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 ensure that planning, design and delivery of RA projects takes place 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.

Download the Framework here.

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 NSW Reconstruction Authority and is required to be implemented by all RA project teams across the Northern Rivers, with progress reported annually.

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.

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 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. It ensures that First Nations communities are genuine partners - not just consulted - in disaster prevention, preparedness, recovery and reconstruction.

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.

Indicators of success

The following indicators of success demonstrate the practical actions to bring this commitment to life, with an enquiry guide to help build a shared understanding and approach to the indicators of success with each community. 

Design work: Agency in Design

“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

This Framework is co-authored by Jagun Alliance and Zion Engagement and Planning, and funded by the NSW Government.