Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council

This Groundswell grant supported the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council to strengthen Indigenous-led protection of the Martuwarra (Fitzroy River) and its catchment. The funding helped expand the River Keepers and River Cadets programs, create professional pathways for young people and Elders, and strengthen research, monitoring and advocacy on water and climate justice. It also supported a new digital platform for sharing stories, films and data from Country, helping protect cultural heritage, biodiversity and the River as a living ancestral being.

This grant supported Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council to build on its advocacy, cultural protection and leadership work across the Fitzroy River catchment. The organisation strengthened its communications and public engagement, grew the Martuwarra River Keepers program, and continued advancing recognition of Martuwarra as a living ancestor of global cultural and ecological significance. The work also contributed to international recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and to Martuwarra’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Inventory of Water Museums.

This grant supported Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council to respond to devastating flooding across the Kimberley while continuing its long-term work to protect Martuwarra and uphold Indigenous law and cultural authority. The funding helped coordinate emergency relief, register sacred sites, document cultural knowledge and advocate for stronger protection of the river and surrounding Country. It also supported storytelling and community engagement that amplified the voices of Fitzroy River nations.

This grant supported Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council to strengthen its campaign to protect Martuwarra and grow the organisation’s capacity. The funding helped retain a Communications Strategist, build a new website, produce films and cultural content, and support community screenings, advocacy and engagement with government. It also helped expand the Council’s audience and funding base, strengthen relationships between Traditional Custodians and decision-makers, and support emerging young leaders through a growing Youth Council.

This grant supported Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council to strengthen its Indigenous-led campaign to protect Martuwarra from fracking and build the organisation’s capacity for long-term advocacy. The funding helped retain a Communications Strategist, grow the Council’s public reach, record and share cultural stories and songlines, and develop educational resources used by thousands of students. It also supported stronger collaboration between Elders and emerging leaders, including the development of a Youth Council, while building new partnerships to support First Nations-led stewardship of the river.

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