Kawadji Kanindji land and sea centre
Kawadji – means ‘belong to the east’, “kawa’i” people from the east coast.
Kanidji – means “bushmen” from inland areas immediately to the west, people from “on top” the range.
The Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council wants our community to thrive, not just survive. For many, that means “getting back to country” – spending more time with family on traditional land and sea country, protecting and living off the land, creating real jobs by developing outstations and improving access by road and sea, and being more connected to culture.
The Kawadji Kanidji land and sea centre is a focal point to make these aspirations a reality. On a practical and strategic level, Lockhart River indigenous rangers are working towards ensuring the current and future generation:
Can enjoy the benefits of natural resources and benefit from the economic and social prosperity that can come with land ownership.
Traditional Owners play a key role in managing land and sea. For the first time, the land and sea centre has enabled community-based planning to drive land and sea management.
Despite uncertainty caused by past funding arrangements, the land and sea centre is actively engaged in working on country in three priority areas:
- Protecting areas that are highly significant and in very good or undisturbed condition
- Managing threats
- Repairing and restoring damaged areas or sites in poor condition.