By Lauren Mills
In an important step toward self-determination, environmental stewardship, and cultural recognition, the Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation has launched a series of community consultations for the proposed Bellinger Valley Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) — and the entire community is invited to take part.
This visionary proposal, led by Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation, seeks to establish an IPA that will protect Country, restore biodiversity, and embed cultural governance principles across the Bellingen Shire. The consultations are open to all: Traditional Owners, residents, environmental organisations, local businesses, and anyone passionate about the future of the Bellinger Valley.
The community consultation dates and locations are:
• Mylestom – 15th October 2025
• Urunga – 12th November 2025
• Glennifer – 11th February 2026
• Bellingen – 11th March 2026
• Dorrigo – 22nd April 2026
Please attend only the session closest to where you live, to ensure we gather locally relevant input from each area.
All events are free, family-friendly, and will include a free BBQ and a line-up of guest speakers from across environmental, cultural, and scientific fields. Please register to attend via https://www.trybooking.com/DFZFK.
Why It Matters
Indigenous Protected Areas are a growing national initiative that have proven benefits for conservation, cultural revitalisation, and community development. According to national reporting, IPAs now cover over half of Australia's National Reserve System, and they are recognised for combining traditional knowledge with modern science to protect Australia’s unique environments.
The Bellinger Valley IPA would join more than 90 IPAs nationwide, collectively managed by Indigenous landowners who bring deep cultural knowledge and care to the process.
A Shared Vision for Country
Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation CEO Dean Kelly says the IPA is more than just a conservation project.
“This is about walking together—honouring our Ancestors, healing Country, and creating a future where cultural governance and biodiversity protection go hand in hand. It’s about ensuring the land is looked after in the right way, with the right people guiding the process,” they said.
Community Consultations events will explore:
• Cultural protocols and priorities in land and water management
• Collaborative governance models grounded in self-determination
• Ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation
• The development of a Plan of Management and MERI (Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement) framework, aligned with the national “Our Country Our Way” principles
The process is being undertaken with respect for Traditional Owners and in collaboration with local councils, environmental NGOs, researchers, and community stakeholders.
“There are some common misconceptions about Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs), so we want to be clear: this process does not involve taking anyone’s land, homes, or changing private property rights in any way. IPA’s work in partnership with communities to care for Country — not divide it.”
“IPAs are created through voluntary agreements with Traditional Owners to care for Country, and they are focused on protecting cultural values and biodiversity in partnership with the wider community. They are not about exclusion or division — they are about inclusion, respect, and working together for the long-term health of our shared environment.” Dean Kelly CEO Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation.
Your Voice Matters
Organisers are clear: this is a collaborative journey, and the design of the IPA must reflect local values, priorities, and aspirations.
“Whether you’ve lived here forever or just arrived, if you care about this Country, we want to hear from you,” said Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation CEO Dean Kelly.
For more information on the IPA process or to get involved, register via https://www.trybooking.com/DFZFK or contact Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation directly via email: data@yac.org.au
Let’s walk this road together — to protect, restore, and honour the Bellinger Valley, now and for generations to come.
About Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation
Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Gumbaynggirr people. We strive to blend the oldest continuous Culture with contemporary technology and digital methods, ensuring the longevity and dynamic presence of the Gumbaynggirr culture. Our organisation works closely with the community, elders, and experts to safeguard our traditions, language, art, and sacred sites. Through education, research, and community engagement, we aim to create a sustainable future for our cultural heritage.
