Owners Jane and David Vincent along with their son Sam are Landcare Award winners and long-time contributors to the movement. They have been farming at Gollion in Sutton on the NSW/ACT border for 37 years. During that time they've introduced regenerative practices to the property where they run Angus cattle and are also moving into Black Genoa Figs; Sam's new venture.
In recent years the family engaged with Ngunawal and other Aboriginal people in a bid to see if there were any significant Aboriginal sites on their farm. An ochre quarry was discovered which holds significant meaning for the local Aboriginal community. In partnership with the community, the Vincent’s decided to seek NSW Government recognition for the site as an Aboriginal Place, one of very few on private land in NSW. "Aboriginal cultural heritage isn't something in the ancient past, it isn't history, it's something ongoing and it has really enriched and enhanced our love and understanding of this landscape," Sam said.
Ngunawal Elder Wally Bell has been involved in the process since the beginning and has led tours of the site, facilitated by the Yass Area Network Landcare Group and Ginninderra Catchment Group. "We really respect the opportunity that is given to us by the Vincent family to acknowledge our culture on their country," he said.
Jane Vincent's message to farmers is don't be afraid that land will be claimed if you engage with your local Aboriginal community and the cultural heritage on your land. "It's something to be welcomed, not only can you then think about the ancient history on your property, you can also share it with the local indigenous mobs who really can enjoy coming to that place and connecting with their heritage there."
You can see a video about the Vincents here (https://vimeo.com/showcase/8173600)or on the Landcare ACT Facebook page which is part of a series funded by the Commonwealth Government Landcare Programme Smart Farms initiative.
This article was originally publish in the May 2021 issue of Landcare in Focus.