In November, a knowledge exchange field trip took place from St George to Narran Lakes. The Flow-MER team, Dharriwaa Elders Group Rangers, and Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder staff participated in the trip.
Yuwaalaraay/Euahlayi and Gamilaroi Elder and Narran Lakes Joint Management Committee member, Aunty Brenda McBride, joined the group. The trip aimed to support traditional knowledge sharing and provide information on environmental water and its outcomes.
During the journey, participants visited the region's many rivers, weirs, dams, waterholes, and waterways.
The trip included a barbecue at the St George Depot of the Queensland Murray–Darling Catchment (QMDC) Aboriginal Rangers. This provided an opportunity for the two ranger groups to connect and learn about each other’s work in their respective regions.
QMDC Program Manager and Lead, and Guwamu Nation Elder, Cheryl Buchanan, spoke to the group about the importance of caring for Country and protecting Aboriginal artefacts. Cheryl explained that they provide a direct link to the knowledge of Aboriginal ancestors and help ensure it is passed on to future generations.
The group also stopped in Bollon, where they had the privilege of meeting Gwamu Elder and Traditional Custodian, Uncle Bill Speedy, who took them along the Wallam Creek Walking Trail. Bill shared his insights on the Aboriginal history of the area, including showing the group scar trees, and spoke about bush medicine and tucker.
