“Young as an organisation, ancient in culture”: Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation celebrate 15 years

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following article may contain images of deceased persons.

Fifteen years ago this month, a crowd gathered at the Knob Reserve in Stratford as the Federal Court of Australia formally recognised the Gunaikurnai people as the Traditional Owners of much of Gippsland.

The recognition set up the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), an organisation which now employs almost 100 First Peoples across Gippsland.

What happened: In 2010, the Gunaikurnai people signed a landmark deal with the state of Victoria called the Recognition and Settlement Agreement.

• The agreements established joint management of 14 parks and reserves across Gippsland, giving Gunaikurnai people a stronger voice in how land is cared for, creating space for culture, conservation and community.

• The deal covered 1.33 million hectares of land from Warragul to the Snowy River and from the High Country to the coast.

The agreement was the culmination of more than a decade of persistence from the Gurnaikurnai people, signalling the beginning of a new chapter in Gippsland’s history.

What it led to: Out of the agreement, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) was born. 

• The group stepped into its role on behalf of the five Gippsland clans - Brataualung, Brayakaulung, Brabralung, Tatungalung and Krauatungalung - to care for Country and advocate for Gunaikurnai families.

🗣️ Grattan Mullett, GLaWAC’s Senior Strategic Advisor, remembers the feeling of that day vividly.

• “You could just feel the pride amongst our people. It felt like our ancestors were part of that day as well, like something really good was going to happen in the future,” Mullet said in a statement. “We always knew we were Traditional Owners. But now, with native title, we were recognised as the right people to speak for this land.”

15 years of growth: Since 2010, GLaWAC has grown into a major employer of Aboriginal people across the region. 

Some of GLaWAC’s projects include: 

• Protecting and revitalising local water catchments.

• Supporting new industries and businesses like the Kalimna West Bush Café.

• Working with the Catchment Management Authority and Parks Victoria to restore native bushland.

• Sharing Aboriginal culture through storytelling, knowledge and performances at the Wangun Amphitheatre.

🗣️“We are only young as an organisation, but ancient in culture. We’re learning, building partnerships and creating change within the wider community as well as government,” said Aunty Glenys Watts, whose mum sat on the original negotiation team for the Settlement Agreement.

Looking ahead: GLaWAC is helping to shape Gippsland’s future with a variety of projects that draw on the knowledge and skills of the Gunaikurnai people. 

• The oyster trial: The Gippsland Lakes region is currently home to a successful oyster farming trial run by GLaWAC. An additional $400,000 was recently contributed from the federal government to expand the operation.

• Bush spices: GLaWAC is starting a new venture growing and selling bush spices. It hopes to bring native foods to broader markets.

• Cultural tourism: GLaWAC is opening new pathways and sites for visitors to learn about Country and for locals to take pride in sharing it. This includes a 103-hectare parcel of land in Yanakie, next to Yiruk Wamoon (Wilsons Prom), that will offer visitors a unique cultural tourism opportunity.

These initiatives aim to support Aboriginal employment, boost the regional economy and strengthen the health and wellbeing of Gippsland communities.

🗣️GLaWAC said in a statement that “caring for Country is not about special treatment, it’s about shared identity. We are strongest when we walk together, building a future that honours the first people of Gippsland and benefits everyone who calls this place home”.