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Fire, culture, process and relationships – First Nations people and burning in Victoria
Supporting and learning from First Nations people as they return cultural fire practices to public land across Victoria has been a transformative journey. What initially appeared straightforward has, over nine years, revealed deep complexity, at times frustrating, and highlighted the importance of strong, enduring relationships.
In 2017, DEECA (then DELWP) began working with DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung) to support the first cultural burn on Djaara Country in more than 170 years. This moment marked the beginning of a renewed approach to cultural fire in Victoria. Since then, the program has expanded to support 15 Traditional Owner Groups (TOGs) statewide, enabling more than 130 cultural burns across diverse landscapes. The model has continued to evolve and over the that time has supported cultural fire on both public and private land.
The journey has not been without challenge. TOGs and DEECA have often needed to navigate the tension between Cultural requirements and stringent organisational processes, policies, and risk frameworks. At times, the burden of navigating these systems has caused frustration and risked disengagement. Yet it has been strong local relationships and a commitment to work together to work through challenges that have allowed partners to work through obstacles together.
This presentation reflects key lessons and initiatives that have emerged, including:
· The importance of dedicated roles that support TOGs through planning and delivery
· fit-for-purpose approaches and policies
· clearer understanding and communication of liability and risk
· the development of cultural fire specific policies, including low-risk pathways to enable greater autonomy for TOGs
· honest recognition of missteps and working together for better outcomes.
Looking forward, we explore what a mature, inclusive, and culturally led cultural fire program could look like in Victoria.
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