Protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage on property in the Western region
16 Feb 2022
Western Local Land Services, local Aboriginal stakeholders and a local landholder will be looking to take a project to protect two culturally significant sites to the next level this year, after some great work was achieved in 2021.
The project, which has seen work undertaken to protect two culturally significant Hearth sites from wind erosion, livestock, native animals and pest animals, is being carried out on a property in the Balranald area, with the sites mapped and fenced off, ensuring no further damage would occur and the area is given an opportunity to rehabilitate.
This work was carried out by the Mutthi Mutthi Traditional Owners with the support of the landholder, with further works planned to help inform the local community and visitors to the area of the history and significance of the site.
Western Local Land Service’s Charles Benson is pleased with the progress of the project to date and is looking forward to seeing what is achieved this year.
“There is a lot of amazing Aboriginal cultural heritage and history throughout the Western region of NSW, so working on projects like this to protect significant sites and see them maintained for future generations is very rewarding,” Mr Benson said.
“The local landholder has been very enthusiastic in having this project undertaken on his property and it’s been great to have the knowledge and input from the Mutthi Mutthi Traditional Owners and in particular John Winch, who have done the majority of the on-ground work.
“This project is another great example of dual outcomes for all those involved, with the fencing protecting the area from erosion, benefitting the landholder, and protecting the significant sites, benefitting the local Aboriginal community.”
Landholders that wish to find out more about projects to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage can contact Western Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or via an online enquiry form.
This project is being delivered through Western Local Land Services Pathways to Country Program.
Media contact: Charlie Whiteley, Western Local Land Services, 0428 679 974.