Rod Mason, a respected Ngarigo elder, aims to reconnect people to the natural and cultural resources in our region, and create a better understanding of our shared cultural, heritage and biodiversity values, both indigenous and non-indigenous. His aim is to have indigenous natural resource management techniques adopted in farm and reserve management.

There will be two workshops, held at Garuwanga near Nimmitabel, from 9-4 pm on Thurs 20-Fri 21 October, and again on Sat 22-Sun 23 October. The workshops will cover topics including:

• The properties of key plants used in Aboriginal society
• Making tools and equipment for use in everyday life, and gathering and storing food
• How to understand landscapes, mapping and finding one's way around landscapes
• Conservation and restoration at a landscape scale
• Fire management as an NRM tool
• Local Aboriginal language, spirituality and history

 There is a charge of $25, to cover catering for morning/afternoon teas and lunches. Those wishing to stay at Garuwanga on the nights before, during and after the workshop are welcome. Each workshop will be limited to 25 people.

To register, or request further information, contact Geoff Robertson (from Friends of Grasslands):

• Ph: 62 414 065
• Email: geoff.robertson@fog.org.au [1]

These workshops are organised by Friends of Grasslands and Rodney Mason, and supported by Kosciuszko to Coast and the Murrumbidgee CMA.