Aboriginal Gathering Strengthens Country Connections

Traditional knowledge, sustainable farming and community leadership unite at North Coast forum

More than 30 Aboriginal land managers, business owners and industry professionals from across the North Coast have come together to strengthen partnerships, share cultural knowledge and explore new opportunities in sustainable agriculture, highlighting the growing role Aboriginal-led enterprises are playing in caring for Country and supporting local communities.

Hosted by North Coast Local Land Services, the two-day gathering brought together representatives from Aboriginal organisations involved in native plant nurseries, bush tucker production, horticulture, food enterprises and land management. The event provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, develop professional networks and explore practical ways to grow environmentally sustainable businesses while preserving cultural traditions.

The forum was delivered under the North Coast Climate Smart Agriculture project and received support from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust through the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. The initiative is designed to strengthen regional resilience by supporting sustainable farming practices and helping communities adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The first day was held at Namabunda Farm near Alstonville, where discussions centred on strengthening Aboriginal-owned businesses, building community partnerships and creating opportunities that benefit future generations. Participants exchanged ideas on leadership, education, employment and environmental stewardship, with a strong emphasis on protecting Country while developing sustainable economic opportunities.

Namabunda Farm’s Aunty Tracey said the gathering demonstrated the power of bringing people together around shared goals and aspirations.

She described the event as an inspiring opportunity to unite organisations and communities with a common vision for caring for Country and creating lasting outcomes through collaboration.

Aunty Tracey said the connections formed during the gathering would help build stronger networks focused on education, employment, environmental management and biodiversity conservation, creating benefits that extend well beyond individual organisations and into the wider community.

The second day moved to Conscious Ground Organics at Byron Bay, where the focus shifted to the growing opportunities presented by Australia’s native foods and traditional plants.

Sessions explored how native species can contribute to sustainable food production while also supporting medicinal products, natural beauty industries and broader commercial enterprises. Participants discussed practical methods for cultivating native foods that are environmentally responsible while preserving traditional ecological knowledge.

Among those sharing their experiences was Bianca from Backarindi Bushfoods, who spoke about the importance of restoring native food species to the landscape and reconnecting younger generations with their cultural heritage.

She said growing native foods is about restoring Country to the way it existed before colonisation while creating opportunities for young Aboriginal people to engage with culture in meaningful and contemporary ways.

By combining traditional ecological knowledge with modern agricultural practices, enterprises such as Backarindi Bushfoods are demonstrating how cultural values and commercial success can work hand in hand to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits.

The gathering concluded with networking sessions that connected participants with industry specialists able to provide advice on business development, training pathways and future partnerships.

Organisers said these connections are essential in helping Aboriginal organisations expand their capabilities, develop sustainable enterprises and access the knowledge required to grow successful businesses while maintaining strong cultural foundations.

Across the North Coast, Aboriginal-led land management continues to gain recognition for blending thousands of years of traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary environmental practices. From bush food production and habitat restoration to regenerative agriculture and biodiversity conservation, Indigenous land managers are increasingly leading innovative approaches that deliver positive outcomes for both communities and the environment.

The gathering reinforced the value of collaboration, demonstrating that when knowledge, culture and innovation come together, they create lasting opportunities for healthier landscapes, stronger communities and a more sustainable future for the North Coast.