HEALING COUNTRY, PRESERVING CULTURE:
THE STORY OF
NORMANBY STATION

^{Story created in consultation with the Balnggarrawarra Traditional Owners of Normanby Station.}

Located in the diverse landscape of Cape York Peninsula, Normanby Station covers over 31,400 hectares and holds significant cultural and environmental value. For the Harrigan family, managing the station is not just about running cattle; it’s about caring for Country, preserving cultural heritage and building a sustainable future for their community.

Building a Sustainable Future

Normanby Station faces a range of challenges, including the impacts of past overgrazing, erosion, uncontrolled wildfires and invasive species. However, the Harrigan family, with the support of the Balnggarrawarra Rangers and key partnerships, has taken significant steps to address these issues and promote sustainable land management.

Vince, Cliff and Pando Harrigan have led projects that integrate Traditional Knowledge with modern conservation practices. These efforts are supported by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Healthy Water Grant Program, which funds initiatives aimed at reducing sediment flow into Princess Charlotte Bay and protecting the Northern Great Barrier Reef Lagoon.

Traditional Knowledge and Western Science working together

Central to their work is an approach that combines Traditional Knowledge with Western science. This ‘two ways of knowing’ approach not only enhances conservation efforts but also strengthens partnerships, which are essential for the success of these projects. Justin Reed, a North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) Research Manager, noted the importance of these collaborations:

“GBRF was really essential for that though because it enabled the Harrigan lads to hire in a professional yard builder. And that’s where they got that really good knowledge to build those yards and really do it professionally.”

— Justin Reed, NAILSMA Research Manager

These partnerships have led to improved cattle management and the restoration of sensitive ecosystems, showing that respecting and integrating Traditional Knowledge with modern science can lead to sustainable and impactful solutions.

Passing on Knowledge to the Next Generation

For the Balnggarrawarra people, preserving their culture is as important as looking after the land. Normanby Station is a place where Traditional Knowledge is passed down from one generation to the next, ensuring that younger members of the community are prepared to continue the work of their Elders.

Kelsey Harrigan, a young Balnggarrawarra Traditional Owner, reflected on the value of this knowledge sharing:

“It has helped me to see what I wanted to do in the future. It gave me different options. I think young people should come out here and do the Ranger work. Because they don’t just do Ranger work—they do other jobs. It opens you to other opportunities and opens doors.”

— Kelsey Harrigan, Balnggarrawarra Traditional Owner

Protecting Culturally Significant Sites

Normanby Station is home to a variety of culturally significant sites, including sacred places, rock art, and burial sites. Protecting these areas is a key responsibility for the Harrigan family, as they work to ensure that these important cultural values are respected and preserved.

“We are honoured to carry on the legacy of our Elders. It’s more than just managing the land; it’s about fostering the spirit of the waters that flow through it.”

— Cliff Harrigan, Balnggarrawarra Traditional Owner

Vince Harrigan spoke about the significance of these sites: “This place was bought as a pastoral lease, although cattle was still the main majority, sort of the bread and butter of running the station. But the cultural side of it was very important too. Then we could start adding pieces of the puzzle…of how the rivers were formed, how the mountains, where the boundaries were. Then you could put all those dots together and realise how connected we are to this place.”

Building Capacity for Sustainable Management

Capacity-building is a key focus at Normanby Station. By providing training and skill development opportunities, the Balnggarrawarra Rangers are gaining the knowledge and expertise needed to manage their land effectively. This includes activities such as erosion control, fire management, and the ethical handling of wild cattle.

Vince Harrigan described the impact of these building new facilities: “With the new yards in operation, it was a lot more ethical and safe, and we managed to shift around 50 wild cattle off the property. Because we had the new yards, it freed up our portable panels, which meant we could set up multiple trap yards around the property and get a lot more animals out from the areas we were targeting. We managed to catch most of the cattle that were impacting the erosion site. So that should take the pressure off the site.”

Looking Ahead

The Harrigan family’s work at Normanby Station is setting a strong foundation for a future where Traditional Owners lead the way in land management and cultural preservation. They are creating a legacy that not only honours their past but also provides a pathway for future generations to continue the work of caring for Country.

Cliff Harrigan expressed his hopes for the future:

“We want to make a better future for our kids and grandkids. Keeping the Country healthy and maintaining the infrastructure we’ve built is crucial.”

— Cliff Harrigan

Through their efforts, the Balnggarrawarra people are demonstrating that it is possible to balance economic activities with environmental and cultural stewardship. Normanby Station is an example of how Traditional Knowledge and modern practices can work together for the benefit of both people and the environment.