One hundred native and bush tucker plants have been delivered to the remote Aboriginal communities of Baryulgil and Malabugilmah to foster reconciliation, assist with bushfire recovery, and strengthen their disaster resilience.
Community Elders were delighted to receive the plants, which were delivered by Clarence Valley Council staff Laura Black, Acting General Manager, and Narelle Wilson, Recovery & Resilience Planning Coordinator. “Building disaster resilience is part of Clarence Valley Council’s commitment to these remote communities and part of the recovery process after the losses imposed by the bushfires.”
Funded through Bushfire Recovery, the trees will enrich the community in many ways; by providing food, shade, and shelter for the community, while also creating wildlife habitat and reducing soil degradation. Reconciliation Week is a further reminder of the importance of working together with our First Nations People to make positive change happen.
Ms. Black said, “As a nation, we have been working towards reconciliation for almost three decades. This year the reconciliation movement is asking for action.”

“We recognize the important role we must play in reconciliation, ensuring that positive changes continue to be made to improve the lives of our First Nations Peoples.”
“It is a privilege for us to support this community-led revegetation project, where the community members are the decision-makers,” said Ms. Black.
Building disaster resilience capabilities in these communities have been a priority. Baryulgil and Malabugilmah now have a Neighbourhood Safer Place, a refuge in the event of a disaster.
Road and infrastructure improvements are underway, and disaster preparedness knowledge and resources are at hand in these communities.