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Gunaikurnai Rangers caring for Sea Country

24 November 2023
Culture and Capability

For the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners, there is no distinction between the land and the sea - it is all part of Country and it all needs protecting.

The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) is working to protect cultural and environmental values, signing an agreement with the Australian Government to establish a Sea Country Indigenous Protection Area (IPA).

It is anticipated that the program will provide further employment opportunities for Gunaikurnai mob with the introduction of Sea Rangers to manage the IPA.

Stronger involvement in the management of Sea Country can open opportunities for improved environmental outcomes, better protection for cultural heritage and improved economic outcomes for mob.

In addition, GLaWAC has partnered with the CSIRO and Tag for Life, to provide staff with comprehensive training sessions aimed at bolstering Sea Country skills and knowledge.

The program is fostering a reconnection of Gunaikurnai community with their deep-time maritime heritage.

Gunaikurnai Cultural Ranger Harley Finn is thrilled to be reconnecting with Sea Country, recalling fond memories and the teachings of his late father.

'I had a very strong connection to the water growing up. My dad loved going diving, being out on the boat, going fishing and when he passed away all of that stopped for me,' he said.

'I feel very excited to get back into the scene now and be more connected" Harley said. "I feel safe, knowing he’s always looking over me.'

Activities such as fish tagging, splicing ropes and conducting marine autopsies have been instrumental in the rangers' development.

'We’ve been using the Gippsland Lakes as a little trial,' explained Harley, 'Handling fish, getting better with our incision cuts, learning the admin side of things before we get out in the ocean and play with the big apex predators.'

Gunaikurnai Ranger Shay Terrick, understands the impact the program will have on future generations.

"The things we do today are going to be very important in laying that foundation for generations to come. It’s about building a resilient and prosperous future for our community,' Shay said.

'We’re here, putting in the hours, paving the way; and hopefully we can pave the way for the youngens coming up, the way our Ancestors and Elders have done for us.'

Shay’s sentiments demonstrate the program’s role in empowering community with a profound sense of identity and responsibility.

The Gunaikurnai Sea Country program is a significant step toward preserving and enhancing an ancient maritime legacy – a reconnection enriched with tradition, knowledge, and economic prospects.