A specialised Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (Indigenous Land Management) program is currently underway in Armidale, helping strengthen Aboriginal community capacity through hands‑on cultural fire training and on‑Country learning across NSW.
Delivered through Tocal College, this 12 - 18 month program combines Aboriginal Fire Knowledge Practices with western science to teach practical skills in land restoration, ecological management and cultural burning.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Manager Education Delivery, Julie White said the current cohort includes 20 students from Armidale, Walcha and Inverell.
"This important training course is delivered in block sessions on Country with Elders present, providing participants with culturally safe, practical experience in traditional fire management techniques and their ecological benefits," Ms White said.
"The blended approach ensures participants gain the technical skills required for modern land management roles, while grounding all learning in Aboriginal cultural knowledge.
"Participants learn how cultural burning supports healthy Country, how traditional practices can be applied in contemporary land management, and the compliance requirements now expected across government and industry.
"Our aim is to build confidence, capability and employment pathways for Aboriginal communities by delivering a nationally recognised qualification in a culturally informed way."
Specialised trainers and industry experts, including ecologists, Aboriginal cultural officers, cultural fire practitioners and the Rural Fire Service (RFS), are engaged to deliver workshops and cultural burn activities.
Ms White said this training is delivered in partnership with the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services (LLS) Aboriginal Cultural Engagement team, marking the third program delivered to this region following previous successful courses in Glen Innes and Inverell.
"Completion of the Certificate III provides participants with an entry‑level qualification for careers in environmental management, ecological restoration and cultural fire work," Ms White said.
"Previous graduates of the program have secured employment in the private sector and across NSW Government agencies including LLS, RFS and DPIRD.
"Another cohort of 23 participants is also underway in Moama, delivered with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Murray Region, representing Cummeragunja, Yorta‑Yorta, Moama and Pangerang communities and LALCs.
"Cultural burning is a priority area for State and Federal land management programs, making accredited training a valuable pathway for both individual employability and the development of Aboriginal enterprises and Local Aboriginal Land Council capabilities."
Strong partnerships with the RFS, LLS, NPWS, Aboriginal communities and LALCs ensure the program remains culturally safe, industry‑aligned and nationally accredited.
Aboriginal Communities and Local Aboriginal Land Councils support this program, to provide site access and community engagement.
