Image source and description
Main imageWorimi artist Gerard Black’s artwork depicts the Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Group’s Gulamon (also known as Coolamon), which serves as a ceremonial vessel used in each gathering, carrying cultural meaning and connection. This Gulamon was crafted from a tree on Gomeroi Country by one of the Group’s members.Background imageTheme image sits above Butjin Wanggal Dilly Bag Dance by Worimi artist Gerard Black. It uses symbolism to display an interconnected web and represents the interconnectedness between people and the environment.
Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Group
The APKG ensures that the perspectives of Aboriginal peoples are heard and considered across NSW.
In June 2023, the EPA Executive committed to enacting the Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal Peoples and approved the re-establishment and expansion for an ongoing Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Group (APKG) which was first formed in 2021 to assist with the EPA’s 2021 State of the Environment report.
The inaugural membership included members of the EPA Aboriginal Initiatives team, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and NSW Aboriginal Land Council, and two independent members: Wally Stewart, Walbunja man from the south coast of NSW, and Associate Professor Bradley Moggridge, Kamilaroi water scientist.
The ongoing APKG members were formally appointed by the CEO in late 2023; their inaugural meeting was held on 29 February 2024. The membership of the APKG comprises of 7 Aboriginal Knowledge Holders descended from Saltwater, Freshwater, Rainforest and Desert Country of NSW (see Figure V1.1).
Figure V1.1: The Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Group 2024
Notes:
APKG Members are (from top clockwise) Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley (Chair) (Birpai and Dhanggati), Steven Ahoy (Anaiwan), Sue Bulger (Wiradjuri and Walgalu), Marcus Ferguson (Bundjalung & Nyangbul), Greg Griffiths (Guyinbarray Clan, Gamilaraary, Gomeroi) Lawrence Clark (Ngiyampaa & Barkindji), Daniella Chedzy (Ngiyimpaa).
The APKG is an independent body that operates autonomously and is outside the direct control or influence of the EPA. This autonomy ensures the APKG recommendations, guidance, advice, nurturing and challenges provides space for truth telling and the best possible outcomes for Country and the health of the community.
The purpose of the APKG is to ensure the perspectives of Aboriginal peoples will always be heard and considered in matters relating to Aboriginal cultural values, knowledges and sciences across the EPA.
The Advisory Committee will guide, advise, nurture and challenge the EPA to uphold the twelve principles listed in the Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal Peoples.
Figure V1.2 represents the APKG collective viewpoint on how State of the Environment reports relate to Country.
Figure V1.2: Representative of APKG collective viewpoint
