Friday, 16th October 2009

Natural resource management group Wheatbelt NRM has been recognised for its work with local Aboriginals and the environment.

Wheatbelt NRM is a finalist for the Awards Australia’s Department of Indigenous Affairs Indigenous Service Awards for WA.

The group actively began working with the Avon Nyungar community five years ago when it developed an Aboriginal natural resource management program.

This included the employment of two Aboriginal Officers and creation of an Elders Advisory Group to advise on the management of culturally significant sites.

These sites have included Burlong Pool in Northam, Badjaling Community via Quairading and Mount Kokerbin in the Bruce Rock Shire.

Wheatbelt NRM has also filmed the stories of local Aboriginal Elders in a bid to stop the loss of cultural knowledge to future generations.

Wheatbelt NRM’s Dianne Lovell said the work had prompted a renewed respect for Aboriginal Elders within the local community.

“Since this program began we’ve had plenty of people within the Aboriginal community step forward and take an active role in helping to protect our environment,” Di Lovell said.

“Being a finalist isn’t just recognition for Wheatbelt NRM, but also the hard work of the local community.”
The finalists and winners of the Regional Achievement and Community Awards for WA will be announced on Friday 23rd October 2009.
For more information; www.awardsaustralia.com

Media contact: Dianne Lovell, Wheatbelt NRM, 9690 2250 or 0427 902 229 or Liz Kington 0417 996 719.