Lore of the Land AbCF Newsletter #4
WELCOME TO THIS EDITION OF LORE OF THE LAND, OUR FIRST OF 2025
We are a quarter into the year and already so much has happened to report back on. This year has been busy, and set to get even busier with our new and existing partnerships going from strength to strength, both around Australia and internationally. There’s strong momentum across the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation, and I’m proud to share a few highlights:
- We’ve officially secured PBI and DGR status, a big step forward that benefits our team and strengthens our mission. Huge thanks to Lisa McMurray and Mahala for leading the charge with support from Baker McKenzie.
- We welcome Elaine Farrelly to the AbCF Board as Chair of our Finance, Audit and Risk Management subcommittee.
- A warm welcome to Emma-lee Luther and Tia Roko, who bring strength in fundraising, marketing and training.
- On the ground, we’re proud of our growing carbon project portfolio and international partnerships – from working with Traditional Owners in Fiji to exploring opportunities with the Métis National Council in Canada.
- And on the national stage, our work co-chairing the Ecological Knowledge System Indigenous Working Group is embedding cultural values and Traditional Knowledge into the Nature Repair Market – a proud example of how “if Country is healthy, people are healthy.”
I’m excited to see what this year holds for our Indigenous communities around the country, and for the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation team. Let’s keep walking this path together – for Country, community, and climate. – Rowan Foley
DONATE TO AbCF | Buy AbCF ACCU’s
ANCIENT WISDOM, MODERN IMPACT: PROTECT THE BEAUTIFUL KIMBERLEY WITH THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS
Support the right fire, in the right place, at the right time – and support the Traditional Owners care for the North Kimberley. The Aboriginal Carbon Foundation is proud to support the Balanggarra and Wanjina-Wunggurr Traditional Owners in the north Kimberley through their savanna burning carbon farming project. As our most valued supporters, you are one of the very first to be offered early access to these Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU) produced from cultural fire practices of the Traditional Owners of the Northern Kimberley.
This isn’t just carbon farming – it’s carbon with heart and soul. Where Carbon Meets Culture
Spanning the Drysdale River and Prince Regent National Parks, these rugged and breathtaking landscapes are protected and nurtured through cultural burning. Fire, when used the right way, does more than reduce emissions. It:
- Protects sacred rock art and significant sites
- Preserves rare and endangered native species
- Revitalises language, culture, and identity
- Connects Traditional Owners to Country
- Reduces the intensity of wildfires
- Strengthens intergenerational knowledge sharing
This is a carbon project grounded in Lore and Law.
What You’re Investing in: Each credit purchased supports jobs, training and social and emotional wellbeing for more than 1,200 Traditional Owners from Balanggarra and Wilinggin (Wanjina-Wunggurr) communities – including Kalumburu, Imintji, Dodnun, and Ngallanggunda.
Real Fire. Real Impact. Each fire is lit with purpose, using cool, early dry season burning methods guided by ancient wisdom and modern tools like helicopters. These burns reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help native species thrive, and allow Rangers to access and care for sacred sites far from community.
Join the Movement Purchasing these ACCUs means standing shoulder to shoulder with Traditional Owners as they lead climate solutions rooted in Country, culture and community. To secure your ACCUs or learn more, contact Michael Coleman on 0428 896 094 or michael@abcfoundation.org.au
WALK WITH US ON WESTERN YALANJI COUNTRY
A RARE AND POWERFUL CULTURAL FIRE EXPERIENCE — EXCLUSIVELY FOR ABCF PARTNERS AND COMMUNITY.
The Aboriginal Carbon Foundation is proud to share a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our valued clients and supporters: a deeply immersive field trip on Western Yalanji Country, guided by Traditional Owners and grounded in culture, Country, and connection. From 15–17 July 2025, the Western Yalanji people will open their homelands in Southern Cape York to a select group of just eight participants as part of the Palmerville Station Savanna Project. This is a heartfelt invitation to walk together — not as tourists, but as partners — to see firsthand the cultural, environmental, and social renewal made possible by your support of the Wulburjubur Savanna Burning Project.
This is not a tourism product. This is climate action through a cultural lens.
Over three days, you’ll witness the final cultural burn of the season — a practice thousands of years in the making — and gain an understanding of how fire is used to heal Country, strengthen culture, and enhance biodiversity. But the experience goes far beyond fire. You’ll visit ancient scar trees and rock art sites. Swim in crystal-clear rivers and eat traditional bush tucker. You’ll even take to the skies on a helicopter flight over the savanna — a breathtaking view of the landscape you’re helping protect.
This rare journey is hosted by the Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation. The cost is $3,250+ GST per person (ex-Cairns) and includes 4WD transport, shared accommodation, meals and the full cultural itinerary.
