Wiradjuri cultural burn to heal threatened ecological community near Orange

Three Rivers Cultural Services conducted the cultural burn at a vegetated, non-operational section of Transgrid’s Molong Substation site today (July 7) in collaboration with the Canobolas Rural Fire Service Brigade.

The First Nations fire practice aims to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of 25ha of Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands, a critically endangered ecological community, and habitat for native flora and fauna.

Transgrid General Manager of Property, Approvals and Logistics Suzanne Westgate said: “As NAIDOC Week begins, we are honoured to be working with Traditional Custodians of Wiradjuri Country to help protect and enhance valuable biodiversity while supporting Indigenous employment and cultural practices.

“The cultural burn on our Molong Substation site involved burning the land in patches, producing low flames, which moved slowly and produced white smoke, to improve the health of Country.

“Members of Three Rivers Cultural Services conducted the cultural burn following training from national Indigenous network Firesticks.

“We are proud to support them in reinvigorating cultural burning practices that have been used by Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years to look after their sacred landscape.”

Three Rivers Cultural Services Managing Director Jordon Moore said: “This burn is more than fire on the ground — it’s a cultural and ecological responsibility. We’re guided by our Ancestors, Elders, and Country itself. Cultural fire brings people together, teaches Yindyamarra (respect), and helps us heal the land the right way.

“We’re proud to be creating pathways for Indigenous children and young people to step into cultural roles, learn traditional knowledge, contribute to restoring our landscapes, and build on their skills, attributes, and values to continue the ongoing work of preserving our traditional practices.”

Transgrid provided a grant to Three Rivers Aboriginal Corporation under its Community Partnerships Program last year to purchase cultural burn equipment and artefacts.

The land at Molong Substation has been identified by Transgrid as a potential site for a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement to perpetually preserve valuable native flora and fauna including threatened species. It could also provide Indigenous cultural and employment opportunities focusing on bush foods, bush medicines and cultural revitalisation for young Wiradjuri men.

“As part of our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, Transgrid embeds respect for and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, rights and opportunities in everything we do,” Ms Westgate said.

“We are working with Indigenous communities to help achieve sustainable economic prosperity.

“Transgrid is delighted to partner with Three Rivers Cultural Services to create employment, training and cultural opportunities for local First Nations people in caring for Country.”

Transgrid media contact: Mark Nolan 0429 047 136