Fire Practitioner Shares Fire Lore with First Nations Elders

Robbie Williams' job is far from ordinary. A unique set of skills and over 60,000 years of First Nations lore is key to what makes him the first line of defence against devastating bushfires. Now he is sharing that knowledge with the First Nations mobs of Southern Queensland.

Robbie is a Fire Practitioner, a trained First Nations individual who manages and protects Country by regulating excessive fuel load through cool burns - a strategic burning of vulnerable landscapes to mitigate available fuel for bushfires during dry seasons.

“Because our landscapes get so dry during the summer periods and drought, cool burning allows us to minimise the amount of fuel those bushfires can use,” Robbie Williams said.

“Unfortunately, due to poor management in many areas and excessive clearing, we have an imbalance on Country which actually makes us more vulnerable to bushfires; fortunately, cool burns are essential to managing this,” Mr Williams said.

“We can stop bushfires in its tracks by targeting what is most likely to get those fires going and to direct it away from particular areas,” he said.

“This is a slow method that’s controlled and strategic; we don’t just light a fire and leave it to go wherever it wants.”

Fortunately, Robbie isn’t on his own in the vast stretches of Mulga. Rather, he is joined by his father, Uncle Rob, and the local Elders of the land.

Joined by Elders and members of the Boonthamurra, Bidjara, Kooma, Budjiti, Kunya, Kullilli, Murrawarri and Mardigan Peoples, Robbie is here to share with local communities to reconnect with their fire culture of ages past and to provide new opportunities on Country.

“We’re not here to visit someone else’s Country and tell them what they should do. What we’re doing is introducing ourselves, sharing our stories and offering resources and support so they can do their own fire practitioner work on Country,” Robbie Williams said.

“One of Fire Lore’s biggest advantages is our insurance. Most fire practitioners have to be accompanied by Rural Fire Service or National Parks for insurance, but as ours are the same type as those organisations, we can do this work on our own which is really powerful for these mobs,” Mr Williams said.

“We have developed modules and training programs so we can visit Country, share with the local mobs how to manage fire, and then let them run it on their own terms. This allows them to heal Country and to get paid while doing it through Indigenous-lead employment,” he said.

“As Githabul People, we don’t want to be doing fire management for Budjiti mobs. We want Budjiti to manage their own Country.”

The visit allowed Robbie an opportunity to meet regional communities and to understand their lore, histories, and culture. Some of these sites included 3,500-year old Mardigan fish traps, the Kullilli sand hills at Thargomindah, and a sacred Mardigan men’s initiation site near Yowah.

“Seeing so many different sites really puts into perspective that this isn’t just one mob’s stories and lore. You find everywhere you go that we have the same rules and stories and that these mobs want to get back onto Country,” Robbie Williams said.

“They all believe in caring for Country. For building a healthy community. They have the same fire rules as Githabul does; like not burning the canopy and going against the wind,” Mr Williams said.

“They want to get back onto Country to start that healing of Country, but also to heal their communities. To bring employment and meaning to their young fellas and to finally start reconnecting with their history and Elders,” he said.

“We’re hoping that these Fire Lore branches can be the catalyst for that, because once we’ve got it started, there’s no going back. This is going to revitalise Murri communities in ways we’ve never seen before.”

“Catching up with Elders and men from Cunnamulla out at Jandell was also an amazing experience for us and for Robbie. Seeing how enthusiastic everyone was and we were all wanting to move in the one direction - caring for Country.” Geoff Reid said.

The visit was organised by Regional Agricultural Facilitators (RALF) Geoff Reid (Gomileroi) and Jackson Shillingsworth (Mardigan) through the Regional Land Partnerships program (RLP) and between them, they brought together their mutual connections throughout the region to make the tour possible.

“It was great to catch up with Elders and community around the Mulga Lands. Everyone was really engaged and they cared for Community and Country so much.” RALF Geoff Reid said.

“Going out to the Mardigan fish traps was really amazing; seeing how the First Peoples of this Nation found smart and innovative ways to catch fish was mind blowing. It felt like I went back in time! It was so special,” Mr Reid said.

“Spending time with the directors of Kullilli was also a great experience for us. We were able to bring SQ Landscapes, Bulloo Shire Council and Kullilli together for a yarn about bringing Traditional Burning back to the region,” he said.

“Overall the Fire Lore trip did what we were hoping. We wanted to bring the community together and see what interest there was to bring Traditional Burning back to the Mulga Lands,” Geoff Reid said.

Mr Reid also highlighted the success of the trip, pleased with the direction that the tour had taken and reflecting on the new connections that formed between Fire Lore and the local mobs.

“Everyone we met were super keen and optimistic about the future where we would get more people back to Country, caring for it and creating employment,” Mr Reid said.

“I don’t think we could have hoped for a better outcome than what we received,” he said.

“We were very fortunate to have Robbie and his father on Country to share their knowledge and help make this a reality.”

