Meet the Cultural Fire Practitioner is an ongoing profile series that spotlights the people who are leading, teaching, and revitalising Cultural Fire practices in their communities. Each edition shares the personal stories, experiences, and cultural knowledge of practitioners who are working to care for Country and pass on traditions to the next generation. Through these interviews, we aim to honour their journeys, celebrate their contributions, and help others understand the importance of Cultural Fire in restoring balance to land, culture, and community.
In this Meet the Cultural Fire Practitioner profile, we hear from one of the next generation of Cultural Fire practitioners whose journey began on Djiringanj Country and has grown into a deep commitment to caring for Country, community and culture.
As part of Southern Yuin Living Knowledge Network team Gadhu Bagan (meaning Sea and Earth/Land) their work reflects a strong connection to both ocean and land, and to the knowledge carried by ancestors for generations.
From restoring koala habitat to bringing Cultural Fire back home to Wallaga Lake, this profile speaks to the importance of learning from Elders, carrying knowledge forward, and walking in step with Country.
Name: Durramah Parsons-Campbell
Mob: Djiringanj Yuin
Totem: Koala (Guraban)
Role: Associate Fire Practitioner with Gadhu Bagan
When did your journey with Cultural Fire begin?
My journey with Cultural Fire began about three years ago, when I first went along to a Living Knowledge Network workshop on Djiringanj Country with Victor and Uncle Koorin. That was the first time I really got to see Cultural Fire in practice and understand how essential it is for looking after Country.
What inspired you to become involved with Living Knowledge Network as a next gen practitioner?
I was inspired by learning how fire was traditionally used to care for Country. Understanding that fire isn’t just a tool but a cultural practice. Learning our history and how our ancestors used to keep landscapes healthy made me want to be part of bringing that knowledge back and continuing it for future generations.
As one of the youngest practitioners in the Living Knowledge Network network, how do you feel this shapes your perspective and approach to Cultural Fire?
Being one of the youngest practitioners gives me a different way of seeing things. I feel a responsibility to carry this knowledge forward, but also to learn from Elders and experienced practitioners. It pushes me to listen more and ask questions, it also reminds me of how important it is for the next generation to learn and keep our cultural practices moving forward.
The Southern Yuin Living Knowledge Network Team is called Gadhu Bagan. Can you tell us what this name means and why it’s significant to you and your community?
Gadhu means Sea, Bagan means Earth/Land. We chose the name because we’re coastal people, our identity is tied to both the ocean and the land. The name reflects who we are, where we come from, and the Country we’re caring for.
You’ve been doing important work with koalas on Country. How does your role as a Cultural Fire practitioner support koala health, habitat, and wellbeing?
We’ve been looking after koala habitat by putting fire on the ground in the right way and reducing fuel loads. That helps open the landscape, making it easier for koalas to move between areas and find food. Cultural Fire supports healthier ecosystems overall, which means healthier koalas too.
In what ways do you feel your Cultural Fire work connects you with your ancestors and the knowledge systems of your mob?
Whenever I’m on Country learning I feel a connection to my ancestors. This is knowledge they carried for thousands of generations, and practicing it today keeps that connection alive. It's our way of caring for Country, it’s a way of following in their footsteps and continuing what they started.
What do you enjoy most about working with Living Knowledge Network and being part of the broader Cultural Fire community?
I enjoy working with other mob and learning from different people. Being part of a community that’s passionate about healing Country and bringing back cultural knowledge is something I’m really proud to be a part of.
Is there a project you’ve worked on recently that has been particularly meaningful to you? What made it special?
Working on the Wallaga Lake Koori village/mission has been special to me. It’s home, it’s our people, and being able to bring Cultural Fire back to that place means a lot. Remembering how it used to look growing up on the community and seeing the difference in opening the land up to see our surrounding lake and mountains makes the work feel really special.
What advice would you give to other young people, especially those coming up behind you who want to walk the path of Cultural Fire?
My advice is to stay curious and stay connected. Listen to Elders, ask questions, and spend time on Country. Every bit of learning matters. Cultural Fire isn’t just a skill, it’s a part of our identity. If you feel that connection to it, follow that path and keep showing up.
Gadhu Bagan on Southern Yuin Country. Credit: Bella Laifoo
