Aboriginal engagement

Why is this project important?

Aboriginal people have a significant custodian relationship with Sea Country.

They hold unique and complex knowledge of its benefits and values. Aboriginal people also have a deep spiritual connection to the sea. However, Aboriginal people are underrepresented in decision making for Sea Country, which threatens the protection of Aboriginal cultural values of the marine estate.

The Department of Primary Industries Regional Development Fisheries recognises the cultural and spiritual importance of Sea Country to Aboriginal people.

We acknowledge that Aboriginal people have been sustainably harvesting from the ocean for thousands of years.

What are we doing?

The development of a state-wide engagement framework, in collaboration with Aboriginal people and partner agencies, will increase Aboriginal people’s participation in decision making and future management of the marine estate.

• Delivered five cultural fishing workshops across the Port Macquarie–Hastings area through an Aboriginal‑owned business, promoting cultural knowledge, connecting younger generations with local elders and senior groups, and raising awareness of responsible fishing practices and cultural connections to local waterways.
• Delivered five cultural fishing workshops in the Coffs Harbour area, focusing on the role of Aboriginal women in cultural fishing and the care and management of local waterways, delivered by an Aboriginal female‑owned business.

Balmuun Gangaa Aboriginal Corporation (BGAC) delivered 3 cultural fishing days across the Nambucca Valley, with 20 Aboriginal students taking part in each event. These days support BGAC’s purpose of creating safe, culturally grounded opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. They strengthen young people and families, building capability through healing and cultural connection, providing guidance and life skills, and fostering strong relationships with community and key partners.

Dhina Durriti Aboriginal Corporation delivered another cultural fishing day at Hat Head following the success of last year’s event. With support from our team the program provided tackle, bait and educational materials to help 20 Aboriginal students build confidence and skills in cultural fishing. Future workshops may expand into inland catchments while remaining firmly grounded “On Country” within the Dunghutti nation.

National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA), through its Aboriginal Team Leader at Orara schools, delivered cultural fishing days for Aboriginal female students across three schools in the Coffs Harbour region. NASCA’s work centres on cultural connection and wraparound support to help young people thrive. The workshops were held in Pipeclay Lake and Arrawarra Beach and included hands-on fishing education. An invited Elder provided cultural guidance, and students had the opportunity to visit the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre to deepen their cultural learning.

Waagay Biliinyjarl Aboriginal Corporation (WBAC) continues to host cultural fishing days with local community members and Elders across Gumbaynggirr Country. WBAC is working closely with the Coffs Harbour Learning Centre, a specialist school supporting students with complex behavioural needs. Through tailored education programs and cultural fishing clinics, WBAC is helping students build positive strategies, reconnect with culture and develop skills that support their transition back to school, into training or into the workforce. The fishing workshops, held during school hours, build on earlier holiday programs and provide a strong foundation for ongoing cultural learning and engagement.

For more information about our achievements in Marine Estate Management Strategy, please visit our report page.

Sea Country videos

Find out more about our projects through our Sea Country videos.

Statewide

Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development

• Local Aboriginal communities
• NSW Aboriginal Land Council
• NTSCORP Limited (Native Title Service Provider for Aboriginal Traditional Owners in NSW and the ACT)

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW)

• Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure