Rhonda Murphy

Biography

Rhonda Murphy is a Walmajarri woman from Fitzroy Crossing in the West Kimberley, Western Australia.

She is the Coordinator of the Aboriginal Engagement and Heritage Unit (AEHU) at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

In this role Rhonda leads the development and implementation of Aboriginal specific programs and strategies that shapes respectful engagement with traditional owners to conserve and protect culture and heritage; and increases awareness of the cultural diversity and history of Aboriginal people in Western Australia.

Rhonda oversees DBCA’s Culture in the Parks program which provides commercial tourism opportunities for Aboriginal people on the lands and waters the department manages.

Cultural tourism maintains to protect traditional culture, provides enriched memorable visitor experiences, and supports the generation of social and economic benefits for Aboriginal people.

Rhonda is proud to be involved in the preservation, and provision of opportunities to share and inform so there is a greater respect and understanding of an ancient culture that belongs uniquely to this country.

Abstract

Coming Together for Country - Aboriginal Connections to Parks

Western Australia’s protected areas are significant drawcards for tourism and offer opportunities for visitors to experience Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal knowledge and perspectives are central to the way these protected areas are managed.

The Western Australian Government is implementing key initiatives to provide access, opportunities and support for Aboriginal people to stay connected with, or to reconnect to country.

Examples of joint management and vesting, provisions for customary activities, Aboriginal rangers and Aboriginal tourism will be given, along with an overview of Plan for Our Parks which is creating five million hectares of new parks that will be jointly managed.