Learn more about Fire Lore: https://www.firelore.earth/

Learn more about the Regional Land Partnerships: https://www.sqlandscapes.org.au/environment-project---regional-land-partnerships

This program was funded by the Australian Government's Regional Land Partnerships program.

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Project Update: Protecting the Brigalow Belt in Southern Queensland

28 January 2026

With our team working alongside landholders to turn planning into practical, lasting outcomes on the ground, our project, Protecting the Brigalow Belt in Southern Queensland , is well underway. This project supports landholders to protect remnant and fragmented Brigalow vegetation, while strengthening the long-term sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems across the region. By aligning conservation outcomes with grazing enterprise needs, the project recognises that healthy landscapes and productive businesses go hand in hand. Across southern Queensland, we are currently partnering with around 50 landholders to address priority challenges such as weeds and pest animals, alongside targeted property improvements that benefit both production and nature. Supported on-ground activities include both weed and pest management, fencing to improve grazing control and protect remnant vegetation, and infrastructure such as alternative watering points to better manage livestock access and reduce pressure on the Brigalow scrub. A key focus of the project is improving the condition and connectivity of Brigalow habitats, particularly along important corridors and remnant patches. These areas can provide critical habitat for nationally significant species including koalas, the Yakka Skink and the Northern Quoll. Strengthening these systems helps conserve threatened Brigalow Belt ecosystems while maintaining the shade, shelter, soil health and water retention benefits that are so valuable to grazing. We sincerely thank every landholder who is partnering with us on this project. Your stewardship, local knowledge and commitment are central to the success of this work. Collaboration between landholders, First Nations people, government and local communities remains at the heart of achieving lasting improvements for the Brigalow Belt, now and into the future. This project is funded by the Australian Government under Saving Native Species and delivered by Southern Queensland Landscapes, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners Panel.

Working Together to Protect Koalas and Riverine Woodlands at Biddenham, Augathella

15 January 2026

West of Augathella, along the winding Nive River, sits Biddenham , a family-owned cattle property run by Guy Newell and his wife Natalie. The river forms a defining feature of the property, supporting riparian landscapes and providing important habitat for native wildlife alongside productive grazing land. In early 2025, we approached Guy to explore opportunities to work together on landscape and biodiversity projects. At the time, our Western Koala Project was underway, alongside the Coolibah–Black Box and Poplar Box Project, both of which strongly aligned with the natural values present at Biddenham . With extensive areas of Coolibah–Black Box and Poplar Box Grassy Woodland threatened ecological communities (TEC's), particularly along the Nive River corridor, the property was well placed to support these initiatives. These TEC's also provide important habitat for native fauna including Koalas and Rufus Bettongs, with existing records and on-ground evidence confirming their presence in the area. As part of the project activities, we collected an environmental DNA (eDNA) water sample from a local waterhole to investigate the presence and abundance of native fauna, as well as potential pest species. An acoustic recorder was also deployed to help monitor wildlife activity across the site, providing valuable data to inform ongoing conservation and management efforts. A key focus of our support at Biddenham has been weed management, particularly targeting Mother of Millions and Tiger Pear, invasive species that can significantly impact native fauna and degrade threatened ecological communities. Through a combination of biological control and targeted herbicide treatments, we have worked alongside Guy to reduce these weed pressures and protect the health of the riparian corridor. Guy has also actively participated in pest management programs, taking part in the initial aerial pest control operation in May 2025, followed by a second program in November 2025. These efforts targeted feral pigs and feral cats, helping to reduce threats to native species and safeguard the ecological integrity of the TEC's along the river. Building strong relationships with landholders is central to Southern Queensland Landscapes’ work, and it has been a pleasure to collaborate with Guy and Natalie at Biddenham . Their willingness to engage in conservation projects while continuing productive land management demonstrates the value of partnership in achieving positive outcomes for landscapes, wildlife and rural communities. This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Southern Queensland Landscapes, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

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8 January 2026

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Media Release - Southern Queensland Landscapes Announces New Board Director Appointments