👉 RSVP by Friday 6 June to secure your place. Spots are limited — and they will go quickly!
This is your chance to experience what genuine, community-led climate action looks like on the ground.
Come walk with us.
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Event at a Glance:
🗓️Dates: 15–17 July 2025
📍Location: Western Yalanji Country, Southern Cape York
🚙Transport: 4WD from Cairns
💰Cost: $3,250 + GST per person (shared accommodation)
🎟️RSVP: By Friday 6 June 2025
For more details email info@abcfoundation.org.au
ACROSS CONTINENTS: METIS CULTURAL EXCHANGE ON GIMUY COUNTRY
STRENGTHENING GLOBAL KINSHIP THROUGH CULTURE, COUNTRY AND SHARED STORIES.
Recently the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation proudly hosted a visiting Métis delegation from Canada, marking a powerful moment of international Indigenous solidarity grounded in cultural exchange and deep listening. Set on the beautiful lands of Gimuy Country, the week was a heartfelt journey of connection – through shared stories, knowledge and ceremony. The group was given a special Welcome to Country and visit to Bunda Bibundji (“Bare Hill”) on Buluwandji Country, led by respected Traditional Owner and Cultural Lore Man Willie Brim, alongside his sons Aden and Oscar Brim. Together, we walked on sacred ground, sharing yarns about bush foods, traditional medicines, artefacts, spirituality, and the powerful rock art and story of the Two Sisters that connects land and lore across generations.
Throughout the week, our Métis brothers and sisters joined in rich conversations and exchanges, including:
- A yarn with Barry Hunter from NAILSMA, exploring leadership, responsibility and care for Country.
- A panel discussion at the NAILSMA Eat the Invaders event, featured on the ABC.
- A knowledge-sharing session with Dr Allan Dale at James Cook University’s Cairns campus.
This gathering was more than a meeting of minds – it was the weaving of kinship across oceans, grounded in a shared respect for Country, culture, and the role of Indigenous peoples as stewards of the land. As we continue building this partnership, we honour the stories, knowledge and values that unite us. We look forward to working together more closely this year with our Metis brothers and sisters – for land, for people, for future generations.
#BlakJoy #WesternYalanji #CoolBurn WATCH OUR VIDEO
WESTERN YALANJI PARTNERSHIP GROWS FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
FIRST FIRES OF THE SEASON LIGHT UP COUNTRY AND COMMUNITY.
We are proud to celebrate a milestone moment on Western Yalanji Country — the first Cultural Burn of the season, led with strength, knowledge and heart by the Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (WYAC) Rangers. More than just fire management, these Cultural Burns are a return to ancient practice – ceremony, healing, and deep listening to Country, all guided by the wisdom of Elders and the rhythm of seasonal change.
It’s here, on this land, that culture comes alive.
This partnership between AbCF and WYAC continues to grow stronger with each year. At its core is a shared commitment to Indigenous-led climate action, grounded in respect, responsibility and renewal. Together, we are demonstrating how Traditional Knowledge and modern carbon economies can walk side by side – for the benefit of both Country and community. Through the hard work and leadership of the Western Yalanji Rangers, we’re seeing:
- Cool fires that protect land from destructive wildfires.
- Healthy ecosystems where native flora and fauna thrive.
- Deep community connection, with young people learning from Elders and culture being passed forward with pride.
This is what Indigenous sustainability looks like in action— local people leading local solutions, with global impact. We’re honoured to stand with the Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and look forward to the many more fires, stories and successes to come.
LATEST BLOG BY SEAN APPOO
It’s Time to Talk Transition — Native Forest Logging and the Role of Indigenous Land Management
The sun is setting on native forest logging in Australia — but how we manage the transition will shape our future. In his powerful new blog, Sean Appoo from the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation reflects on the recent Forest Carbon Summit in Canberra and why Indigenous leadership must be at the centre of what comes next.
From the legacy of sudden industry closures in WA and Victoria, to the opportunities in carbon, bushfire mitigation and cultural stewardship, Sean shares his insights into how we can — and must — shift from viewing forests as timber to valuing them as carbon-rich cultural landscapes.
“Leave the land and bush restoration to us — we’ve looked after it for over 65,000 years.”
🔗 Read the full blog: The Forest for the Trees – ABORIGINAL CARBON FOUNDATION
BUILDING FIRST NATIONS-LED CARBON PATHWAYS IN FIJI
The Aboriginal Carbon Foundation has been honoured to walk alongside First Nations peoples of Fiji in a powerful new partnership that’s laying the foundations for a First Nations-led carbon economy. In February, AbCF joined First Nations Fiji Resources Foundation (FNFRF) in launching the Voluntary Carbon Market Framework Public Consultation across four regions – Suva, Lautoka, Tavua and Savusavu. These workshops brought together more than 500Traditional Landowners from 14 Provinces, engaging in deep, meaningful conversations around carbon, culture, and community benefit.
