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State-wide network of Aboriginal Water Officers

One of the Aboriginal Water Program’s first priorities was to fund Traditional Owners to take an active role in the management of the State’s water resources.

Aboriginal Water Officers (AWOs) play a significant role in promoting informed discussion to support Aboriginal values and uses through Victoria’s existing water resource planning and management processes.

Dedicated water expert on Country

AWOs deliver projects in partnership with Traditional Owner Corporations, Aboriginal communities, catchment management authorities, and water corporations. The positions provide a dedicated water expert on Country who supports Traditional Owners to self-determine how they partner with the water sector.

AWOs work on local projects and programs and support the Victorian Government to better understand and incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge into water resource planning.

Establishment of the Aboriginal Water Officer Network

The Aboriginal Water Program, in partnership with AWOs, established the Aboriginal Water Officer Network as a forum to share knowledge and practices.

It is administered by AWOs to provide support for each other and strengthen capability to participate in the water industry.

Victorian Water Officer Network map

Map with Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal CorporationBunurong Land Council Aboriginal CorporationDJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation)Eastern Marr Aboriginal CorporationFirst Peoples of Millewa Mallee Aboriginal CorporationGunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal CorporationGunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal CorporationMallee Catchment Management AuthorityMurray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous NationsNorth Central Catchment Management AuthorityNorth East Catchment Management AuthorityTati Tati KaiejinTaungurung Land and Waters CouncilWadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal CorporationWimmera Catchment Management AuthorityWurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal CorporationYorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation

View a larger version of the Victorian Aboriginal Water Officer map.

Funded Aboriginal Water Officers

As of December 2021, organisations with funded Aboriginal Water Officers include:

  1. Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
  2. Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
  3. DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation)
  4. Eastern Marr Aboriginal Corporation
  5. First Peoples of Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation
  6. Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
  7. Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
  8. Mallee Catchment Management Authority
  9. Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations
  10. North Central Catchment Management Authority
  11. North East Catchment Management Authority
  12. Tati Tati Kaiejin
  13. Taungurung Land and Waters Council
  14. Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
  15. Wimmera Catchment Management Authority
  16. Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
  17. Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation

Page last updated: 19/09/23