Bimblebox Cultural burn

The Wangan and Jagalingou Ranger Group marked an important milestone at Bimblebox Nature Refuge from 4 to 6 August, coming together on Country as a ranger group and carrying out a cultural burn in the area.

Sixteen people took part in the workshop, which strengthened connections between people, culture and Country while supporting the return of Traditional Owner-led fire management practices. 

The Wangan and Jagalingou Rangers invited NQ Dry Tropics to attend, providing a valuable opportunity to visit a remote south-western part of the region, more than seven hours’ drive from Townsville.

Participants included Gudjuda Land and Sea Ranger, Jemima Sutherland and NQ Dry Tropics Cultural Fire Project Officer Trinity Georgetown and the neighbouring Iningai Rangers, who were invited to attend by the Rangers to attend the workshop as part of capacity building activities for the Climate Smart Agriculture Project being undertaken by Living Knowledge Network in the region.

This provided an opportunity for rangers to exchange stories and experiences in caring for Country and how they can support one another across the region.  

Cultural burns were carried out across two sites, including a wetland and a dam area that is also an important story place for Wangan and Jagalingou people.

Using small, cool fires, participants targeted invasive buffel grass while learning how carefully managed fire can reduce fuel loads, encourage native plants to regenerate and protect habitat for wildlife.

The workshop was led by Tagalaka man and cultural fire expert, Victor Steffensen.

Victor shared knowledge about reading Country and using low-intensity fires that produce white smoke, an approach Traditional Owners have used for thousands of generations to care for landscapes.

The workshop extended beyond the practical use of fire. Rangers and other participants were also shown native plants with traditional medicinal uses, strengthening their understanding of the cultural and ecological values held within the landscape.

For the new ranger group, the gathering provided an opportunity to learn from cultural fire practitioners, share knowledge and begin building their own experience in caring for Wangan and Jagalingou Country.

Bimblebox Nature Refuge protects almost 8000 hectares of mostly uncleared semi-arid woodland near Alpha in central-west Queensland.

It supports a rich diversity of plants and animals, including 176 recorded bird species and demonstrates how biodiversity conservation and agricultural production can coexist.

Funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the workshop represented more than a land-management activity.

It was a significant first step in supporting Wangan and Jagalingou rangers to return to Country, care for culturally important places and continue cultural knowledge and practices for future generations.