Toogimbie
Since the 1800s the Toogimbie Station, encompassing more than 4600 hectares in south central New South Wales, has been used solely for pastoral and agricultural purposes.
In 2000, the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) purchased this and other properties under its land acquisition scheme. A short time later it was taken over by the Nari Nari Tribal Council (NNTC) along with three other properties and in 2004 it was declared the Toogimbie Indigenous Protected Area. The NNTC was names a state finalist in the Landcare Awards in 2003.
Funding provided by the Trust Indigenous Protected Areas Programme has seen the development of a plan of management. Now, Indigenous and non-Indigenous land management techniques are being used to manage Toogimbie.
This is an exciting approach to landcare which utilises the best current technology alongside generations of wisdom from the traditional custodians of the land. The clan representation methods within this organisation are reviving the traditional roles within Indigenous society, and knowledge is readily shared amongst young and old. Family units are encouraged to stay on to help strengthen the bonds within each group.
The community has experienced a revival since acquiring the land. Indigenous trainees are employed on the property, and a programme to engage Juvenile Justice on the land is also planned. According to the land manager, the project has been successful in obtaining funding due to the success of the community working together in partnership with government organisations.
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