knowledge to inform the way environmental water is used on Country.
Mr Woods said the collaboration was vitally important to NNTC's vision.
The NNTC's vision is:
Nature thrives, the traditional people heal the lands and waters and in return the land and water heals the people.
Through the partnership, future aims include:
- First Nation-led water delivery
- economic development through water
- better water research and data development by Mob for Mob.
"Our work with the CEWH involves two-way knowledge sharing and water planning. We hope this significant work can be replicated around Australia," Mr Woods said.
Mr Ramsamy said the partnership has delivered stronger relationships and shared-benefits.
"One achievement is the appointment of a Nari Nari First Nations Environmental Water Officer with CEWH funding."
"This officer ensures the knowledge, expertise, values and priorities of NNTC are considered."
"The officer works to build NNTC knowledge into all environmental water planning, monitoring and delivery decisions," he said.
Mr Woods said NNTC has had many successes in on-ground management of water for the environment.
"The delivery of water for the environment has supported multiple years of mass water bird breeding."
"Environmental water has also helped in the recovery of the threatened Southern bell frog," he said.
Mr Ramsamy and Mr Woods both agree that the partnership supports leadership opportunities.
Other advantages include:
- long-term relationships for First Nations leaders
- First Nations involvement in decision-making
- Increased confidence in caring for the environment.
The Nari Nari traditional lore, custom and knowledge protects Gayini wildlife.
The region has significant cultural heritage within its waters and precious wetland ecosystems.
This approach helps build resilience into rivers, waterways and floodplains.