10 December 2025

Southern Queensland Landscapes is pleased to announce key leadership changes following its 2025 Annual General Meeting, including the appointment of Anthony Glasson as the organisation’s newest Board Director. Anthony, who operates Picarilli Merinos near Thargomindah, brings broad experience in primary production, regional leadership and natural resource management. His long-standing involvement in rural industries and commitment to sustainable land stewardship will be pivotal in supporting Southern Qld Landscapes delivery under its NRM Regional Plan, Flourishing Landscapes, Healthy Communities . Southern Qld Landscapes also confirms the reappointment of Directors, Louise Winton from Morven and Pippa Jones from Goondiwindi. Both Directors bring substantial governance experience and strong regional perspectives, and their renewed terms will continue to support their commitment to community-led outcomes. Additionally, Southern Qld Landscapes acknowledges the contribution of retiring Director Hollie Grimwade, whose service has strengthened their strategic direction and regional engagement. Board Chair, Kimberley Swords said “these appointments reflect the stability and capability of Southern Qld Landscapes governance and the organisation’s strong focus on delivering real outcomes for our communities.” In welcoming and recognising the Directors, Ms Swords said: “I am very pleased to welcome Anthony Glasson as a new Director of Southern Qld Landscapes. Anthony brings a wealth of practical knowledge from his leadership of Picarilli Merinos and a deep commitment to our region. His understanding of land stewardship and his passion for community-led change will be invaluable. I also congratulate and warmly acknowledge the reappointment of Directors Louise Winton and Pippa Jones. I also want to sincerely thank our retiring Director, Hollie Grimwade. Her commitment, professionalism and regional understanding have been significant assets throughout her tenure.” “I would also like to acknowledge our dedicated staff, who continue to deliver meaningful outcomes for landholders, partners and communities. This year, we delivered more than $9 million worth of project activity across the region, with on-ground and in community work to support sustainable agriculture and build community resilience,” said Ms Swords. Members also voted at the AGM to adopt a new modernised, constitution in line with contemporary not for profit governance expectations. Southern Qld Landscapes looks forward to working under its renewed Board leadership to advance regional priorities, continue strong partnerships, and deliver tangible benefits across the Southern Queensland region.

Media Release - Southern Queensland Landscapes to Deliver $9 Million Projects to Improve Grazing Land Along Key Waterways and Protect Koala’s in the States Southwest

7 November 2025

Southern Queensland is set to benefit from a major investment in Queensland’s natural assets, with more than $9 million allocated through the Queensland Government’s Natural Resource Management Expansion Program and delivered by Southern Queensland Landscapes. Southern Queensland Landscapes will receive $6.6 million to work with landholders to improve more than 124,000 hectares of land and vegetation adjacent to key waterways by installing fencing and watering points to better manage grazing. A further $2.5 million is allocated to the improvement of priority koala habitats and support animal movement and survival across Southern Queensland. This targeted action to remove key threats including wild dogs and invasive cactus species. Southern Queensland Landscapes CEO, Gillian Meppem said “the investment highlights the vital link between healthy landscapes, productive agriculture, resilient koala populations and thriving waterways.” “We are looking forward to delivering two key projects in partnership with landholders, through the Natural Resource Management Expansion Program. These projects are focused on protecting our waterways through improved grazing management and supporting thriving koala populations across Southern Queensland.” “Better grazing management, strategic fencing, and improved stock water infrastructure will enhance ground cover and protect waterways, ensuring our landscapes are more capable of resisting and recovering from natural disasters and the impacts of a changing climate.” “We are improving koala habitat by tackling key threats such as wild dogs and invasive cactus and supporting greater genetic diversity to ensure thriving koala populations across southern Queensland,” she said. Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, The Honourable Dale Last, said “the funding demonstrates the Queensland Government’s strong commitment to supporting regional communities and natural resource management.” “When we came into government, we promised we would double funding for NRM organisations, and we would ensure our regional workforce would benefit, and we are delivering on that promise. “These NRM organisations are leading the way in safeguarding our natural resources, and that’s why we’re proud to support them and invest in Queensland’s future.” The NRMEP is a partnership between the Queensland Government and NRM Regions Queensland to deliver $117.84 million in on-ground land, water and biodiversity programs over the next three years.

Natural Resources Recovery Program Update

25 September 2025

We are seeing fantastic momentum across the region, with strong interest from landholders in improving land condition. Even better, clusters of neighbouring properties are getting involved, a promising sign for achieving landscape-scale change that supports water infiltration, soil health, and resilient groundcover. To help visualise this, Projects Lead Payel Sinha, developed a set of clever graphics that capture the essence of the NRRP program. The circular diagram below shows how water, soil, vegetation, grazing, and ecosystem balance are interconnected, all working together to support healthier landscapes.

The 2025 National Landcare Conference

24 September 2025

We were honoured to have CEO Gillian Meppem, Richard Turnbull, Dr Payel Sinha and Uncle Kevin, a Margany Elder from near Quilpie, come together on the Gold Coast for this year’s Landcare Conference, representing our vision, work and cultural partnerships across the region. Dr Payel Sinha delivered a presentation on the Natural Resource Recovery Program: A Holistic Approach to Restoring Landscapes , showcasing how integrative, place-based strategies can unite ecological health, cultural values and community resilience.

The 2025 Australian Cotton Research Conference: Supporting Sustainable Cotton Farming in Australia

10 September 2025

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Board Update July 2025

30 July 2025

A Message From Our CEO, Gillian Meppem

Monitoring to Protect Threatened Habitat in Southern Qld

29 July 2025

Project Officers Katrina Higgins and Erin Landsberg recently joined Rose and Weston from Boobook Ecological Consulting in Roma, to complete field monitoring in the Murweh and Maranoa districts. This monitoring measures the value and health of Coolibah, Poplar Box, and Brigalow habitat. During this time, we deployed acoustic recorders and motion-sensor wildlife cameras, and took DNA samples from nearby water sources to ascertain the fauna within these threatened habitats.