APKG Chairperson foreword

I acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the Aboriginal people who have gone before us, who have taken this journey to establish space for Aboriginal ancestral knowledge and wisdom to be heard. I respect the enduring cultural and spiritual relationship Aboriginal people have with the land and sea to ensure Country and people are in a state of wellness and balance.

I acknowledge the members of the Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Group (APKG); Greg Griffiths, Steven Ahoy, Sue Bulger, Marcus Ferguson, Lawrence Clarke and Daniella Chedzey, for their commitment to working in partnership with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for the betterment of our lands, waterways, sky and peoples.

APKG was established as a newly independent advisory committee to the EPA. As the Chairperson, I am proud to bring a collective voice stating our intentions and input into the State of the Environment 2024 Report. The voices of Elders, Knowledge Holders and Custodians will resonate as you read the 2024 State of Environment Report. Aboriginal words, concepts and ideas speak to you throughout these pages. These words are built upon the wisdom of our old people, Elders and ancestors; and our collective lived experiences come to you from our hearts.

APKG elevates traditional practices, values and principles; through sharing of our knowledge and ways of knowing, being and doing. Whilst some APKG members originate from diverse culturally active landscapes and face different environments issues; we speak as a collective in a unified and passionate voice for, and with Country.

Our Country has its own language; the sounds of language come from Country and exists all around us on Country. Language is the vibration of the land, it has the potential to connect us to Country, culture, ancestors and people.

The EPA has been invited to corroborate with language knowledge holders to embed Aboriginal languages in their remit and to support the development of respectful relationships. Prior to invasion, there were 35 languages spoken across NSW, belonging to the Pama-Nyungan family of Australian languages. The surviving languages are referred to as ‘revival’ languages. Language revitalisation enables us to learn, speak and see the languages of the lands we walk upon; it gives us a cultural lens to establish a relationship with the Country and each other.

Developing respectful relationships with Country and each other, allows us to walk together on common ground; to know Country and our connectedness, and find the continuity where we are connected, not separated from one another or Country. Through a reciprocal relationship, we will establish a truth telling platform; with trust we will strategically ensure there are legislative reform, tangible outcomes and viable actions, to conserve and protect our environment and natural resources.

The APKG members are working with the EPA to create better ways of wholistically caring for Country; to ensure it can heal, grow and prosper for all grandchildren, grandchildren’s children and so on.

Throughout the SOE report you will hear the voices of APKG members tell stories, share cultural knowledges, wisdom, make statements and comment on the state of the environment. We invite you ngarragi (Gathang language) ‘to listen, learn and remember’ these contributions as we work together to create balance and wellness in our environment and people.

Chairperson
Dr Rhonda Radley (Anjilkurri)
Birrbay/Dhanggati