Steadfast is supporting a First Nations-led project aimed at mitigating bushfire risks in Wangaratta.

The one-year sponsorship of non-profit Landcare Australia will promote land management work such as cultural burns on Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation member properties around the Victorian town. 

Steadfast MD and CEO Robert Kelly says the corporation has strong ties to communities and the land, and is “doing incredible work to protect them”.

“It’s a privilege to support this work,” he said. “Protecting the land and waterways is increasingly important. We are committed to empowering on-the-ground initiatives that strengthen and future-proof the wellbeing of our communities.”

The corporation’s land and water project manager Will Ford says the project is “all about sharing knowledge, sharing culture and walking side by side to care for country”.  

“It’s a great opportunity to practise our traditional ways of land management combined with new technology like the COVRAM app for native vegetation assessment and monitoring,” he said.  

“We are looking forward to working alongside our partners at Landcare Australia and Steadfast to see the benefits.”

Landcare Australia CEO Shane Norrish says the project is about reconciliation as well as land management, and he hopes it will inspire other initiatives that support First Nations people in caring for Country.

Steadfast has previously supported non-profit EM-Power Foundation’s aim to increase representation of Indigenous girls and women in the agriculture and food industry.