Northern Rivers
Connecting with Country Framework
Partnering for a Stronger Future
Jagun Alliance are co-designing the Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework with local First Nations communities for the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).
Why this matters
The Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework seeks to help the RA embed cultural understanding into its work, ensure respect for local First Nations Knowledge and improve First Nations leadership in disaster recovery and planning in the Northern Rivers.
The Framework will focus on key concepts:
Country: Understanding what is Country
Culture: Understanding and valuing culture
Community: Embedding First Nations voice across project lifecycles
What’s happening?
Jagun Alliance will lead the engagement, inviting First Nations peoples living across Bundjalung, Yaegl and northern parts of Gumbaynggirr lands, to co-design the Framework concepts, commitments and actions.
Stage 1 (Completed): Gatherings with cultural advisors and community leaders, informed by the Government Architect NSW Connecting with Country Framework, will help to create a draft Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework. These include respecting Country, working in partnership, honouring cultural priorities, maintaining a local focus, supporting capacity building, and empowering First Nations people to continue to care for land, water and air through traditional practices.
Stage 2 (January-June 2025): Jagun Alliance will continue to connect with knowledge holders at broader community events and gatherings to seek feedback on the draft Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework.
Community Gatherings and Yarns
We will be hosting two in-person gatherings to yarn about how RA can work respectfully with First Nations communities and on Country.
All are welcome at these gatherings – your input is greatly valued to informing how the RA works on Country and with Community
Please click the links below to register your interest to attend one of the gatherings
Gathering 1 – Wednesday 14 May
Namabunda Farm, 110 Whites Lane, Alstonville
10am – 3pm, catered
CLICK TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE
Gathering 2 – Wednesday 21 May
May Maclean Showground - Jim Thompson Pavilion, 12 Cameron Street Maclean
11am – 3pm, catered
CLICK TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE;
This is an opportunity for local First Nations people to guide the RA on how they work with First Nations communities on Country.
The final Framework Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework will be provided to the RA for review after the stage 2 engagement.
Looking ahead
Download a copy of the Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework Handout here.
This is a draft document and will continue to evolve with input.
This project is funded by the NSW Government
