The Ngaut Ngaut Co-management Board is proud to be able to manage the Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park. The co-management model provides the framework for MACAI (Mannum Aboriginal Community Association Incorporated) and DEWNR to share responsibility for the park.
Unlike most other co-managed parks in South Australia, co-management of Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park has occurred independently of the native title settlement process. The Nganguraku and Ngaiwang people have an ancient and strong connection and involvement with the land and waters of this area and this continues to this day.
Word from the Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park Co-management Board
We are actively involved in protecting and managing the natural and cultural values of the park. Experienced guides from the MACAI take tourists and school groups on tours to promote cross-cultural understanding. Visitors learn about Nganguraku and Ngaiwang people and traditions, Dreamings and oral histories, rock art and archaeological excavations, and the park’s flora and fauna.
The park protects extensive rock engravings and significant sites that continue to be important to our people today, evidence that Nganguraku and Ngaiwang people have been part of this country for eons.
The Board’s vision for the park is to protect environmental and cultural sites and objects of value to Aboriginal people and their culture while playing a role, through tourism and school visits, in raising awareness of Aboriginal culture and heritage and the environment in the wider community.
Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousands of generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state.
There are many places across the State that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations. At some of these places Aboriginal cultural protocols, such as restricted access, are promoted and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of Traditional Owners.
In places where protocols are not promoted visitors are asked to show respect by not touching or removing anything, and make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Aboriginal peoples continue to play an active role in caring for their Country, including in parks across South Australia.
