Combining Traditional Knowledge and Modern Science

Posted on June 24th, 2025

FBA is supporting more First Nations involvement in Brigalow management through a four-year project that assists First Nations in the Fitzroy region to build skills and lead long-term, on-ground work.

First Nations peoples have cared for Country for tens of thousands of years, holding deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological knowledge of the land, water, and biodiversity. Their involvement in natural resource management is vital for achieving sustainable environmental outcomes. FBA is dedicated to finding regionally relevant and accessible solutions and acknowledge that integrating Traditional Knowledge with modern science provides resilient results.

Through intentional connections between people and Country, FBA are forging a legacy of inspired and empowered communities who value and protect their natural assets.

BUILDING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS ONE CONVERSATION AT A TIME

FBA Environment Coordinator Hannah Kaluzynski enjoys working with people, hearing their stories and experiences, and engaging with First Nations peoples is an extension of that passion.

During her time at FBA, Hannah has had the opportunity to work with a number of First Nations peoples on a range of special projects, including FBA’s Brigalow First Nations project.

“First Nations engagement should be standard practice,” she said.

“We all want to see a healthy and resilient environment for future generations, so working together in a more collaborative and open way is essential. First Nations peoples have been here a lot longer than us. They’ve got so much knowledge and respect for their Country. I feel very grateful that I have had the opportunity to listen and learn from so many passionate and knowledgeable people.”

ENGAGING WITH FIRST NATIONS ACROSS THE FITZROY

FBA Environment Project Officer Cameron Mulville has recently engaged most First Nations Groups across the Fitzroy region in support of the Queensland Government in their review of the Fitzroy Water Plan. Cameron led communications with all First Nations Groups across the Fitzroy and worked with a majority to understand their desired cultural outcomes for the management and allocation of water in the Fitzroy.

“The Fitzroy Water Plan has been a fantastic opportunity for me to connect and build relationships with many First Nations peoples across the Fitzroy,” Cameron said.

“It has also opened the door for FBA staff to engage with First Nations peoples.”

Cameron has worked with First Nations peoples for years and said cultural competency is a space where he is continuously learning.

“There might be a young person who is quite shy, but you can’t write them off because of their age and experience. You’ve always got to be alert and ready to receive their advice which could be critical to what you are trying to achieve,” he said.

“First Nations peoples deserve to be appropriately engaged with and be given the opportunity to get their advice on their country. It is vital we continue to engage with First Nations peoples and maintain those relationships.”

SUPPORTING STAFF TO IMPROVE CULTURAL COMPETENCY

FBA Partnerships Leader Daniel Rea said FBA is committed to improving staff cultural competency.

“We have undertaken training for staff in cultural awareness and cultural competency,” he said.

“One of the big improvements in FBA has been having a dedicated First Nations Engagement Coordinator role, which has expanded to two positions, and supporting our staff to build up their skills by meeting with and working with First Nations peoples.

“I have seen the confidence in our staff grow. Many staff are now confident working in person with First Nations peoples on projects.”

He said over the past 12–18 months, FBA has made a “concerted effort” to reach out to all 17 First Nations groups in the Fitzroy region.

“Some of the groups that FBA has previously had minor interaction with are now involved in on-ground projects,” he said.

“We are keen to work with all the First Nations groups in the region.”

As one of FBA’s First Nations Engagement Coordinators, Rachael Gill sees her role as being a voice for First Nations peoples and helping them understand FBA’s role and how the organisation can support their efforts to care for Country, access FBA resources, and build capacity within their communities.

Rachael is a descendant of the Wulli Wulli/Wakka Wakka people on her mother and grandparent’s side and English Australian descent on her father’s side.

Since joining FBA in April 2025, Rachael has seen genuine and authentic engagement between staff and First Nations peoples.

“The engagement has been conducted sensitively and with the best interests of First Nations as a priority,” she said.

“I want to help people feel comfortable, confident, and capable when engaging with First Nations peoples. It’s about being genuine and authentic.”

WHY BRIGALOW?

FBA is working with First Nations peoples across the Fitzroy to help koalas, improve fish habitat, decrease fire risk to threatened species, and assist the recovery of Brigalow.

Brigalow is a tree and an ecological community and is primarily found in Queensland and parts of New South Wales. The Brigalow ecological community is listed as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Brigalow country provides important habitat for many native species, including 200 threatened species.

Brigalow ecosystems have been the victim of extensive clearing for agriculture and grazing, and continues to face threats including weeds, fire, pest animals and disturbance by livestock. This project will reduce threats through managing fire regimes, weed control, and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge to enhance the condition of the Brigalow ecological community.

Hannah, who manages the project, said FBA has engaged with three First Nations who are all on board to participate in on-ground works.

Through this project, FBA has successfully held three consultations and conducted two on Country visits to Zamia Creek Conservation Park and Goodedulla National Park. Baseline surveys are currently underway at Zamia Creek Conservation Park, with plans to begin fire control activities soon. There are also plans to meet with two additional First Nations in the coming months to conduct on Country visits.

Hannah said the First Nations have expressed interest in undertaking a range of activities, including fire management, weed and pest control, and opportunities for upskilling their people in these.

She said, while the goal is to protect Brigalow, doing so in collaboration with First Nations peoples ensures a more inclusive and informed approach to conservation.

“Building the capacity of First Nations peoples to deliver management actions through this program has the potential to offer significant environmental, economic, and cultural benefits to First Nations in central Queensland,” she said.

This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by FBA, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners Panel.