Keisha turns her childhood passion into an environmental career

Growing up working on a farm has ensured Murray Local Land Services Aboriginal Community Support Officer Keisha Egan is committed to educating herself and others about the local environment.

A Budawang woman who grew up on Yorta Yorta country, Keisha spent her teen years working on her stepfather’s farms at Bunnaloo, Moama, Echuca and Wakool. She feels this experience gives her a unique perspective on farming and the need to nurture and preserve our Country and our waterways for future generations.

“I grew up enjoying nature, fishing, yabbying, catching lizards, frogs and spiders as well as doing basic land management tasks around the farm. This taught me a real respect for the farmers that have worked through generations on the land as well as a desire to protect the environment for our children. Eventually, I started working at a local houseboat company, which really helped me understand the river and its importance to our communities, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. I also worked as an Aboriginal Support Officer for the preschool in Moama where I developed my passion for educating our young people.”

As part of her role at LLS, Keisha works to support Aboriginal engagement in the Ramsar project as well as local Aboriginal business development related to land and natural resource management and agribusiness.

“My job gives me the opportunity to work with First Nations communities, landowners, and other stakeholders to create opportunities for Aboriginal people to be out on Country. For First Nations Peoples, the health of our Country is linked to our own health, if Country is sick, then we are sick. Improving the health of our Country, Our Mother, also improves the health and wellbeing of all First Nations Peoples.”

Keisha is excited to work alongside colleagues and partners who share her passion for creating positive change within the ecosystem and helping build a more sustainable Australia for our children.

“I love the fact that the Murray Local Land Services team is like my extended family, we have amazing people who are really passionate about their work and committed to getting better outcomes for the whole community. I am extremely grateful that through my role I have had the opportunity to develop my career and be part of something important as well as be healed culturally.”

You can contact Keisha on 03 5881 9925, mobile 0487 243 135 or email Keisha.egan@lls.nsw.gov.au