Healing Land, Healing Culture: The Wilman Nyungar Path to Restoration

Led by respected Noongar man Darryl Kickett, who grew up near the Dryandra Woodlands, the project brings Aboriginal communities together with a multidisciplinary team of researchers from Curtin University, The University of Western Australia and Deakin University. 

Spanning 18,000 hectares in the WA Wheatbelt, the Dryandra Woodland holds more than 40,000 years of cultural knowledge. By combining Aboriginal knowledge systems with ecological science, the team is finding new ways to reverse biodiversity loss and strengthen cultural ties to Country. 

Mr Kickett says the local community knows about the loss of biodiversity there first-hand. He says his Aunty who grew up there experienced the disappearance of native foods.

He recalls riding in a horse cart through the Dryandra Woodlands with his grandfather and seeing numbats – small marsupials who are now considered endangered – running alongside them. 

‘That doesn’t happen anymore,’ he says. 

A major milestone in the project was the establishment of the Wilman People Corporation in 2022. It now plays a leading role in the cultural management of the National Park and is closely aligned with the WA Government’s formal recognition of the Noongar Nation, and the establishment of its regional governance structures. 

At the heart of the project is the Wilman Healthy Country Plan (HCP) – a community-led blueprint for cultural and ecological restoration. Developed through yarning circles and walks on Country workshops with Elders and families, the HCP identifies key threats to biodiversity, such as habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. Wilman Elders also worked closely with researchers to map cultural sites and traditional knowledge.

‘We’ve continued to work with the Elders to help them take ownership of the document,’ says Mr Kickett. 

‘The Elders have been guiding us. We have been able to document and map campsites, where we also took soil samples and water samples... we were also able to note the locations of Aboriginal rock sites through a Walk on Country methodology.’

This methodology is based on an important aspect of life for Aboriginal peoples – walking on Country is a vital practice, which fosters spiritual connection and a way to gain and share traditional knowledges. In this case, it has led to detailed observations and a nuanced understanding of local ecology. 

The research has uncovered not only ecological insights, such as 65 new plant species, but also rich cultural histories. Stories of survival, traditional bush foods, and sacred sites have also been documented, many for the first time.

This project is not only restoring ecosystems — it’s restoring voice, visibility, and future pathways for the local Aboriginal families. 

‘This project has inspired our people. It’s given us agency,’ says Mr Kickett.

‘There was no real agency for us to look at our cultural heritage, but through this research project we’ve established it.’

From identifying causes of plant dieback in Arnhem Land to reintroducing cultural fire practices, Aboriginal knowledge is increasingly being recognised as critical to environmental restoration and providing insights that Western science alone had not uncovered. 

The HCP is currently being brought to life through youth camps, a ranger program, cultural tourism and cross-cultural exchange events. As one of only two such plans in the region, it is also being looked to as a model for other Aboriginal communities across Australia. 

As the project nears completion, Mr Kickett reflects on what has made it work and what is needed next.

‘Collaboration is going to be key to biodiversity and cultural management. Collaboration, understanding, and kindness. And respect. Always respect.’