Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework
Partnering for a Stronger Future
What is the Connecting with Country Framework?
The Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework was co-authored by Jagun Alliance Aboriginal Corporation and Zion Engagement and Planning on behalf of the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA). It is the first framework of its kind for the RA, and was shaped by the voices and priorities of local First Nations communities across the Northern Rivers.
The Framework is centred around First Nations ways of understanding, relating to and interacting with Country. It provides a structured approach to guide planning, design and delivery of RA projects to be in genuine partnership with local First Nations communities and in alignment with Cultural protocols.
The region encompasses the seven Local Government Areas of Tweed, Richmond Valley, Lismore City, Kyogle, Clarence Valley, Byron and Ballina – known as the Northern Rivers. It is widely acknowledged that the local Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters within the Northern Rivers region are people from the Bundjalung, Githabul, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr Nations.
“The NSW Reconstruction Authority will strive to embed a Country centred approach guided by First Nations people, who know that if we care for Country, Country will care for us.
This commitment requires NSW Reconstruction Authority to work to a Country-centered approach to support First Nations leadership in disaster preparation, recovery and planning.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority's commitment
Why is the Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework important?
For thousands of years, First Nations peoples have cared for this Country - its rivers, rainforests, coastlines and grasslands - through deep cultural Knowledge, practice and obligation. Where this Knowledge has been included in planning and decision-making, outcomes for both Country and community are better.
The Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework seeks to create new opportunities for improved outcomes by helping the RA bring cultural understanding in its work, ensure respect for local First Nations ways of being, knowing and doing, and First Nations leadership in disaster recovery and planning in the Northern Rivers.
The Framework is grounded in five foundational concepts and offers guidance on establishing respectful and meaningful relationships:
Protecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)
Caring for Country
Ensuring Cultural safety
Recognising Cultural Authority
Protecting Cultural Values.
Key activities
The Framework was developed through two stages of engagement with First Nations communities between October 2024 and May 2025, consulting with 15 Local Aboriginal Land Councils and 6 Registered Native Title Body Corporates across the region.
Stage 1 — Draft Framework Development (October–December 2024): Gatherings with Cultural advisors and community leaders, informed by the Government Architect NSW Connecting with Country Framework, to co-design the draft Framework concepts, commitments and actions.
Stage 2 — Community Feedback (January–May 2025): Engagement with Knowledge Holders at broader community events and gatherings to seek feedback on the draft. Five in-person gatherings were held in Alstonville, Maclean, Grafton and Armidale, giving local First Nations people the opportunity to guide the RA on how they work with communities and on Country.
Framework publication (February 2026): The Framework was formally published by the RA and is required to be implemented by all RA project teams across the Northern Rivers, with scheduled progress reports.
Stage 3 – Implementing the Framework (January – June 2026): The Framework was publicly launched in March 2026. Jagun Alliance was engaged to support initial implementation actions including training and cultural guidance in applying the Framework and presenting the published Framework to local First Nations rights holders and organisations.
Framework launch
The RA launched the Framework on 6 March 2026 on Gullibul Country with Elders, rights holders and community members, together with Hon. Janelle Saffin MP and Framework authors Jagun Alliance and Zion Engagement and Planning.
Image credit: Selina O’connor. Front row L-R: Michael (Wayne) Walker (Gugin Gudduba LALC); Ken Hickling (Jubul Aboriginal Corporation); Gertrude Robinson (Jubul Aboriginal Corporation); Michael Paden (Jagun Alliance); MP Janelle Saffin; Oli Costello (Jagun Alliance); Michelle Rogers (NSWRA); Elle Davidson (Zion Engagement and Planning);
Back row L-R: Montana Stocks (RA); Peter Roginson (Jubul Aboriginal Corporation); Irene Green (Jubul Aboriginal Corporation); Kai Walker (Gugin Gudduba LALC); Michelle Nagas (CEO Gugin Gudduba LALC); Tina Williams (Jagun Alliance); Andrew Johnston (Jagun Alliance); Bill Walker (Gugin Gudduba LALC); Paul Robinson (Jubul Aboriginal Corporation); Kristie Clarke (RA); Kristin Den Exter (Jagun Alliance); Stevie Wappett (Jagun Alliance); Aliison Kelly (Jagun Alliance); Nina Woods (Jagun Alliance); Krysta Briffa (Zion Engagement and Planning); Susie George (RA).
The Framework offers a tool to help the RA better understand knowledge, priorities and cultural values of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Rivers region.
“We heard from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the region that there is no single voice and no one-size-fits-all way of working on Country. This framework is a starting point - a living document for NSW Reconstruction Authority staff to recognise diversity within communities.”
Oli Costello, Executive Director, Jagun Alliance
A living document
The Framework is designed to evolve over time. Community guidance through ongoing engagement and practice will continue to shape how it is implemented. Feedback is welcomed at Aboriginaloutcomes@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au.
Indicators of success
The following indicators of success demonstrate the practical actions to bring RA’s commitment to life, with an engagement and enquiry guide to help build a shared understanding and approach to the indicators of success with each community.
Design work: Agency in Design
Tree bark image credit: Michelle Rogers – Bundjalung Jagun
This Framework is co-authored by Jagun Alliance and Zion Engagement and Planning, and funded by the NSW Government.
