Caring for Country

BHERWERRE RANGERS

Ranger Program

WBACC’s Caring for Country Ranger Program commenced in July 2020. The program plan can be viewed below.

Our Caring for Country Ranger’s were rebranded Bherwerre Rangers in 2022. They will work together accordingly to develop and implement management plans and programs to educate the wider community of the existence and history of our culture in this region.

The rangers also work with children from local schools in collaboration with Booderee National Park including walks on country and dreamtime story talks and artworks. Other activities keeping the rangers busy are eradication of the bitou bush and sea spurge and signage and track maintenance.

Download Program here

CARING FOR COUNTRY

Cultural Heritage

WBACC Cultural Heritage Team have been formed to protect and maintain our cultural heritage within Booderee National Park and WBACC. Our heritage includes sacred sites, songlines, languages, ceremonies, and deep connections to Country – land, water, and sky. Our cultural heritage is not just about the past; it is a living, evolving legacy that continues to shape identity, community, and connection today. Protecting and respecting this heritage is vital for reconciliation and for honouring the enduring wisdom of our people from Wreck Bay past and present.

WBACC has Cultural Heritage Strategies for the Booderee National Park and the Wreck Bay Lands.

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Download Cultural Heritage Strategy BNP

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Cultural Heritage Action Framework for Bherwerre Peninsula Aboriginal Lands.

CARING FOR COUNTRY

Fire Management

Wreck Bay is located within a high risk bush fire zone, the importance of having and maintaining a well trained organised bush fire team is understood.

The community has established a volunteer fire brigade plus its own bush fire facility that is attached to and supported by the NSW rural bush fire service.

Bitou Bush with flowers (Chrysanthemoides monilifera)

CARING FOR COUNTRY

Weed Management

Bitou bush is a weed of National significance; it was introduced to Jervis Bay Territory to stabilise sand dunes and has spread throughout the coastal areas of the Park and community land. It grows aggressively and competes with plants that provide traditional sources of bush tucker and/or are used for cultural practices.

It is important to the community that this weed is controlled within their lands. The community has hosted community employment and training programs on its lands using Bitou bush as the target species. The bitou bush eradication program is continuing with positive results.

Sea Spurge is another infestation that is being tackled as funding is available.