Lachlan Aboriginal Natural Resource Management Group

The Aboriginal community of Hay are serviced by two progressive and successful organisations; Nari Nari Tribal Council (NNTC) is a not-for-profit Indigenous environmental conservation organisation, committed to the protection and restoration of Aboriginal culture and heritage, and country.

In 2000 NNTC gained control of three district properties, Toogimbie, Lorenzo and Glenhope, located 35km west of Hay, along the Sturt Highway. The properties encompass 11,310 hectares of several regionally important environment; plains rangelands, seasonal floodplain wetlands and the riparian zone along the Murrumbidgee River.Many Indigenous sites, including occupational and burial sites have been recorded and protected across the lands. In addition a heritage walking trail has been constructed along the riverbank, to educate visitors to Toogimbie, on the cultural aspects of the property, both Indigenous and European, and natural.

To allow for economic success the existing 2000 ha irrigation area on Toogimbie has been leased on a long-term basis to a local irrigator, and these funds provide employment and funds on-going works and costs. This allows NNTC to cover all annual costs independently of Government assistance.

The properties were destocked in December 2002, and since then much regrowth has been observed in species such as Lignum, Box and Gum species, native grasses and shrubs such as saltbush

In 2003 almost 5000ha was declared an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), which is protected under the National Reserve System. The IPA project, funded by Natural Heritage Trust, allows for management planning to be undertaken, a project managed to be engaged, and specific environmental works. This funding is allocated annually to Toogimbie and other declared properties across Australia, and allows NNTC to concentrate on recreating a natural biodiversity area, without having to take economic issues into consideration, whilst retaining economic independence. Other funding bodies included Environmental Trust, ANZ Seeds of Renewal, Envirofund, Indigenous Land Corporation, Community Water Trust, NSW Fisheries, NSW Heritage Office, Aboriginal Water Trust, NSW Arts and Lachlan CMA.

2003 and 2005 saw NNTC named as a State Finalist in the Landcare Awards, as well as a Finalist in the Pride of Australia Awards in 2006.

NNTC is supported by a metropolitan based group, Friends of Nari, who assist with fundraising, co-ordination of school group visits and offers support and expertise from members.

To date, over 25000 individual native seedlings have been planted across the properties, predominately low shrub and smaller tree species, and 50000 clay seed balls distributed. In the nursery, NNTC staff and volunteers have propagated tree and shrub species, and experimented with different seeding methods, including seed balls and direct seeding.

A successful partnership has been formed with Department of Environment Conservation and Climate Change (DECC) and the Hay Rural Lands Protection Board, to carry out feral animal control. The Cultural Heritage Division of DECC also funds Cultural site protection works, repatriation and education.

NNTC is a leader in Natural Resource and Project Management, completing over $1.2 million worth of projects since 2000, in the areas of Cultural site protection, revegetation, bank stabilisation and water efficiency.

Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council (Hay LALC) enjoys a successful record of 16 successive years of clear audit reports, and concentrates on the core functions of Culture and Heritage, subsidised housing, education and referral.

Hay LALC owns and manages 10 homes, eight of which are permanently tenanted, plus and office and Staff residence. Rental collections exceed 100% annually, with a majority of tenants choosing forward payment options. The homes are in excellent condition and are regularly inspected by staff.

Hay LALC has produced two documents – “Culture and Heritage on the Hay Plains; A History of Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council and It’s Members”, and the newly published “Aboriginal Cultural Uses of Native Vegetation in the Hay Area”. These publications help educate both Aboriginal people and the wider community about the rich cultural heritage within the Hay region.

Site surveying and protection works are also carried out by Hay LALC, for clients such as RTA, Hay Shire and private Landholders.

Hay Shire Council has also supported Hay LALC to recover exposed cultural sites in the Hay region.

In 2007, DECC Cultural Heritage Division assisted Hay LALC to arrange the return of skeletal remains from the Australian Museum, which were then reburied on Toogimbie IPA.