“Look after and appreciate the country for what it is, it will then look after you”.
Barry Philp, Maintenance Team Leader
At WaterNSW, it’s important to recognise, and deepen our understanding of, First Nations people’s knowledge of protecting and sustaining our water and lands which they have been doing for more than 65,000 years.
As the legislated manager of water infrastructure throughout NSW, we want to work with Aboriginal leaders and communities, create strong relationships, and recognise the potential impact to Aboriginal cultural heritage that our work may have.
Menindee Lakes are a series of lakes along the Darling River, six of which have been developed into water storages. Located in a semi-arid area of NSW, about 110kms south-east of Broken Hill.
The Menindee Lakes have provided a food source for Aboriginal people for generations and was also once known as a trading place, where different tribes would gather and trade tools, art and food.
Barry Philp, Maintenance Team Leader at Menindee and proud Ngiyeempaa man, plays a pivotal role in the Menindee community.
Caring for water and country is something Barry does under cultural obligation, and he acknowledges the importance of including First Nations cultural knowledge into future water management.
His family’s cultural knowledge and skills allow him to identify cultural sites of significance within the Menindee region, and Barry works closely with local Aboriginal community leaders to ensure cultural representation is at the forefront for any project works.
Barry's wealth of knowledge stems from the biggest influence in his life, his mother Beryl, a highly respected Elder and Indigenous storyteller in the Menindee community.
From a young age, Barry along with other children in his community, have been told stories by his mother that have helped him understand the air, the land, their culture, and their history.
WaterNSW has been working actively with the Menindee community and is proud of the progress and strong relationships built within the region.
WaterNSW has been able to provide valuable resources to assist the local Land Council with the restoration of cultural sites around the lakes, in particular work done to preserve burial sites at Lake Cawndilla lunette.
Pictured (Barry talking with Aboriginal students from the Riverina region)
