Landmark Greening Australia-Wolgalu MoU gives new name to major restoration project

Greening Australia and Traditional Owners corporation Wolgalu Nyadinang Najung have taken a major step toward long‑term cultural and ecological restoration of a 755-hectare property on Wolgalu Country in the NSW Snowy Monaro region, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) late last year.

The MoU outlines a shared commitment to heal and restore the Caddigat Rd property, now officially renamed ‘Nyadinang Najung’. In Wolgalu language, the name means ‘river water’ in honour of the Murrumbidgee River, which curves around the property’s northern and eastern boundaries.

Greening Australia CEO Heather Campbell and Wolgalu and Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Alice Williams signing the MoU. Photo credit Richard Snashall.

The signing took place beneath a stand of centuries‑old Candlebark Gums, including a scar tree that bears witness to the deep and continuing cultural connection of the Wolgalu People to this landscape.

Wolgalu and Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Alice Williams said the MoU marks an important moment in the journey to reclaim, strengthen and pass on Wolgalu cultural knowledge.

“Our People have always been connected to this Country, even when we were kept from it,” Aunty Alice said.

“Working together through this MoU means we can bring cultural knowledge back to the land, protect what’s here, and teach the next generations. Our hope is for Nyadinang Najung to be a place of renewal, both for the Country and for our community.”

Wolgalu Nyadinang Najung corporation representatives welcoming Greening Australia and impact investors to Country, overlooked by the old Candlebark Gums. Photo credit Richard Snashall.

Greening Australia CEO Heather Campbell said the partnership reflects a commitment to restoration that is both ecological and cultural.

“Giving this land the name Nyadinang Najung is a recognition of the profound, irreplaceable connection between the Wolgalu community and this land, and a promise that restoration will be led with respect for Culture, Country and community,” said Ms Campbell.

Purchased for restoration by Greening Australia in partnership with impact investment firm Conscious Investment Management (CIM), the restoration at Nyadinang Najung has seen almost 150,000 seedlings planted in 2025, the environmental not-for-profit’s biggest ever restoration project in New South Wales.

An aerial image of some of the planting area at Nyadinang Najung demonstrates the scale of the restoration underway. Photo credit Richard Snashall.

A cultural heritage survey of the property was undertaken before any work commenced, and bush tucker and bush medicine plant species nominated by Wolgalu Nyadinang Najung were incorporated into the site’s restoration plan.

An Advisory Group including representatives from both Wolgalu Nyadinang Najung and Greening Australia has been formed to provide advice, direction and guidance on achieving further project deliverables under the MOU.

These include increasing cultural and community use of the land, and building mutual capacity in restoration skills, knowledge and networks.

Aunty Alice said restoring Nyadinang Najung is a long‑term commitment.

“We’re planting for ten, twenty generations from now. We might not see it, but at the end of the day, we’re accountable. They’ll ask, ‘well, what did you do?’”

Ms Campbell agreed: “This work will continue for decades. And with the Wolgalu People guiding us, the future of this landscape is very bright.”

A partnership sealed: Heather Campbell and Aunty Alice Williams shake hands after signing the MoU. Photo credit Richard Snashall.

Conscious Investment Management (CIM) welcomed the MoU as an example of restoration work grounded in respect and collaboration.

Matthew Tominc, CIM Chief Investment Officer, said: “We’re proud to support a project where cultural leadership and landscape restoration are truly integrated.

“This MoU shows what’s possible when Traditional Owners and environmental organisations work side by side, and how considered investment can contribute to meaningful, long‑term impact for people and Country.”
 
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