When it comes to looking after the natural environment, it is imperative we hear from Australia’s very first conservationists.

This Sunday, 26 October, the Wangaratta community has just the chance to do so at Swamps Rivers & Ranges’ ‘Conservation IS caring for country’ session at The Centre.

Speakers Jiarra Atkinson from Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Education and Sophie Enders, project coordinator from Swamp Rivers & Ranges are to lead the discussions, providing a rich blend of Indigenous knowledge and conservation practices.

“Swamps Rivers Ranges are really passionate about providing opportunities for the community to engage with the environment,” Sophie said.

“This is an event that we’ve been working on in the background for a little while now, and we’re really excited to be bringing this event with Jiarra.

“We’ll be talking about a whole suite of different things – a bit of general interest on these species and why they’re important to the area… ways that property owners can implement different conservation techniques on their property.

“But we’ll also be talking about some of the broader programs that exist in the North East that people can just get involved with.”

Jiarra will share traditional knowledge and stories on caring for Country and its immovable ties to the Bangarang people alongside Sophie, who will share conservation techniques pertinent to our riparian area, floodplains and wetlands.

Sophie said it’s important Indigenous people shape environment conservation discussions, as their connection to Country runs much deeper than the establishment of the Wangaratta township: at least 65,000 years deep.

“If we’re talking about land management and conservation, it’s so important to bring traditional owners into that conversation because they are our very first conservationists,” Sophie said.

“They’re the ones that have that culture and that knowledge of caring for Country, which runs much older, that beautiful history of caring for Country.

“So we’re just continuing the story alongside them; they’ve got the history and the knowledge, and we’re not bringing in a different perspective, we’re just walking alongside them to continue caring for the country.”

Weather permitting, much of the event will take place through Kaluna Park alongside the stunning King River for a total immersive experience.

Bookings are preferred and can be made through Trybooking or via email: swampsriversranges@gmail.com,.