Footprint
We partner with Traditional Owners, community groups and land holders to restore the health of Country and people through Indigenous Land Management practices. This collaborative work delivers diverse outcomes, from boosting community resilience and agricultural profitability to creating employment and revitalising koala habitats. It demonstrates what can be achieved when communities determine the way forward. Explore some of the work we’ve achieved with our partners.
Awakabal Country | Credit: Saskia Wilson
Healing People with Cultural Knowledge Revival of Good Fire Project
Awabakal and Worimi Country
Following the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires, Firesticks partnered with four Indigenous communities on the 'Healing People with Cultural Knowledge Revival of Good Fire Project' supported by the Australian Government. Communities on Awabakal and Worimi Country in the Hunter region of NSW led a key part of this ground-breaking project.
Rather than focusing only on immediate recovery, the project strengthened long‑term community resilience. More than 870 people across the country took part in Cultural Burning workshops, revitalising intergenerational knowledge and building a national network of Cultural Fire practitioners. The project demonstrated that Cultural Fire is both a Cultural right and a powerful tool for healing Country. It supported new employment pathways, strengthened community connection, and improved landscape health and biodiversity—showing why long‑term investment in Indigenous‑led land management is essential.
“Through the Firesticks Mentoring Program, I’ve learnt about how Cultural Burning regenerates the land, getting rid of all the noxious material and bringing it back to how it was 300 years ago. Doing this fire training is so great. It just brings you back to Mother Earth and the connection that we have.”
Norman Archibald
Gumbaynggirr and Gomeroi Fire Practitioner
