Irinyu, Awa, Wilu: Our Rivers, Our Water, Our Ocean

‘Awa’, meaning ‘water’ in Wilunyu language, has long played a critical role for Aboriginal people, not just for survival. Awa is a significant part of Aboriginal culture, identity, language and lore.
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Awa traditionally provided language boundaries between different tribes and were also often sites of spiritual significance, used for gathering, and ceremonies. A lot of coastal tribal groups would meet at a preferred location, like a rivermouth.

In coastal regions, Aboriginal people have developed unique methods of fishing that use tools like fish traps, nets, and spears. These practices reflect a deep understanding of the ecosystems in which they live and an intimate relationship with the waters they depend on.

Beyond their spiritual significance, Irinyu (rivers) and Wilu (oceans) are vital sources of sustenance for Aboriginal people. For thousands of years, these bodies of water have provided food, medicine, and materials necessary for daily life. Rivers offer fish, freshwater, plants, and other natural resources, while the ocean can also provide freshwater holes, seafood, salt, and materials for tools and art. The knowledge of where and when to fish, hunt, and gather along rivers and coastlines is passed down through generations.

For many Aboriginal peoples in Australia, the rivers and oceans are not just sources of water or natural resources; they are sacred, living entities that have shaped their cultures, beliefs, and ways of life for thousands of years. Rivers and oceans represent more than physical spaces; they are integral to the identity of Aboriginal communities, linking them to their ancestors, traditions, and the land. To understand the significance of these bodies of water would require exploring the spiritual, cultural, and practical roles they play in Aboriginal life.

Rivers and oceans hold profound meaning for Aboriginal people. They are not simply bodies of water but sacred places that connect people to their ancestors, provide sustenance, and define cultural identity. Understanding the significance of these waterways for Aboriginal communities is essential for fostering respect, appreciation, and a deeper connection to the land. As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, it is more important than ever to listen to the wisdom of Aboriginal people and protect the waterways that sustain us all.

This project is supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). 

Kyiesha Ronan – Aboriginal Custodianship Project Officer

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In 2020-21 I talked about ‘raising the bar’. In 2021-22 we worked on setting the bar on fire. Over the last 12 months, the team at NACC NRM has not stopped.

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The conservation outcomes of ranger teams have expanded through work on several land tenures. Maintaining Heritage sites such as Willi Gulli, Racecourse Paddock and Buller River has long been a priority. During 2021-22, the teams have increasingly focused on threatened species and ecosystems.

To this end, Western Mulga rangers have improved management across 19,000 ha for the conservation of Malleefowl through firebreak and access management. They completed the maintenance of water holes and supported the monitoring of over 90 Malleefowl mounds.

Similarly, the Kwelena Mambakort Aboriginal Corporate ranger team have contributed positively to Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo populations by installing artificial hollows and habitat restoration.

All ranger teams have collected native seed, propagated native plants for restoration, and planted native vegetation in key locations across the NAR. Seed collection provides valuable industry experience and has facilitated the planting of over 100,000 seedlings during the year.   

In September 2021, the NACC NRM team delivered the WA Threatened Species Forum, held in tandem with the National Malleefowl Forum. Given the impact of COVID and the timing of this event, having more than 100 delegates from all over Australia was a significant achievement. The two Forums brought together 12 events over five days and featured 14 local artists, 25 businesses and 36 youth participants.

Following the successful relaunch of our updated NARvis, NACC NRM was invited to help lead a significant piece of strategic planning work for the region with Mid West Development Commission and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. With funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, the consortia delivered a Regional Drought Resilience Plan covering the shires of Northampton and Chapman Valley and the City of Greater Geraldton, along with significant technical analysis of drought vulnerability for the South West land division. The development of this plan also included extensive community consultation to ensure that local knowledge and technical advice guided the development of priorities for action.

This planning work links to existing NACC NRM on-ground projects, including Beyond Reasonable Drought and the Chapman Catchment Collaborative regeneration project.

It was a busy year for events with face-to-face events becoming commonplace again. During 2021-22 we hosted events in Gingin, Moora, Dalwallinu, Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Walkaway, Nabawa, Perenjori, Kalannie and Morawa. We supported events in Karakin, Thundellara, Perenjori, Paynes Find, Wubin, Cataby, Warradarge, Northampton, Yuna, Dalwallinu and Dandaragan.

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While we have said farewell to some, we have welcomed many new faces across all programs, including our Administration team. We have also hosted a school-based trainee from Nagle Catholic College who has been working towards a Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. This trial position has been very successful, and we look forward to making this opportunity available again in 2023.

During 2022 we have taken on new projects that align with our organisational and program objectives, and we have successfully completed some great initiatives that support continued conservation and sustainability outcomes. I want to thank the whole team who continue to go above and beyond for the organisation and each other proving their ongoing commitment to our purpose and our values.