In December 2025, on Dharug Country, Living Knowledge Network concluded a two-year mentoring program in the Greater Sydney region.
This first-of-its-kind initiative, delivered in partnership with Greater Sydney Local Land Services (GSLLS), focused on revitalising Indigenous Land Management and fire practices across Dharug, Dharawal, and Gundungurra Communities. The program's core objective is to empower participants to become autonomous and self-sufficient in caring for Country.
In 2023, 18 Community members were onboarded to the program. Through on-Country workshops, associates developed skills such as establishing monitoring plots to collect both cultural and ecological data.
By building internal capacity, the program fosters a self-determined future that can generate new income streams through Indigenous-led research and enterprises.
The Mentoring Program had a profound impact on associates, as participant Loryn Moore states, “This mentorship has changed the course of my life.”
In May, Living Knowledge Network and GSLLS convened a gathering of key stakeholders who share a vested interest in the sustainability of the Cultural Fire network. Building on this momentum, we are now collaborating to establish the Western Sydney Hub to provide dedicated support for the Dharug and Gundungurra mob in knowledge sharing, capacity building, and long-term Community empowerment.
Closing the celebrations, Victor Steffensen, Tagalaka man and Living Knowledge Network Co-founder, shared an inspiring vision for the future, “The journey is just beginning. This is a night to recognise how far we’ve come and how much farther there is to go. I believe in this region. Let’s strive to take it to the next level.”
