Caring for Country
Our Elders got their knowledge from living in Saltwater Country with their Old People from Lalai and from Wandjina and Woongudd. They taught us how our culture is in our country.
We carry the cultural responsibilities of our ancestors to look after Country. Today, the challenge is to bring our Culture together with present-day ways to develop strong governance and land management tools that support us to look after our Country.
We have developed our Healthy Country Plan 2023-2032 to help us do this.
Our Vision
It is our vision that:
- As Dambeemangaddee, we assert our authority. Our Land and Sea Country are managed by our rules.
- We keep our cultural knowledge alive, share it and pass it onto our young people.
- We look after animals plants and cultural places using our cultural knowledge and western research.
- We can access our Country and create business opportunities to live and work on our country.
- We manage people accessing our country and have Dambeemangaddee people guide them.
- Stakeholders working with us respect our authority and take into account our priorities and aspirations.
- We give our young people western and cultural education, training and employment to look after country and to become future leaders.
Healthy Country Program
OUr Healthy Country Program is overseen by the DAC Board of Directors, Healthy Country Advisory Committee (HCAC) and the Marine Park Joint Management Body (JMB).
Healthy Country Advisory Committee
The plan is dedicated to those who came before us and whose spirits have returned home. It is dedicated to the next generations of Dambeemangaddee people so they can live, work and thrive on Country and keep Country and Culture strong and healthy.
Lalang-gaddam Marine Park Joint Management Body (JMB)
The JMB is made up of Dambeemangaddee and Parks & Wildlife (DBCA) representatives. They make decisions about the jointly managed Lalang-gaddam Marine Park (LGMP) including developing strategic management plans, zoning, visitor management and marine park licences for commercial tour operators.
Dambimangari Rangers
The Dambimangari Rangers started working on Country in 2012. The program provides jobs for our young people that support them to work on Country, reconnect with Culture and build their professional skills. In 2023, the Rangers
have grown to a team of seven full-time and ten casual rangers, both men and women. We all work together to manage both Land and Sea Country.
The Rangers are supported by a Ranger Coordinator, Healthy Country Manager, Marine Operations Officer and other staff. The Rangers’ biggest support comes
from our Old People and cultural advisors. The Rangers are strong role models for young people in town.
Our Partners
Partners are key to our success. We work closely with partners like Parks & Wildlife (DBCA),The Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), WA Fisheries (DPIRD), Deptment of Agriculture, environmental organsaions like World Wildlife (WWF) and universities. We also work with
Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC)
AWC is a leading conservation organisation dedicated to protecting Australia’s threatened wildlife and ecosystems. Their science-led land management supports healthy country outcomes across Dambimangari country.
Learn more about AWC
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)
DBCA manages parks, wildlife, and biodiversity conservation throughout Western Australia. Dambimangari works closely with DBCA to protect cultural values and jointly manage conservation estates.
Visit DBCA’s website
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)
DPIRD supports sustainable development of regional industries and biosecurity. Their partnership with Dambimangari promotes responsible fisheries, aquaculture, and ranger capacity building.
Explore DPIRD
Indigenous Saltwater Advisory Group (ISWAG)
ISWAG brings together Traditional Owners managing saltwater country across Northern Australia. As a founding member, Dambimangari collaborates with ISWAG to strengthen sea country governance and shared learning.
More about ISWAG
North Kimberley Fire Abatement Project (NKFAP)
NKFAP is a collaborative project supporting Traditional Owners to use fire as a tool for healthy country. It helps reduce greenhouse emissions and delivers cultural and ecological benefits.
Learn more about NKFAP
