Aboriginal cultural heritage and health will be promoted in the Dubbo region under a partnership between the NSW Government and the Pathways Together Aboriginal Corporation.
The Pathways Together Aboriginal Corporation has been appointed by Crown Lands to manage a 8,822 square metre reserve in Wongarbon.
Pathways Together Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit that operates a native nursery in Dubbo and specialises in Aboriginal programs focused on education, employment, mental health and well-being.
The corporation’s appointment as Crown Land Manager of the reserve in Wongarbon is a significant step that will allow it to care for country using traditional knowledge and practices while promoting Aboriginal cultural learning and health with the community.
Pathways Together Aboriginal Corporation director Rob Riley said the reserve would allow current and future generations to learn about and pass on Aboriginal culture and skills in Dubbo.
“We can produce and teach arts and crafts, how to make Aboriginal implements and timber furniture, native plant propagation, and the design and construction of native gardens, yarning circles and even custom trailers,” Mr Riley said.
“We also want to engage with NSW Health on health programs and with schools to support cultural learning and knowledge.
“A key goal is to provide services to assist Aboriginal males to be strong role models for younger people in the community and to provide a facility to ensure culture is shared and passed down to future generations.”
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the appointment of Pathways Together Aboriginal Corporation was part of ongoing efforts to support Aboriginal outcomes from Crown land.
“The NSW Government is committed to working with Aboriginal communities to unlock multiple benefits from Crown land including economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes and the protection of cultural heritage,” Mr Anderson said.
Pathways Together Aboriginal Corporation’s Robert Riley with Dubb MP Dugal Saunders
Pathways Together Aboriginal Corporation takes students ‘on country’ to learn cultural knowledge
