Aboriginal Water Officer Network

State-wide network of Aboriginal Water Officers

One of the Aboriginal Water Program’s first priorities was to fund Traditional Owners to take an active role in the management of the State’s water resources.

Aboriginal Water Officers (AWOs) play a significant role in promoting informed discussion to support Aboriginal values and uses through Victoria’s existing water resource planning and management processes.

Dedicated water expert on Country

AWOs deliver projects in partnership with Traditional Owner Corporations, Aboriginal communities, catchment management authorities, and water corporations. The positions provide a dedicated water expert on Country who supports Traditional Owners to self-determine how they partner with the water sector.

AWOs work on local projects and programs and support the Victorian Government to better understand and incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge into water resource planning.

Establishment of the Aboriginal Water Officer Network

The Aboriginal Water Program, in partnership with AWOs, established the Aboriginal Water Officer Network as a forum to share knowledge and practices.

It is administered by AWOs to provide support for each other and strengthen capability to participate in the water industry.

Aboriginal Water Officer Case Study

Dylan Lawson, Aboriginal Water Officer at the First People of the Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation (FPMMAC), a proud Latji Latji – Barkindji Man, is helping bring water back to Musk Duck. Dylan manages waterways and surrounding Country in partnership with Traditional Owners, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and other stakeholders. It’s a labour-intensive role, but Dylan loves being out on Country. To hear more about Dylan's experience as an AWO, please see the PDF below:

Page last updated: 13/11/24