Warrior woman symbol of Gunggari Nation’s strength
Listening to Aunty Lynette Nixon speak about the Yumba
[home], it is easy to picture the intoxicating heat, the clear running rivers and the rustling leaves of the trees lining their banks.
Aunty Lynette is a woman of the Gunggari Nation. Throughout her adult life she has worked tirelessly, and fought valiantly, to break down the negative stereotypes towards her people, to restore their land, and to ensure all Aboriginal peoples receive the health care and education every Australian deserves.
“I just wanted to make things better for Aboriginal people – to break down the racial barriers.
“Aboriginals contribute so much to the community.
“Living in the town for a start, but also working on the properties, working at the hospitals and at the schools.”
The town (and community) Aunty Lynette grew up in, and still lives, is Mitchell, Queensland. She says no matter where her work or travels take her, and regardless of the challenges she had to overcome, she will always return to the land she calls home.
“That [Mitchell] is where I belong.
“The Yumba is where I come from, it’s where I’ll always be going back to.”
The land of the Gunggari Nation spans from the headwaters of the Maranoa River in Mount Moffatt (north) to the junction where it joins the Balonne River in the south. The 37,100 square kilometres of Queensland’s Maranoa region (between the towns of Charleville, Mitchell, St George and Bollon) were fully recognised as Gunggari land in 2019 following a third Native Title determination. The land determinations were the result of a series of tough and long-fought battles, with warriors like Aunty Lynette at the forefront.
“I remember, when I was young, people tried to stop us going to the pool.
“But it was a war memorial pool and our mob fought in both world wars so they couldn’t stop us.
“They [the Native Title determinations] took 27 years and we lost people along the way, a lot of our elders and a lot of our young people.
“At times it made me sad and disappointed, but I’ve never been angry because anger doesn’t get you anywhere.
“You have to draw strength from having to fight, from not giving in.”
The determinations and subsequent funding have allowed the Gunggari Nation to re-establish their homeland, which has resulted in people returning to reconnect. Aunty Lynette has mostly happy memories of growing up on the Yumba with her seven brothers and close extended family. She acknowledges her story is not shared by all Gunggari people, with many taken away as young children to missions and/or growing up in foster homes.
“Belonging to the big mob you are never alone.
“But the people who were taken away, they didn’t know who they were or where they came from and it was harder for them.
“But they come from here, and they know who they are now and they’re coming back to heal and to rejuvenate.”
“Strength always comes from the land, your extended family and the big mob.”
It’s that connection and belonging which keep Aunty Lynette fighting for the land and what it represents to her Nation.
“The land is home and it will heal your spirit.
“If you’re feeling down or worn out, you can come home, to this place, and then when you go away, you feel so much better.
“But you better be on your best behaviour when you’re there because the spirits, our ancestors, are in those trees looking down and watching everything!”
The fights for Native Title determination, improved health care and education were about survival for her people, and Aunty Lynette is proud that her legacy has become an inspiration for young Gunggari people. From assisting the University of New England with research into Aboriginal health in south-west Queensland in the 1980s and 1990s, to writing non-fiction and children’s books that are used to teach Gunggari history and language in local schools, Aunty Lynette’s role has become that of a cultural keeper of knowledge for past, and future, generations.
“That’s what you do it for, you do it for the future generations.
“I don’t want our culture and heritage to die or not to be around – it’s very important for it to be carried on.
“A lot of the young kids are taking on the jobs now.
“They’ve stepped up and they’re on the boards, they’re on the committees, they’re fighting the fight and that gives me pride
“They also understand, very importantly, that when you’re doing something like this, you have to make sure you’re doing it properly and doing the right thing.”
Reflecting back on her achievements and successes, there is no doubt in Aunty Lynette’s mind that her strength to persevere came from the land.
“If you look after the land, the land with look after you.
“It [the land] makes you strong, it keeps you going and not enough people, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, understand that.
“It becomes a part of you and so I will always return to our land.”
