NPWS
Arakwal National Park is jointly managed between the Bundjalung of Byron Bay People (Arakwal) and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The Arakwal National Park Joint Management Committee brings together the Bundjalung People with NPWS and Byron Shire Council representatives to provide advice on the management of Arakwal National Park.
Arakwal National Park is the product of a landmark Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) – the first of its kind in Australia – between the government and the Bundjalung People of Byron Bay (Arakwal).
Arakwal people have fished and camped on our Country for many generations. One of our goals is to enrich and develop our cultural heritage through recreational cultural programs for our people and the wider community to experience and enjoy our Cultural connections.
Theresa Nicholls Deputy Chairperson
Since 1995, the Bundjalung People have successfully lodged 4 native title claims and the joint management of these parks and a number of other parks in Byron Bay. The ILUA has resulted in the employment of Arakwal People in the management of these parks and an educational program about Arakwal culture at Cape Byron.
The ILUA also resulted in the formation of the Arakwal National Park Joint Management Committee. This award-winning partnership brings together Bundjalung People with representatives from NPWS and Byron Shire Council. The committee, which meets monthly, prepared the plan of management for Arakwal National Park and works in partnership with NPWS to protect Aboriginal cultural sites, monitor and control foxes, and carry out an ethno-botanical study in the park, among other things. It continues to ensure the future of Arakwal National Park is secure, both for general visitors and descendants of the Bundjalung People.
Midden Poster
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Our mob
The Bundjalung of Byron Bay – Arakwal Bumberlin people, have lived in the coastal landscape around the Byron Bay area for thousands of years. We are the Native Title Holders and recognised Traditional Custodians of Byron Bay. Arakwal Country extends from Jew Point, south of Broken Head to the Brunswick River up north, west to Mullumbimby, Bangalow and Newrybar and includes a portion of sea country off the Tyagarah Nature Reserve, north of Byron Bay.
The Byron Bay Arakwal people are part of the wider Bundjalung nation and their history predates the arrival of non-Aboriginal people in the Byron Bay area. Ancestors, Bobby and Alice, Harry and Clara Bray, Linda and Jimmy Kay, have passed on their traditions and cultural practices that are alive in many of our descendants today.
Office
Open Mo-Fr: 9:00-5:00
(02) 6685 8726
info@arakwal.com.au
Tallow Beach Road
Byron Bay
Postal Address
Bundjalung of Byron Bay Aboriginal Corporation
PO Box 1555 Byron
NSW 2481 Australia