Works Programs
Arakwal National Park
Arakwal National Park is located approximately 2 km south-east of Byron Bay in the far north coast of New South Wales (NSW).
It is the first national park in Australia to be created under an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the traditional owners, the Byron Bay Arakwal people, as joint managers with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
A major part of the Co-Management ILUA agreement is the commitment to Employment and Training for Arakwal People to work on Country.
Since ILUA 1 Arakwal people have been trained and are now employed in a variety of positions throughout National Parks.
Arakwal People also have the majority on the Management committees overseeing the Management of these Parks.
Byron Shire Council
Byron Shire Council has been very supportive of our Native Title aspirations since our first Native Title claim was lodged.
This was reflected in the 1998 Heads of Agreement created between our two groups. We are presentlyreviewing and updating the Heads of Agreement.
Byron Shire Council recently reaffirmed their relationship with the Arakwal people through the signing of a Statement of Commitment during Reconciliation Week in May, 2012. Click on the image of the recently signed Statement of Commitment to the right here for a closer look
A range of supportive actions have been undertaken in recent times including a Welcome to Country sign being provided and placed on the Byron Bay Community Centre.
Broken Head Holiday Park
The Arakwal people officially reclaimed Broken Head Holiday Park in July 2009, as part of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA2) with the New South Wales Government.
Situated on the beachfront of Broken Head approximately seven kilometres south of Byron Bay, Broken Head Holiday Park (BHHP) is surrounded by Arakwal National Park.
Revenue from the Broken Head Holiday Park is being used for upgrades to the BHHP,operating our corporation and supporting other Arakwal projects.
Cape Byron Marine Park
The NSW Government officially established the Cape Byron Marine Park in November, 2002.
The Arakwal People have been negotiating with Cape Byron Marine Park regarding our right to access our waters. A consultative committee was established to further these negotiations. The Cultural Resource Usage Agreement was finalised and sent to the NPWS Minister for consideration.
The election of a new NSW Government in March, 2011, and the subsequent transfer of Marine Parks from NPWS to Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries has seen this proposed agreement sit idle with presently no surety as to when it will be finalised.
Ceremony & Dance
Welcome to Country
Arakwal Dubay Dancers
Bigal Nali Jagun
Cultural Education
Our workshops, tours and cultural programs are about learning together, supporting Arakwal values of Knowing Country, Respecting Country and Caring for Country.
They focus on transfer of knowledge and practical learning for our own people, and for the wider community.
For our people it’s about:
- Connecting to Country and each other – getting back on and looking after Country, strengthening our relationships with each other and the wider community.
- Encouraging development of our Arakwal community members, leaders and elders, including mentors and champions of our cultural values.
- Providing and supporting education, training and work opportunities linked to our cultural experience, programs, workshops and activities.
For the wider community it’s about:
- Learning about and respecting Country and our culture – how we do things and applying this when visiting and being on Country.
- Supporting and contributing to our effort, working together caring for Country, strengthening our culture and valuing our people.
- Building trust and encouraging reconciliation, an understanding of our journey as a people, and how we have been challenged and had to adapt to change, particularly in recent times.