In her address to the committee, Arabella Douglas, representing Currie Country Social Change and the Bundjalung native title owners, highlighted the comprehensive reports and recommendations submitted by her community regarding the impact of the floods. She expressed disappointment in the government's response, emphasising the need for a more proactive and coordinated approach to crisis management.

Ms. Douglas suggested future solutions such as draft treaties and granting legal personhood status to rivers. She urged the committee to consider these recommendations, emphasising the importance of better coordination, regionally-based crisis management groups, and integrating Defense capabilities into disaster response plans. The role of Koori Mail in community communication and support was also discussed, along with the need for better protection of cultural and historical sites and comprehensive assessments of environmental impacts.

Read our blog about the hearing.

Every year, CCSCAC organises the Currie Convoy - Family Flotilla Day , which takes place on the closing Sunday of NAIDOC Week. This special occasion brings together communities who embark on a memorable day on the river, experiencing on our beautiful waters. The Currie Convoy is a heartfelt tribute to acknowledge NAIDOC day as a community together, providing an opportunity for us to acknowledge and honour their significant contributions, history and embracing First Nations Culture. This event serves as a powerful symbol of unity and celebration, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and resilience of our community. Follow us on Instagram to get more details and ways you can participate.

In our public letter, we advocate for aligning targets with Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, engaging Indigenous stakeholders, incorporating Indigenous metrics, respecting Indigenous rights and land stewardship, and ensuring consistency with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We highlight the need to address Indigenous human rights risks and encourage TNFD to actively engage with Indigenous communities, seek guidance from Indigenous knowledge holders, and integrate Indigenous Standpoint Theory for inclusive decision-making and responsible environmental management. Read our public letter.

1. Currie Country Social Change Aboriginal Corporation partnered with Bandjalang RNTB of the Bundjalung Nation at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Twenty-second Session, addressing the health impact of the floods in Northern New South Wales on First Nation communities. Read about the Forum

2. We’ve made significant progress in advancing "Flood Response: A Submission from the Bundjalung Nation", presenting 13 recommendations to the United Nations, and has participated in Senate hearings, flood inquiries, and disaster inquiries, amplifying the voices of First Nation communities.

This year, our organisation proudly sponsored and attended the Common Threads Summit, an event bringing together First Nations campaigners, community organisers, and changemakers. It was an opportunity for us to connect, share skills, and build power to lead change. The Currie Country family had a strong presence at the summit, with several members actively participating. Our organisation paid as a donation to enable a not-for-profit to attend, demonstrating our commitment to supporting community initiatives. The attendees from the Currie Country family included L. Kelly (Charles), A. Douglas (Jane), R. Cavanagh (Lilly), A. Currie (James II), M. Currie (James II), *S. Jones (Barney), M. Yettica Paulson (Jane), and G. Paulson (Jane). Together, we made valuable connections, exchanged knowledge, and contributed to the collective effort of driving positive change within our communities.

In 2023, Currie Country Social Change Aboriginal Corporation joined the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) Forum, a consultative grouping of institutional supporters who share the vision and mission of the TNFD and make themselves available to contribute to the work and mission of the Taskforce.

We partnered with Bundjalung RNTB of the Bundjalung Nation to launch our initiative with the aid of the Hatch Accelerator Program. The purpose of our initiative is to address catastrophic environmental events like the 2019 Fires and the 2022 Floods by reviving cultural fire management practices as a tool in land management. We are using Cultural Fire Burning Practices as an ongoing tool to maintain and manage our land, stimulate native flora, and remove introduced weed species by educating through hands-on experiences and supporting educational programs.

In response to the Australian Government’s proposed Nature Repair Market Bill, CCSCAC makes several suggestions, including uncapped biodiversity certificates per project, allowing for more impactful and efficient projects to achieve multiple outcomes. This approach enables the sale of certificates to different buyers with specific interests, enhancing the market's flexibility and attracting higher value for distinct biodiversity outcomes. By maximising their impact and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, CCSCAC aims to create a sustainable and commercially successful business model that benefits both biodiversity and the broader community. Read our submission

Our submission focuses on the potential to include First Nations considerations in climate-related financial reporting in the Australian framework, which are currently under-valued with respect to the draft standards that have been released for consultation. First Nations considerations, and in particular Indigenous Standpoint Theory, are important considerations in Australia’s future context, but can also position Australia as a global leader for First Nations-related considerations in climate-related financial disclosures globally. Read our submission

Currie Country Social Change Aboriginal Corporation is dedicated to facilitating community development and promoting sustainability. As part of our commitment, we have successfully funded professional grant writers who have, as of June 2023, diligently crafted six grants and four indicative proposals for our organisation and other community organisations. These outputs have provided vital opportunities for funding, enabling us to implement environmental, cultural, and economic initiatives that foster positive change. By investing in grant writing expertise, we aim to maximise our collective impact, driving transformative outcomes and empowering communities to thrive.

As part of this six-month mentoring program, we had the privilege of accessing the wisdom and experience of the world's leading entrepreneurs through personalised one-on-one mentorship. This guidance, combined with the opportunity to connect and collaborate with an exclusive global community of ambitious entrepreneurs, allowed us to accelerate our business growth and amplify our impact. Additionally, we had the privilege of accessing a suite of EY entrepreneurial programs, further enhancing our capabilities and propelling us toward success.

On May 21st, Currie Country Social Change proudly hosted Uncle Magpie's corroboree at North Byron Parklands. It was a momentous occasion where we came together to hold a public celebration of life, honouring the great man who was a dear Elder and teacher to many.

The event showcased the profound significance of dance and language in our cultural tradition. Attendees were captivated by mesmerizing dance performances and participated in interactive activities that immersed them in the beauty and richness of Aboriginal traditions.

Uncle Magpie's Corroboree provided a unique opportunity for the community to unite, share stories, and deepen their understanding of Indigenous heritage. This initiative undertaken by Currie Country Social Change served as a meaningful tribute to Uncle Magpie and highlighted the enduring spirit of our cultural traditions.