Caring for Country partnerships

Caring for Country is a central concept within Aboriginal culture. Traditional Owners have ongoing cultural connections to their Country and are often respected holders of cultural knowledge and language. Traditional Owners have unique rights to their Country and in many cases, legal rights and interests in relation to land and waters that are recognised and protected in native title and cultural heritage legislation.

It is important for Local Governments to engage with Traditional Owners in decision-making processes that affect their Country. Understanding the structures and functions of Traditional Owner organisations can help Local Governments move beyond a compliance mindset and foster meaningful relationships and partnership approaches to the protection of cultural heritage, revitalisation of languages and the sustainable management of natural resources.

On Country and place-based partnerships

Place-based partnerships grounded in the principles of Caring for Country offer local governments meaningful ways to collaborate with First Nations communities in protecting, managing, and celebrating land, waters, and culture.

These partnerships may include working alongside Aboriginal Ranger programs, Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Traditional Owner groups, Aboriginal advisory committees, cultural heritage bodies, and local knowledge holders.

They also extend to initiatives such as co-designed land management plans, cultural burning programs, youth engagement projects, and joint decision-making forums.

Aboriginal Ranger Program: A model for place-based partnerships

The Western Australian Aboriginal Ranger Program (ARP) is a landmark initiative supporting Aboriginal-led land and sea management across the State.

With over $100 million invested since 2017, the program empowers Aboriginal organisations to employ and train rangers in biodiversity monitoring, cultural site protection, fire management, tourism, and education.

Administered by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and funded through Royalties for Regions, the ARP has created over 1,200 jobs, nearly half held by women, and delivered significant environmental and cultural outcomes.

For local governments, partnering with ranger groups offers a powerful opportunity to support Caring for Country, strengthen community connections, and co-deliver place-based programs that reflect local values, knowledge, and aspirations. These partnerships can include joint land management, cultural heritage protection, visitor education, and youth engagement, contributing to both reconciliation and regional sustainability.

Here are some examples of partnerships with Aboriginal Rangers Programs

Harvey Aboriginal Corporation

Northern Agricultural Catchments Council and Western Mulga

Find out more on grant recipients here and also funding announcements from round six here