Camden Council has welcomed $1.17 million in funding for Aboriginal-led initiatives across western Sydney through the NSW Government's Caring for Country grant program.
This program is being delivered through the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), of which Camden Council is a proud member.
For Camden, the Caring for Country program will fund three key initiatives:
- Development of a 'Reflect' level Reconciliation Action Plan, which will set a clear, formal
pathway to deepen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
- Restoration of the riparian area along the Nepean River at Camden, which will improve
waterway health, enhance habitat for native species and strengthen community
connections to a landscape of deep cultural importance to Aboriginal people; and
- Preparation of a cultural burn and healthy country plan for Harrington Forest, which will
explore opportunities for cultural burning to support biodiversity, reduce fuel loads and
promote ecological resilience.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said the initiatives reflected the community's commitment to
its First Nations residents and history.
"These projects represent a meaningful step forward for Camden as we continue building strong and respectful relationships," she said.
"We are committed to embedding Aboriginal knowledge into the way we plan, care for and manage our local environment. Working hand-in-hand with First Nations Peoples, listening to their knowledge and ensuring it guides our decisions is key. It's not just about environmental care, but
also strengthening cultural understanding, healing Country and building a shared future we can all be proud of."
The Caring for Country program is part of the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan, which supports sustainable growth while protecting biodiversity and celebrating Aboriginal culture.
For more information on local biodiversity efforts and programs, visit: https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/environment/biodiversity
