Reward for Roelands work

Sustainable land management group Woolkabunning Kiaka which is run out of Roelands Village has been nationally recognised for its efforts.

The indigenous group won the State Indigenous Landcare Award and is a national finalist in the Indigenous Land Corporation category.

Roelands Village chief executive officer Les Wallam said the award was recognition for the workers’ dedication to the land and developing good environmental practices.

He said there had been four key people involved with the WKI committee, including former AFL great Syd Jackson.

The team has worked together to establish a bush tucker demonstration garden, and undertaken native revegetation, pruning, weed control, farm management and various pilot projects for sustainable farm practices.

“It’s intended to get people into jobs, we have set up work groups and the aim is to get three or four highly efficient working crews out on the land.

“We see a lot of cotton bush which is very invasive to the land,” he said.

“We already have interest from farmers in the area to remove Cotton Bush and other invasive weeds.

“They are also learning about the bush tucker and where it comes from, these young people are learning about the cultural connection to the land.”

Landcare Australia chief executive officer Tessa Jakszewicz said this year’s theme was Collaborative Communities and the Woolkabunning Kiaka group had worked hard to establish its presence in the community.

“This is a time where we can take a step back and reflect on all the good work that is being accomplished all across Australia,” she said.

“There are so many farmers and community volunteers who are dedicated to protecting and restoring Australia’s land and coastlines and they deserve recognition.”