HEALING COUNTRY, HEALING WATERS: THE MADJANDJI JOURNEY
Combining Traditional Knowledge and science to protect waterways and foster stewardship
Story created in consultation with Madjandji Aboriginal Corporation.
The Madjandji people, Traditional Custodians of lands from Palmer Point to Cooper Point in Far North Queensland, have deep ties to their Country, which includes the lower Russell and Mulgrave Rivers, parts of Wooroonooran National Park, and waters flowing into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Their commitment to looking after these landscapes is reflected in the Madjandji Healing Waters Report Card. This tool brings together Traditional Knowledge and scientific practices to track and manage waterway health. Supported by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Traditional Owner Healthy Water Grants Program, the project builds on the foundation established in the first round of the Healthy Water initiative.
Through the Healing Waters Project, the Madjandji Aboriginal Corporation has developed a monitoring program that uniquely integrates cultural insights with environmental science. This program targets significant waterways, allowing the Madjandji to track water quality and assess the condition of connected ecosystems. The project’s emphasis on cultural values ensures that Traditional Knowledge informs every aspect of environmental monitoring and management.
The project also focused on restoring wetlands and other critical landscapes, working in partnership with James Cook University (JCU) and other collaborators. These restoration efforts included the removal of invasive species, such as Pond Apple, which were crowding out native vegetation. In their place, the Madjandji Rangers and volunteers planted native plants, reinvigorating biodiversity and improving habitat quality. This on-groundwork not only supports environmental resilience but also strengthens the community’s connection to their ancestral lands.
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of the project’s success. With funding and support from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the Madjandji worked alongside organisations such as the Mulgrave Landcare and Catchment Group and JCU. These partnerships have provided essential resources, technical expertise, and opportunities for skill-sharing, enabling the Madjandji to achieve their vision for healthier waterways and restored landscapes.
Community involvement has been another critical element of the Healing Waters Project. Elders, rangers, and younger community members have come together to share Traditional Knowledge and learn new skills. Regular workshops and events have fostered a sense of collective responsibility for Country, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to continue these vital efforts
Image by Madjandji Aboriginal Corporation.
The Madjandji Healing Waters Report Card stands as a model for other Traditional Owner groups, demonstrating the value of combining cultural insights with scientific data. By leading this initiative, the Madjandji have set a standard for collaborative, community-led environmental stewardship. Their work serves as a reminder that caring for Country is not just about protecting the environment—it’s about safeguarding culture, knowledge, and community for future generations.
This initiative highlights the importance of empowering Traditional Owners to lead projects that integrate their cultural values and knowledge. The Madjandji’s work on the Healing Waters Project exemplifies how sustainable outcomes can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to caring for Country.
Learn more about Madjandji Aboriginal Corporation and their work caring for Country.