Eric Bell

Project Profile

Issues

As an elder of the Ngunnawal nation and highly respected leader of the Indigenous community of Yass, Eric Bell is making a difference to his community and the environment through his active involvement and leadership in a wide variety of local development and government bodies.

Project Detail

Yass resident Eric Bell has been nominated for a National Landcare Award for his work in improving the economic, social and environmental viability of the land adjacent to the Yass River and the wider local community.

As an elder of the Ngunnawal nation and highly respected leader of the Indigenous community of Yass, Eric Bell is making a difference to his community and the environment through his active involvement and leadership in a many local development and government bodies.

Eric’s roles include Chairperson of Buranya Aboriginal Corporation, Director of the Yass Soldier Club, member of the Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups, member of the Murrumbidgee CMA Indigenous Reference Group, Director of Ngunnawal Aboriginal Committee, and member of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee of Ageing, Disability and Homecare.

With an active interest in looking after the land in this region, Eric has been instrumental in the promotion and adoption of sound land management practices. He managed a small team of local Indigenous men and women to rehabilitate the landscape along the Yass River as part of the Munnagai Yerribi Nature Walk project and they became Indigenous trainees in the Sustainable Cultures Sustainable Landscapes project.

Through his initiation of the Munnagai Yerribi Nature Walk project, Eric encouraged a group of Indigenous people to attain a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management through TAFE. This classroom knowledge coupled with practical on-ground skills has assisted Aboriginal people to manage their country effectively and has placed them in a strong position to tender for river and associated works which will result in full-time employment.

Eric is an inspirational leader who remains diligently committed to maintaining Indigenous culture in his community, successfully integrating cultural practices with land management practices. As chairperson of Buranya Aboriginal Corporation, Eric mentors young Indigenous trainees and students, helping them understand their ties to the land and culture, while teaching them about traditional land management practices.

Under Eric’s guidance, the Yass River project has raised awareness about the natural and cultural significance of the Yass River, as well as educated the local community about the Ngunnawal and Wallabalooa culture.

Eric Bell is one of 88 finalists in the National Landcare Awards to be announced in Canberra on 24 June 2010. Commencing in 1991, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that make a valuable contribution to the land and coast where they live and work.

Photography

Eric Bell