After seven months of hard work and a very successful collaboration, those involved in the Aboriginal Lands Clean-Up program near Eden have celebrated their significant achievements, gathering at Bilgalera (Fisheries Beach) on Friday, November 5.
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The important bushfire remediation works across Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council lands represent one of five programs being delivered by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to support public land managers across the state recovering from the Black Summer bushfires.
Mal Timbery, investment advisor of construction company R and C Civil Group, said the model employed by the 100 per cent Indigenous owned and operated business is one of choice and control.
"We want people to make their own choices for their communities, and in particular be in control of plans," Mr Timbery said.
"All communities are different, it's about earning trust and showing respect, this helps to bridge the gap."
Eden Aboriginal Land Council CEO Mark Bateman said there had been many important outcomes as a result of the project and the support of the EPA had been instrumental in making it happen on an indigenous level.
"It shows what can be done with collaboration and cooperation at all levels from within government, the Aboriginal land owners, Aboriginal Supply Nation service delivery and local Aboriginal employment and on-site training," Mr Bateman said.
"This is delivering significant outcomes for both Aboriginal people as well as the Bega Valley Shire."
The EPA funded the training of six Eden LALC trainees to complete accredited chainsaw and posi-track (bobcat) training, followed by on-the-job experience working on the clean-up.
Works totalling $640,000 have included the management and recycling of green waste, particularly hazardous burnt trees, unsafe trees preventing access and the removal and replacement of burnt fencing, as well as the improvement of road access and perimeter fencing.
The celebration of the results delivered by local community members was enjoyed together with representatives from stakeholder organisations, with a lunch of freshly caught seafood, a barbecue and a buffet spread.
On-ground crew, local community members and EPA and Public Works Advisory representatives from further afield all gathered around the fire as Uncle BJ Cruse welcomed everyone and congratulated them on the success of the project.
"I want to thank the minister responsible for the EPA funding these works, and for the opportunity to Aboriginal people in Eden to upgrade the assets we have," Mr Cruse said.
"It's with honour I am able to say the entire project has been managed by an Aboriginal corporation and I want to congratulate the young men and women who did the work on the ground."
Standing at an end point of the Bundian Way, metres away from the site of the last recorded corroboree in the area, Mr Cruse spoke of how EALC had negotiated with Forestry in the late 1990s, leading to the regional forestry agreement.
"We all endorsed each other's scenarios and 1700 acres of land was transferred to EALC, protecting culture and increasing use and access," Mr Cruse said.
Executive director of the EPA's engagement, education and programs Liesbet Spanjaard said the Eden works were an important part of the NSW government's significant investment in bushfire recovery.
"It's a privilege and an honour to enable this project and to contribute towards something so tangible," Ms Spanjaard said.
Project officer for Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council Tyrone Maher spoke of the leadership and coordination skills which had been significant for on-ground workers.
"It's meant a lot to me, being on country as an indigenous man, knowing this will help create memories for my own kids," Mr Maher said.
"This clean-up work is really important to our community and it's a great outcome.
"I want to thank the EPA, it's been a beautiful project and beautiful working alongside you all."
R and C Civil Group general manager Peter Chia said the business is working with seven different Indigenous communities up and down the South Coast.
"Local mobs for local jobs, these government funded projects are great launching pads, a vehicle for career development journeys for our Indigenous people," Mr Chia said.
"The longer we are at one site the more people wanting to work come out of the woodwork, the value comes back, it's fantastic.
The Aboriginal Lands Clean-Up Program is funded under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
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Leah Szanto
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
