Spreading the good word about partnership
It’s been a busy wrap up to the dry season for Namultja Aboriginal Corporation (who manage Marranbala rangers) and their partners through the Federation Funding Agreement with the Commonwealth Parks Australia and NT Parks and Wildlife and the ‘Indigenous-led Sea Country Management' Australian Research Council Linkage Project that brings these partners together with the Northern Institute at Charles Darwin University.
Not only has Namultja brought Marra together, back on country, but they are also on a mission to raise their profile and spread the word about the great work they are doing to hopefully bring more partners into the fold.
Marranballa and Li-Anthawirriyarra rangers and directors of the Namultja Aboriginal Corporation attended and spoke at a number of conferences and symposia over the last few months, from the NAILSMA hosted Reimagining Conservation Symposium in Cairns, through to the Aboriginal Seafood Company hosted Sea Country Conference in Darwin. They also spent ten days in Nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania at the joint Australian Marine Science Association and New Zealand Marine Sciences Society Conference, with over 900 delegates from the 2 countries.
David Barrett (Chairperson of Namultja Aboriginal Corporation), and Shaun Evans (Cultural Liaison for Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Indigenous Corporation and Li-Anthawirriyarra sea ranger) presented with partners on 4 topics. These ranged from blue carbon opportunities and baited underwater fish survey results, to governance and cultural area protection and what can be achieved when working in partnership. They also attended workshops to explore development of a National Indigenous Environmental Research Network. Through this experience, not only did they speak in front of numerous crowds, but they made new connections that will benefit their work in the future. In addition, they raised the profile of what they are trying to achieve, promoting Marra and the Northern Territory as leaders in Traditional Owner-led Sea Country management.
With all the speaking, networking and preparation involved in conferences, it was important to balance the trip with some fun too. It’s not often folks from the Top End venture down to the chilly south. David and Shaun had to bundle up to contend with the cooler climes, but they still managed a side trip to Freycinet Peninsula to visit the National Park, catch up with project partners, and have a private tour of the Freycinet Marine Farm, which grows mussels and oysters. It was an opportunity to consider and learn about what kinds of aquaculture might be viable in Marra or Yanyuwa Sea Country. They met with other ranger groups and indigenous leaders from around the country and before leaving, enjoyed a visit to see the snow on the iconic Kunanyi/Mt Wellington.
David Barret summed it up beautifully in the ‘Partnerships – Better Together Symposia’ at the conference:
“When I started as a Sea Ranger over 16 years ago, I had dreams for Marra people and country. I can’t believe where we are today. Together we are stronger. Together we will build strong partnerships to last generations.” Namultja Aboriginal Corporation and Marra people have created a lot of momentum in the last months working with their partners, all their partners are excited to see where it takes them.
