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Environment and Heritage
Environment and Heritage

Aboriginal park partnerships

We engage in partnerships with Aboriginal peoples and recognise them as traditional custodians of their Country.

 

The wellbeing of Aboriginal people is intimately connected to the health of the environment and the degree to which they can be involved in actively caring for it. As stated by Aboriginal peoples: ‘traditional lands, sea and the Aboriginal people are all parts of an integral whole’.

We acknowledge that Aboriginal spiritual and cultural values exist in the land, waters and natural resources of New South Wales.

Partnerships between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Aboriginal peoples lead to positive outcomes for both parties, such as:

  • productive working relationships
  • connection to Country
  • better management of natural and cultural heritage
  • social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Spirituality and connection

Partnering with Aboriginal peoples also means that the government seeks advice on spiritual and cultural values associated with Country and how best to respect these values. This includes recognising there will be times and places where Aboriginal spiritual values and beliefs require a culturally sensitive approach to the management of other values.

  • A beautiful view of Tallow Beach in Arakwal National Park, showcasing a long stretch of golden sand bordered by gentle waves from the deep blue ocean. Dense, green coastal vegetation lines the back of the beach, and Cape Byron can be seen in the distance. The sky is mostly clear with a few wispy clouds, adding to the serene and expansive feel of the coastline. The scene captures the pristine and natural beauty of Tallow Beach, a peaceful spot in the heart of New South Wales' coastal landscape.
    Arakwal National Park, Tallow Beach
    Arakwal National Park, Tallow Beach
    Image Credit: John Spencer/NSW Government
  • A close-up of ancient Aboriginal rock art at Mutawintji Historic Site, showing pecked engravings on sandstone. The artwork includes handprints, animal tracks, and circular motifs etched with fine detail. The reddish-brown sandstone enhances the visibility of these culturally significant symbols, representing stories of heritage, spirituality, and connection to Country. This preserved site provides insight into Aboriginal history and traditions, highlighting the importance of cultural continuity.
    Peckings, Aboriginal rock art, Mutawintji Historic Site
    Peckings, Aboriginal rock art, Mutawintji Historic Site
    Image Credit: John Spencer/DPE
  • An aboriginal rock carving etched into a rock at Bulgandry Abroriginal Site, in Brisbane Water National Park. The figure appears to be in the same shape as a whale, with deep lines etched to form its body. The rock itself is grey with strong indents and cracks in the rock showcasing its history and the enduring power of nature.
    Bulgandry Aboriginal Site, Brisbane Water National Park
    Bulgandry Aboriginal Site, Brisbane Water National Park
    Image Credit: J Yurasek/DPE
  • Beautiful Aboriginal artefacts in the foreground, which appear to be a stone axe and tools. The background consists of various small and medium sized rocks and pebbles, as the rocks and tools sit on a coarse rocky surface in Arakwal.
    Aboriginal artefacts, stone axe and tools, Arakwal
    Aboriginal artefacts, stone axe and tools, Arakwal
    Image Credit: Lee Middleton/DPE
  • A unique arrangement of trees in Summit Forest, Gulaga National Park. The trees are mostly brown, but the bark has peeled off midway revealing whitish brown bark. There are scarce green leaves right at the top of the trees, and green grass and shrubbery at the bottom of the trees.
    Summit Forest, Gulaga National Park
    Summit Forest, Gulaga National Park
    Image Credit: Stuart Cohen/OEH
  • A panoramic view taken from Ngiyambaa walking track, Mount Grenfell Historic Site. Deep red-earth coloured rocks make up the foreground, mixed with some wild shrubbery, with abundant light green vegetation, shrubs and trees making up the background. The sky is a beautiful bright blue with few clouds in the far distance.
    Ngiyambaa walking track, Mount Grenfell Historic Site
    Ngiyambaa walking track, Mount Grenfell Historic Site
    Image Credit: Jenna Hore/NSW Government Mount
  • Lookout view from Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve. The view consists of trees and bushes of varying sizes in the foreground, which are various shades of green and mustard yellow. The trees stretch into the background as the mountainous terrain becomes more striking. The sun shines throughout the scene, and the mountains slope dramatically in the far background.
    Lookout view, Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve
    Lookout view Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve
    Image Credit: Stephen Babka/DPE
  • A perspective view of the lush green trees on the walking track in Tooloom National Park. The trees are a vibrant shade of green, with long light coloured trunks. The sunlight filters through the trees creating a mesmerising view.
    Walking track, Tooloom National Park
    Walking track, Tooloom National Park
    Image Credit: John Spencer/DPE
  • Mesmerising rock formations within the Abroginal area at Dandry Gorge. The rock formations create breath taking patterns, and are gently illuminated by the sunlight. Very tall and vibrant green trees sway in the background, with some grass growing amongst the vegetation.
    Rock formation, Dandry Gorge Aboriginal Area
    Rock formation Dandry Gorge Aboriginal Area
    Image Credit: Jenny Sherratt
  • A breath taking sunset at Lake Pamamaroo Menindee, Lakes Kinchega National Park. The clouds pool in the middle of the scene as the sunset kisses the horizon. Tranquil waters shimmer as tree branches are scattered around the water, their reflections demonstrating a tranquil scene.
    Lake Pamamaroo, Menindee Lakes, Kinchega National Park
    Lake Pamamaroo Menindee Lakes Kinchega National Park
    Image Credit: John Spencer/OEH

Contact us

Aboriginal Heritage and Partnerships

Email: [email protected]