Key topics included:
- Understanding traditional systems and communal values
- Decolonising land and mind – putting Indigenous rights at the centre
- Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)
- Carbon property rights: If you own the land, you own the carbon
- Ensuring communities retain ownership of their carbon projects
Sharing our learnings from Australia, the AbCF team supported these sessions with a focus on building transparent, sovereign pathways to carbon success. As we say, this work is about sovereignty, sustainability, and self-determination – and making sure Traditional Owners are the ones leading the way. This work has been guided by first Working Group meeting held in Cairns in 2024 – bringing together partners and leaders from across both countries to align on a vision grounded in First Nations values and voices.
We’re proud to be part of this journey with the FNFRF. Together, we’re working to establish a robust, ethical and community-first carbon market framework for Fiji – one that reflects traditional governance, prioritises local benefit, and upholds the principle that carbon belongs to the people. Here’s to strong partnerships, deep listening, and a future where First Nations peoples across the Pacific shape the carbon economy on their own terms.
JOIN US TO CARE FOR COUNTRY – DONATE TODAY!
We’re proud to launch our new Donations Platform, making it easier than ever for you to back Indigenous-led climate solutions that heal Country, support community and protect culture. When you give to the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation, you’re investing in more than just climate action — you’re standing behind the leadership of Traditional Owners, creating local jobs and helping care for sacred Country the right way.
Your donation directly impacts:
- Aboriginal Ranger jobs on Country
- Carbon farming with cultural, social & environmental benefits
- Fire management that restores biodiversity and reduces bushfire risk
- Protection of sacred sites and ancient rock art
Every donation is tax-deductible and supports Indigenous self-determination and climate justice. Whether you give once or monthly, your contribution makes a lasting impact: $50 | $100 | $500 | $1,000
Let’s create long-term change — together.
STAFF NEWS…WELCOME!
A very warm AbCF welcome to our new Training and Verification Manager Tia Roko. Tia has worked in the NFP industry for over 20 years. She grew up in Sydney mainly on Lands of the Eora Nation, after arriving from Fiji at the age of 10 years old. For the past 5 years, Tia has been working in the NT, in particular Northeast Arnhem Land region and Central Desert border communities of NT, WA and South Australia. She specialises in community engagement and pays tribute to elders – past and present in the NT, for her continuous valuable cultural learnings. Tia is an Indigenous Fijian with paternal links to the people of Ravitaki, Kadavu and maternal links to Navicula, Tailevu, Fiji. Tia resides in Mparntwe (Alice Springs NT), land of the Arrernte people.
IN LOVING MEMORY – VALE ROSS WILLIAMS
Rest in Power, Timmulbar
In Loving Memory of Ross Williams (Timmulbar) — Board Director, Mentor, Cultural Leader and Friend. It is with great sadness and deep respect that we continue to honour the life and legacy of Ross Williams, known by his traditional name Timmulbar, meaning Lightning – a name that captured his presence, power and the clarity he brought to every space he entered.
Ross was a proud Bindal man with strong ancestral ties to Erub and Mer Islands in the Torres Strait. His journey as a cultural leader, mentor and changemaker spanned over four decades. In that time, Ross worked tirelessly alongside Traditional Owners, Elders and community members, always centering culture, connection and self-determination.
To the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation, Ross was more than a Board Director. He was a storyteller, a truth-teller, and a wisdom-holder. He was our friend. His contributions helped shape our organisation’s vision, grounding our work in the knowledge that true impact begins with respect for Country and culture. Across his life, Ross’s influence could be felt in both the big picture and the finer details – from his strategic insight in national programs like the Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land Joint Management Program and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s First Nations Futures Program, to the gentle way he mentored others, always lifting people up with compassion and strength. Ross had the rare ability to bridge worlds – from government halls to grassroots meetings – always carrying the voice of community, and always reminding us that real change is cultural, not just structural.
We were privileged to walk alongside Ross, to listen and learn from him, and to be guided by his unwavering commitment to a better, more just future for First Nations peoples. Ross’s passing leaves a deep void, but his spirit – his lightning – lives on in the work we do, and in the countless lives he touched along the way. Our thoughts and love are with Ross’s family, his community, and all who carry his memory.
Rest in power, Timmulbar. Your legacy lives in the land, in our hearts, and in the future you helped shape.
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The AbCF has a majority Indigenous Board and staff, is a founding signatory to the Australian carbon industry Code of Conduct with a 100% assessment record and is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) No. 298851. AbCF is a proud member of the CMI.
