Aboriginal Voices in Water - Understanding cultural flows, Traditional Owner engagement, and Water Is Life: Traditional Owner Access to Water Roadmap

On 29 September 2022, DELWP released Water Is Life: Traditional Owner Access to Water Roadmap. With the launch of this new must-read public policy, now is a good time to talk about cultural flows and how they relate to our work.  

For Aboriginal People, water has a significant social and spiritual meaning beyond its importance for health, environmental, economic and cultural purposes. At this Australian Water Association Young Water Professionals event, you will hear from Aboriginal voices and water professionals about Victoria’s water entitlement framework, past and new ways to engage with Traditional Owners, and DELWP’s newly launched Water Is Life: Traditional Owner Access to Water Roadmap.  

“Aboriginal Peoples in Victoria have a deep connection with waters and waterways. They are essential to Spiritual and Cultural practices, as well as environmental management, food production, language and (Lore) law. Water connects People and communities to land, and to each other.”  Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council. 

“Water is Life develops a pathway to genuine, meaningful outcomes for Traditional Owners. It represents actual and symbolic respect for the importance of Aboriginal connections to Country. Caring for Country and water can deliver thriving cultural economies and benefits for Traditional Owners, existing entitlement holders, and all Victorians.” 

https://www.water.vic.gov.au/aboriginal-values/the-aboriginal-water-program 

In this event, you will hear from a panel of Indigenous water leaders and industry professionals devoted to increasing Traditional Owner power and restoring First Nations rights.
Topics include:

• Contemporary approaches to Traditional Owner engagement for water practitioners 
• Understanding cultural flows, our current water entitlement framework, and DELWP’s new Water Is Life strategy
• Water corporation insider’s perspective: delivering 2GL of water from the Mitchell River to the Gunaikurnai
• Rivers as living entities

Speakers

• Dr Rohan Henry – Non-Executive Director at South East Water Corporation.
• Kirsty Savage – Senior Manager, Aboriginal Water Program at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. 
• Craig Parker – Executive Officer at Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners Land Management Board. 
• Dr Erin O’Donnell – Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne Law School

Networking
Following the session, there will be drinks and delicious canapes featuring indigenous ingredients. 

Event Details

Registration Costs