1. What is Natural Capital? Natural capital refers to the natural resources and ecosystems, like soils, native vegetation, water, and biodiversity, that underpin productive farming and provide essential services such as clean water, healthy soils and carbon storage. For Queensland landholders, this means your land’s value now includes the environmental benefits it delivers, not just crops or livestock. While the term Natural Capital has risen to prominence with government, industry and the public in recent years, the sustainable use of our natural capital, its maintenance and improvement have been fundamental to regional NRM organisations since inception. Identifying and assessing our natural assets are foundational to the development of our regional NRM strategies and plans which guide our operations and provide us with the knowledge and expertise to play a key role in Australia’s efforts to manage and enhance our Natural Capital. 2. Why Does Natural Capital Matter in Agriculture? Australian agriculture is experiencing a shift where nature and production are seen as interconnected assets. This approach is being driven by both market demand and new government policies, with natural capital now influencing land values, investments, and farm business resilience. 3. How Can Farmers Monetise Natural Capital? Natural capital markets allow landholders to earn income by improving or protecting their land’s natural assets. The most common ways to participate include: Carbon Credits: Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, farmers can generate credits by adopting practices like reforestation, soil carbon improvement, or avoided clearing. These credits are regulated by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and can be sold to the government or private buyers. Biodiversity Certificates: The new federal Nature Repair Market, established by the Nature Repair Act 2023, allows farmers to earn tradable biodiversity certificates for projects that restore or protect native ecosystems. The CER also administers this market, ensuring robust oversight and scientific credibility. Land Restoration Fund (LRF): Queensland’s LRF builds on the federal framework, offering extra incentives for projects that deliver both carbon abatement and environmental co-benefits, such as improved water quality or habitat restoration. The LRF works in tandem with the ACCU Scheme and prioritises projects that support regional sustainability. More Information: 🔗 www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/natural-capital/explained 🔗 www.cer.gov.au/schemes/australian-carbon-credit-unit-scheme 🔗 www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change/land-restoration-fund 🔗 www.nrmrq.org.au/queensland-nature-fund-natural-capital 🔗 www.legislation.gov.au/C2023A00121/latest/text
The Board of Southern Queensland Landscapes is pleased to announce Kimberley Swords has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors. Kimberley began her working life as a large animal country vet, after student practical experience across Southern Queensland in Goondiwindi and Injune. Kimberley’s strong interest in natural resource management and regional communities has led her to contribute across a wide variety of industries including the public sector, where she rose to the role of Deputy Secretary in the Australian Government and led environmental approvals, heritage and marine. Her extensive leadership experience incorporates many board roles, including as a current serving member of the CS Energy board. “Following an extensive recruitment phase, where the Southern Queensland Landscapes Board were gratified to receive several high-quality applications, we are delighted to announce the subsequent overwhelming member endorsement of Kimberley as Board Chair. The appointment of a new Chair in any organisation represents an opportunity for refreshment and renewal and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Directors and staff are looking forward to working with Kimberley to deliver our Strategic Plan” said acting Southern Queensland Landscapes Chair, Louise Winten. Kimberly looks forward to engaging with stakeholders across Southern Queensland, with her first full board meeting set down for late June in Charleville. “It is an exciting and challenging time for the region, as we lean into the changing climate, different economic opportunities, and the next generation of regional leaders. I look forward to connecting and collaborating across our communities to better understand how Southern Queensland Landscapes can support sustainable environmental outcomes that materially improve the lives of people living and working in Southern Queensland,” she said. The position of Chair became vacant following the retirement of founding Chair, and long term supporter of regional natural resource management, The Honourable Bruce Scott, AM, at the end of February 2025. Bruce made a significant contribution to Southern Queensland Landscapes during his time as Chair and the Board thanks him for dedication, time, energy, and commitment to the organisation. Southern Queensland Landscapes is one of 11 Queensland-based Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations. Spanning 314,398 square kilometres, the our footprint encompasses the Condamine catchment, Qld Murray Darling Basin and the south-west Mulga Lands. Southern Queensland Landscapes relies on evidence based information, supported by First Nations knowledge, to effectively balance productivity and environmental outcomes that support the regional communities within our landscapes.
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Southern Queensland Landscapes is seeking an experienced and influential Board Chair to lead a multi-skilled Board in managing natural resources across Southern Queensland. This is a 3-year remunerated role based in Toowoomba, QLD, with the flexibility to manage from anywhere in Southern QLD. The ideal candidate will bring: • Substantial experience leading diverse Boards • Strong relationship-building and leadership skills • Expertise in environmental and agricultural matters This role is an opportunity to shape the future of natural resource management, working closely with land managers, community leaders, and industry professionals. Are you ready to make an enduring impact? For more details and to apply, visit www.windsor-group.com.au/job/board-chair-natural-resources-peak-body or contact Mike Conroy at apply@windsor-group.com.au.
This week marked the final Board meeting for retiring Southern Queensland Landscape Chair, The Hon Bruce Scott AM. The Southern Queensland Landscapes Board hosted a function at Gip’s restaurant in Toowoomba, joined by past Directors, industry stakeholders and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Management team, where Bruce was warmly acknowledged and thanked. Bruce offered special thanks to his dear wife Joan for her support during his period of service to Southern Queensland Landscapes, in particular the warm country hospitality she has offered to many visitors to Roma. Bruce also recognised and thanked Southern Queensland Landscapes Company Secretary Pam Murphy, who has supported Bruce in his service to Southern Queensland Landscapes since the organisation’s inception.
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