The tie-up aims to enhance land management practices, including cultural burns, under the Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation’s Itjumatj Woka Healthy Country Project based in Wangaratta.
The one-year sponsorship seeks to unite Aboriginal land managers, First Nations communities, and local landcare groups to create a cooperative approach to land management, according to company literature.
Steadfast said the initiative reflects its dedication to addressing climate risks and bolstering community resilience.
Robert B. Kelly AM – founder, managing director, and chief executive officer of Steadfast – underscored the importance of the bushfire mitigation initiative.
“As climate risks continue to pose issues for the insurance industry and the people we serve, Landcare Australia’s work to protect land and waterways is increasingly important,” he said. “We are committed to empowering on-the-ground initiatives that strengthen and future-proof the wellbeing of our communities.”
He also emphasised the value of supporting organisations like the Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation.
“Groups such as the Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation have strong and long-standing ties to the communities and land, and are doing incredible work to protect them. It’s a privilege to support this work,” he said.
Landcare Australia, a national not-for-profit organisation established 35 years ago, supports the landcare community through funding, capacity-building, on-ground projects, information dissemination, networking, and promoting landcare achievements. It also oversees multiple programs that assist youth, First Nations people, sustainable agriculture, emerging environmental markets, and Coastcare.
Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish expressed excitement about the partnership with Steadfast.
“We are very excited about our new partnership with Steadfast and how together we can support the Itjumatj Woka Healthy Country Project,” he said. “The project isn’t just about land management, it’s about reconciliation and strengthening community. By working together, the landcare community and Traditional Owners can promote landscape health and social cohesion. I hope this project will inspire other landcare groups and First Nations organisations across the country to collaborate on projects to improve landscape restoration and support First Nations people to care for [the] country.”
Will Ford, land and water project manager of the Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation, said the initiative focuses on knowledge-sharing, cultural exchange, and collaborative care.
“It’s a great opportunity to practice our traditional ways of land management combined with new technology like the COVRAM app for native vegetation assessment and monitoring. We are looking forward to working alongside our partners at Landcare Australia and Steadfast to see the benefits of this project for country and people. In Bangerang language we say itjumatj woka, itjumatj yenbena – healthy country, healthy people,” he said.
A recently published study revealed that 5.6 million houses in Australia – which represents close to half of all properties – are at risk of bushfires, with a combined value estimated at $4.66 trillion.
