Celebrating the 30 year evolution of Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management.
In 1994, a groundbreaking initiative began to take shape in Western Australia with the formation of the Swan-Avon Integrated Catchment Group. This pioneering regional group was the first of its kind in the state, marking the start of a new era in natural resource management (NRM). The vision was clear: to bring together community voices and expertise in a collaborative effort to safeguard and manage the region's natural resources. By 1997, this initiative had rapidly evolved into the Avon Working Group, an incorporated body that drew together nine dedicated community representatives from the Yilgarn, Lockhart, and Avon Catchments. These representatives came from diverse backgrounds, including catchment groups and the farming community, extending from Wongan Hills to Corrigin, all united by a common goal of sustainable land management.
In 2002, the Avon Working Group was rebranded as the Avon Catchment Council, reflecting its maturation into a designated Regional Group, which was deemed more permanent. This new identity underscored its expanded responsibilities, including the development of a comprehensive NRM strategy for the Avon Basin. This transformation marked a significant step forward, cementing the Council’s role in shaping the future of natural resource management in the region.
The landscape of natural resource management continued to shift with the discontinuation of the government initiative, the Natural Heritage Trust in 2008 and the launch of a new initiative the Caring for our Country program in 2009. In response, our organization underwent another rebranding to become Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management Incorporated. This name change was more than a rebranding—it represented a renewed focus on the unique geographical and community interests within the Avon River Basin Region.
Throughout these transitions, our commitment to collaborating with local communities has remained steadfast. Our projects have spanned a wide range of initiatives, from pioneering innovative farming techniques to enhancing soil health and conserving threatened species. Significant efforts have also been made to build Aboriginal Land Manager NRM capacity and engage meaningfully with Aboriginal communities for natural conservation within the Avon Region. These projects have not only advanced environmental stewardship but also deepened our connection to the land and the needs of our community.
As we reflect on our journey from the Swan-Avon Integrated Catchment Group to Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management Incorporated, it is clear that our dedication to environmental stewardship and community collaboration has only strengthened. Our achievements are a testament to the hard work and support of numerous collaborators and partners over the years.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been involved in this journey—your contributions have been invaluable. Looking to the future, we remain committed to managing the region’s natural assets through various nature-positive investment mechanisms, building on our strong foundational goals of resilient farming systems, a thriving environment and engaged community.
For a more in-depth overview of our History: https://www.wheatbeltnrm.org.au/our-history
To see current projects: https://www.wheatbeltnrm.org.au/what-we-do
Published eNews #394, Sept 2024