DJAARA, the Aboriginal Corporation of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans, is revitalising the ancient tradition of Djandak Wi, also known as Country Fire, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
This initiative has been made possible by the generous funding received from the Cultural Fire Grants program of the Victorian Government.
Dja Dja Wurrung Group Chief Executive Officer Rodney Carter emphasised the significance of Cultural Fire as a fundamental practice employed by the community to nurture and protect their ancestral lands.
"This funding through the Cultural Fire Grants program is truly momentous for DJAARA. It is enabling us to significantly build our capacity to heal Country with fire," Mr Carter said.
"Our project – Djandak Wi: Returning Cultural Fire to Country – is taking Dja Dja Wurrung Cultural fire leadership to the next level and, in the process, supporting Traditional Owner self-determination in fire across the state.
"There are direct benefits to Dja Dja Wurrung People, including increased employment in fire positions. We are creating training and development pathways for Djandak Wi practitioners, including specifically for women."
Mr Carter said DJAARA has been working with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to incorporate cultural burning into the State's planned burns regime for the past five years.
"This funding will further strengthen our partnerships with DEECA and other land managers, and enable Dja Dja Wurrung People to have increased decision making and independence in fire delivery," he said.
"The legacy of this project will include a comprehensive plan for Cultural fire practice into the future. We must ensure Dja Dja Wurrung can continue to deliver fire in years to come, and better respond to fire risk and climate change impacts on Country."
The practice of Djandak Wi involves meticulous approach to seasonal burning and responsible land stewardship over an extended period. Following the principle of "Right Fire, Right Time," the method involves executing controlled burns, known as "cool burns," at specific locations and during particular times of the year.
Djandak Wi Practitioners possess an intimate knowledge of the landscape, utilising cues from the environment to determine where and how to implement fire.
Following these burns, practitioners have observed positive transformations in the land, including a reduction in weed presence and the resurgence of native species, indicating the healing effects on the Country.
As part of the project, a series of pilot burns will be conducted in collaboration with partners. These burns will serve as demonstrations, showcasing how cultural fire can be effectively employed to enhance diverse landscapes.
The Cultural Fire Grants program represents a valuable initiative by the Victorian Government.
It aims to support Traditional Owners in leading the practice of cultural burning, recognising their unique approach to fostering healthy Country and communities.
