Landcare NSW has issued a Reconciliation and Treaty Statement on behalf of the Board of Directors.

The statement comes as National Reconciliation Week draws to a close for 2023. The theme for this year is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’.

“The Board of Landcare NSW supports an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and all aspects of the Uluru Statement from the Heart – Voice, Truth and Treaty. The Board of Landcare NSW acknowledges Australia’s First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and we acknowledge their deep cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic connection to their lands and waters. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.”

Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said:

“I understand this statement from the Board doesn’t attempt to capture all the views of our members. However, it is our hope and vision that our statement from the Landcare NSW Board will encourage constructive debate on how we progress forward on the important issues of reconciliation and treaty and encourage all of our members to continue these important discussions amongst our diverse Landcare communities in NSW.”

Landcare NSW has been actively working to encourage and provide a voice for reconciliation in the Landcare community.

• In 2019, the Aboriginal Engagement “Working Together”Program was launched. This initiative within the NSW Landcare Program aims to increase opportunities to consciously develop stronger connections and partnerships between Landcare groups and Aboriginal Communities.
• In 2021, North Coast Landcare Network employed its first Aboriginal Landcare Officer followed by Murrumbidgee Landcare employing its first Aboriginal Landcare Officer.
• In 2022, Landcare NSW appointed Mr Rene Woods to the Board in a position reserved for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June – is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.