NIDR

National Indigenous Disaster Resilience Gathering

24- 26 September 2024

Lismore Showgrounds, Bundjalung Jagun (Country)

The NIDR Gathering is a multi-day, immersive event showcasing Indigenous leadership and excellence in disaster resilience, emergency management, community recovery and Caring for Country.

The Gathering welcomes participants from all backgrounds interested in engaging in Indigenous-led conversations on disaster resilience and preparedness.

What is the Heal the Rivers Project? 

Heal the Rivers is a three-year project funded through the Northern Rivers Recovery Resilience Program (NRRRP) to deliver Aboriginal directed and culturally informed catchment management & restoration projects. Heal the Rivers has a focus on restoring riparian wetlands and upper catchment areas, prioritising places and species of cultural significance across the Yarbirri (Tweed), Durrumbul (Brunswick), Baluun (Richmond) and Birrung (Clarence).  

Working together with Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Native Title representatives is a key aspect of the Heal the Rivers project. This project is more than just environmental restoration; it’s about healing the land, the creeks and rivers as well as the communities connected to them. Only through strong partnerships can we achieve the desired outcomes. 

Key Activities 

  • Community Workshops: Engage with local communities across seven Local Government Areas in the Northern Rivers to prioritise cultural land management and restoration. These workshops will bring together local mob, private landholders, and representatives from government and non-government organisations. 

  • River Custodians Team: Establish a dedicated team of at least five full-time Indigenous staff who will lead and manage the restoration activities on the ground. 

  • Knowledge Integration: Develop an integrated knowledge platform with partners like the University of Melbourne and Bush Heritage Australia. This platform will empower decision-making for restoration, flood mitigation, and adaptation. 

  • On-Country Work: Identify and carry out on-ground restoration activities in seven priority areas, with the goal of expanding these efforts over time. 

  • Support for First Nations Students: Work with local universities and training facilities to provide opportunities for First Nations students to engage with and learn from the project. 

This unique gathering will bring together representatives from disaster resilience and emergency management sectors, government, researchers, non-government organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Indigenous ranger groups, Native Title groups, and other land and water management organisations to build awareness, share knowledge, connect, and support an Indigenous-led conversation on disaster resilience.

Across the three days, guests will be invited to join keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops and have the option of participating in on-Country activities.


We encourage representatives from disaster resilience and emergency management sectors, government, researchers, non-government organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Indigenous ranger groups, Native Title groups, and other land and water management organisations to register.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members who would like to attend the NIDR Gathering but don't have the financial means, please email NIDR@monash.edu

HEAL THE RIVERS LAUNCH

Durrumbal Hall - August 22nd 2024

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How You Can Be Involved 

The Heal the Rivers project is a collective effort, and your involvement is welcome. Whether you are a knowledge holder, a community member, or someone interested in the future of our rivers, there are ways to participate: 

  • Attend Workshops: Join our community workshops to share your knowledge, learn from others, and help prioritise restoration activities in your area. Heal the Rivers workshops will be held in locations across:  Durrumbul/Brunswick River Catchment; Yarbirri/Tweed River Catchment; Baluun/Richmond River Catchment and Birrung /Clarence River Catchment.  

  • Participate as a Landholder:  Register your interest to work with Jagun and local Custodians to develop a culturally informed Action Plan for your property, creeks, or wetlands and work with River Custodians to implement key actions. 

  • Become a Partner:  Collaboration with Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Native Title representatives will be a key aspect of the Heal the Rivers project, alongside education, government and non government organisations. 

  • Work with us: If you are interested in working with Jagun Alliance keep an eye on our jobs board, including opportunities to join our River Custodians team. 

Respecting Cultural Protocols 

The Heal the Rivers project is committed to respecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights (ICIP). We follow strict protocols to ensure that all cultural knowledge and data shared during the project are protected. Participation is entirely voluntary, and consent is obtained following the principles of Free Prior and Informed Consent. 

All information shared will be kept confidential, and participants have the right to withdraw their knowledge at any time. We are here to collaborate under your cultural authority, ensuring that your knowledge is recognised and applied in a way that respects your rights and traditions. 

Contact Us 

For more information, contact NIDR@monash.edu.

The NIDR Gathering is led by National Indigenous Disaster Resilience, a research program within Fire to Flourish at Monash University, Jagun Alliance is working in collaboration with local organisations, Koori Mail, and Resilient Lismore to deliver the project on Country.