The NQ Dry Tropics Traditional Owner Management Group ( TOMG ), from left : Sheryl Wake ( Gia ), Virginia Wyles ( Wulgurukaba ), Richard Hoolihan ( Chair , Gugu Badhun ), Reg Kerr ( Gudjal ), Josephine Smallwood ( Wangan and Jagalingou ), Trevor Robinson ( Bidjara ), Dorothy Savage ( Birriah ), Eddie Smallwood ( Bindal ), Jim Gaston ( Juru ), Charles Morganson ( Warrungnu ). MEMBERS NOT PICTURED : Colin McLennan ( Jangga ), Phil Rist ( Nywaigi ), Sam Dallachy ( Widi ) and Walter Palm Island ( Manbarra ),
Traditional Owner empowerment
Caring for Country ... together
“ Our customary knowledge and practices , lores , and identities as Warrungnu , Nywaigi , Manbarra , Wulgurukaba , Bindal , Gugu Badhun , Gudjal , Juru , Birriah , Gia , Widi , Jangga , Wangan and Jagalingou , Bidjara , Yirendali , and Iningai Traditional Owners are inter-connected with our land and sea Country .
Access to Country and revitalising connection to Country for our people is a strong priority for Traditional Owners in this region , along with caring for Country , reviving our cultural knowledge , cultural practices and having opportunities to share this knowledge with our younger generation on Country .”
RICHARD HOOLIHAN , CHAIR , NQ DRY TROPICS TRADITIONAL OWNER MANAGEMENT GROUP
4 MEETINGS
14
Traditional Owner Management Group turns 20
Since 2003 , NQ Dry Tropics has supported and facilitated the Traditional Owner Management Group ( TOMG ) – a forum for representatives from 14 Traditional Owner groups across the region . For two decades this group of leaders has been the cornerstone of NQ Dry Tropics ’ engagement with Traditional Owners . Members meet throughout the year to share ideas , knowledge and resources , discuss projects with staff and provide cultural direction and advice .
OF THE
TRADITIONAL OWNER MANAGEMENT GROUP
GROUPS REPRESENTED
The TOMG was instrumental in developing NQ Dry Tropics ’ first Reconciliation Action Plan , and the Cultural Fire for Grazing Landscapes project . During a 20-year celebration in October , five founder members , Eddie Smallwood ( Bindal ), Jim Gaston ( Juru ), Phil Rist ( Nywaigi ), Sheryl Wake ( Gia ) and
TOMG Chair Richard Hoolihan ( centre ) presented certificates of recognition to founder members ( from left ) Eddie Smallwood , Phil Rist , Sheryl Wake , Jim Gaston and Walter Palm Island .
Walter Palm Island ( Manbarra ) were formally recognised for their exceptional contributions to the group .
NQ DRY TROPICS | YEAR IN REVIEW 2023-24
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