During September, the National Landcare Network (NLN) and the Landcare Association of South Australia had the privilege of celebrating the 25th anniversary of Nantawarrina, Australia’s first Indigenous Protected Area (IPA).

Initially a pastoral station, Nantawarrina was established by the Nipapanha community in 1998, and covers 58,000 hectares of Adnyamathanha lands between the Northern Flinders and Gammon Ranges National Parks in South Australia. The area is managed by dedicated Nanawarrina Rangers who nurture and safeguard the land through activities including vegetation and weed management, monitoring the yellow-footed rock wallaby population, and managing feral animals.

The anniversary celebrations lasted three days and were a testament to the enduring success of Nantawarrina, showcasing its substantial contributions to both the local community and environment. 

Speaking to the significance of the landmark anniversary, NLN CEO Jim Adams said: "On behalf of the community landcare movement, the National Landcare Network would like to thank the Nipapanha Community Aboriginal Corporation for the invitation to attend the 25th anniversary of Nantawarrina, and their work restoring health and biodiversity to the land.

"This anniversary gives us the opportunity to reflect on the profound impact of both the two and a half decades and the tens of thousands of years of aboriginal guardianship has had on the ecosystem and landscape, and to celebrate the work of Nipapanha Community Aboriginal Corporation over the last two and a half decades. 

"Nantawarrina's success is a testament to the effectiveness of First Nations knowledge in caring for Country, and demonstrates the pivotal role of First Nations stewardship in both protecting and restoring fragile habitat, and in safeguarding biodiversity. Under the custodianship of the Nipapanha Community Aboriginal Corporation, we have seen the recovery of endangered species, rejuvenation of plant communities, and the restoration of critical waterways.”

The community landcare movement strives to walk together with First Nations Custodians respecting their knowledge, skills and responsibilities in land and sea management and their role in leading the planning and caring for Country and community across Australia. 

Watch a short video from the day below: