Restoring and celebrating cultural fishing places and practices.
As Australia’s first fishers, fish habitat scientists, and environmental stewards—Traditional Owners hold the knowledge, perspective, and expertise for better understanding and managing our waterways.
Fish Dreaming painting used with permission from Gomeroi/Kamilaroi artist Michael Kirk.
At OzFish, as we work on the country of First Nations peoples, we acknowledge the deep connection and understanding they have with waterways and fish.
We respect their longstanding custodianship and connection that First Nations peoples have with Country – and we seek their guidance, support, advice, and approval in our stewardship goals.
As Australia’s first fishers, fish habitat scientists, and environmental stewards – Traditional Owners hold the knowledge, perspective, and expertise for better understanding and managing our waterways.
OzFish employs River Culture Officers whose work bridges the gap in sharing culture and traditional history in our citizen science, habitat restoration, and restoration projects.
The knowledge of cultural fishing practices, historical evidence, and an understanding of the interconnectivity of our land and waterways on Country is invaluable for our work.
It is our intention to employ an Officer in every place we have significant level of activity underway. River Culture Officers will continue to be part of our growth planning as OzFish moves into and becomes established in new regions across Australia.
OzFish recognises that First Nations people have lost many of the places that were most significant to them for fishing, for their spiritual connection to country, and for ceremony and food sources.
OzFish sets out to restore these places in partnership with First Nations groups to revitalise fish habitat, fish traps, songlines, middens, meeting places, yarning circles and more. Together we will restore these important places.
If you’re a First Nations group or person and we haven’t met before, please reach out to us.
Ozfish gives me the opportunity to embrace a strong work ethic where I can practise a perfect balance between culture, work and life. As our land comes back to life so does the Kureinji Nations people.
Drew Fincher, River Culture Officer – Kureinji
If you are a representative from a First Nations organisation or other group and would like to partner with us to deliver a project under Fish Dreaming, please complete the form below.
BackTrack works with kids who have fallen through the cracks. We’ve been working with OzFish to give our young people the opportunity to learn about water testing, plant and fish identification, and to practice job skills like fencing and weed eradication.
Donna Morabito, BackTrack
When our crews camp out on OzFish jobs, there’s always some rods and the chance to introduce our kids to the wonders of recreational fishing—something many have taken a strong shine to, that also stays with them for life.
OzFish brings vital expertise, resources, and genuine commitment to this work. Their inclusive, respectful approach has made them a valued and trusted partner in our shared efforts. We believe the Fish Dreaming program is a powerful example of how community-led organisations can collaborate to support cultural resilience and ecological sustainability.
Cassandra Tyack, Boys to the Bush
Boys to the Bush is proud to stand alongside OzFish in this important initiative and looks forward to future opportunities to expand our work together.
Restoring Cultural Fishing Places and Spirit OzFish recognises that First Nations people have lost many of the places that were most significant to them for fishing, for their spiritual connection to Country and for food sources. OzFish sets out to restore these places alongside First Nations ...
OzFish Unlimited are working closely with Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (TOAC) to help restore saltmarsh and mangroves in the Clarence River Estuary, which are culturally and ecologically important native title sites on Yaegl Country.
OzFish has been instrumental in transforming turning a lagoon once used by the Gomeroi/Kamilaroi people into a unique ‘living classroom’. Whittaker’s Lagoon, near Moree, will now play an important role in educating high school students and young Traditional Owners about the environment and ...