Senior Elder women and Aboriginal women from across the northern Murray–Darling Basin will come together in Moree this month for a landmark gathering focused on water rights, cultural knowledge and the future of Country.
The three-day event, Growing Up on the Mehi, will be held on Gamilaraay Country from 25–27 June and is expected to bring together Aboriginal women from across the Basin to share stories, hear from water experts and develop a collective statement to government on water and Country.
Hosted by the Mehi Centre, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and the Murray–Darling Conservation Alliance, organisers say the gathering will create a platform for Aboriginal women to strengthen their voice in water policy and decision-making.
Gamilaraay Traditional Owner Aunty Polly Cutmore said the gathering would be a significant moment for Aboriginal women in the region.
“This is the first time there will be a meeting of all Elder women in town for as long as I can remember.” she said.
“It’s our time. For thousands of generations, Gamilaraay People have lived alongside, depended upon, and spoken for this river.
“Despite being the original custodians of Country and water, Aboriginal women have been systematically excluded from water planning and decision-making in the Murray–Darling Basin. That changes here.”
Three days of stories, learning and celebration
The event will begin on Thursday, 25 June, with senior Elder women sharing stories and knowledge about growing up on the Mehi River and their connection to Country.
On Friday, 26 June, government and independent water experts will answer questions from community members about water rights, river management and the future of the Murray–Darling Basin.
The gathering will conclude on Saturday, 27 June, with an open market day and community celebration.
Organisers say the event is designed to produce practical outcomes beyond the three-day gathering.
These include strengthening a collective voice for Aboriginal women who advocate for water and Country, sharing cultural knowledge from senior Elders with younger generations, improving community understanding of water policy and developing a formal statement outlining priorities for water and Country across the northern Basin.
The statement will be presented to government as part of ongoing efforts to increase Aboriginal women’s participation in water planning and decision-making.
Growing Up on the Mehi will be held in Moree from 25–27 June.
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