National Reconciliation Week with Ross Mitchell
On the 27th of May, National Reconciliation Week kicks off for it’s milestone 20th year. At SQ Landscapes we are passionate about our people; and celebrate the diversity of our staff. As we reflect on the significance of National Reconciliation Week, Kooma man and new staff member Ross Mitchell generously shared some of his experiences on Country and his hopes for land care in the future.
Ross recently came on board as a Project Officer and member of the SQ Landscapes First Peoples Committee. Ross has also taken on the role of Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator (RALF) for the Southwest region. His extensive experience with community outreach and engagement are grounded in Ross’ passions for working with people.
Ross brings extensive knowledge of Country to his role at SQ Landscapes, through his project work and role as a Common Law holder and director of Kooma Aboriginal Corporation Native Title PBC.
“I am the current Chairperson and have been for the past eight years of two adjoining stations, Murra Murra and Bendee Downs Stations South of Charleville. It is 225 000 acres, which runs a small herd of cattle and sheep; about 36 000 hectares [of it is] declared Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA) and Nature Refuge,” said Ross.
Outside of his role at SQ Landscapes, Ross keeps himself busy as a Specialist Director and one of the founding members of Paroo Nebine Aboriginal Corporation in Cunnamulla.
Ross is also a Director of the Bidjara Aboriginal Corporation in Charleville at Yumba Sandhill Reserve. Ross’ position at Yumba Sandhill Reserve holds great significance to Ross and his family, as it was the place of a fringe camp his family was removed from in 1966.
“My family were the last to be removed from the Yumba Reserve into town. There were many tribal Nations there, and there were up to 40 families that lived there,”
“With the Bidjara Aboriginal Corporation, we’re working to acknowledge the people who lived there when it was a reserve, and share their stories and knowledge from this historic time in Australian history,” said Ross.
Ross’ resilience and hope for change have motivated his work and fuelled his desire to work for better outcomes for people and Country.
Ross is currently working with the Charleville team on a project proposal to bring Rangers to four local Aboriginal community groups. The project proposal relates to the Land and Sea Ranger Program, and involves the Kooma, Bidjara, Mardigan and Kunya nations.
Ross says his goal for the future is to see all land holders and nations working together on Country for a better outcome for Country.
“[Our goal] as knowledge holders is to educate the younger generation about how to work with the land for better outcomes,”
“This can only be achieved by working together, sharing knowledge and culture, respecting each other and working for common goals,” said Ross.
National Reconciliation Week marks an important week for reflection on one of the world’s oldest cultures.
Ross’ passion for flourishing landscapes stems from wisdom taught to him through his culture.
“We don’t own the land, we belong to land (Mother Earth),”
“Our Totems, our song lines, our story lines and lore come from Mother Earth,” said Ross.
We are incredibly proud to have Ross in our team and look forward to his contributions in the future.
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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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The Condamine Headwaters, a critical ecosystem in Southern Queensland, has long faced threats from sedimentation, habitat degradation, and thermal regime changes. The Blackfish Project, dedicated to reversing these impacts, unites scientists, landowners, and the community in a shared mission to restore and protect this vital environment. At its core lies the river blackfish, a sensitive indicator of the overall ecosystem health. Central to the project's success is the unwavering commitment of landowners like Paul Graham. Inspired by the project's vision, Paul reached out to SQ Landscapes seeking support for a solar pump and tank to divert his cattle away from waterways on his property. Paul's deep-rooted love for his land, captured in his humorous quip "I love my land more than I love my wife," is a testament to the powerful connection between people and place that drives conservation efforts.
The Board of Southern Queensland Landscapes recently met in Toowoomba. In addition to the Board meeting, Board and Executive worked through updating SQ Landscapes’ strategy. Company Secretary Pam Murphy highlighted the importance of the latest Board meeting and what it means for the company’s future. “The updated strategy will help SQ Landscapes deliver sustainable natural resource management (NRM) outcomes that improve the lives of people in regional communities now and for the future,” Pam Murphy said. “We’re excited to continue delivering value for our region and build Flourishing Landscapes and Healthy Communities across Southern Queensland under the guidance of the Board,” Mrs Murphy said.