31/05/2025
As part of our Freshwater Soaks project, we recently wrapped up a successful four-day field survey of key freshwater soaks across the Coorong region — a key milestone in our ongoing collaboration with Ngarrindjeri Elders, community members, Working on Country Rangers and researchers Associate Professor Margaret Shanafield and Associate Professor Eddie Banks from Flinders University.
Focusing on sites on the Younghusband Peninsula between Long Point and Parnka Point, and finishing at Wrecks Crossing near Kingston, the field survey brought together a small team. Over the course of the week, they worked to deepen piezometers, test water quality, and conduct walking surveys. The week was guided by the cultural knowledge of Ngarrindjeri Elders, who generously shared stories and insights about the soaks and surrounding Country.
Cultural exchange was central throughout — from On Country learning to sharing meals and stories around the fire. The experience highlighted the power of combining scientific and cultural knowledge, and the importance of respect, relationship, and sharing knowledge.
This work marks an important step in strengthening community-led approaches and deepening our shared understanding of freshwater soaks in the Coorong. We’re excited to build on this momentum and continue working together with caring for Country at the heart.
The On Country field surveys is complementing sophisticated analysis of satellite imagery and groundwater monitoring to understand the extent of freshwater soaks and their vulnerable under future climates.
31/05/2025
To show our heartfelt appreciation for the incredible work of our volunteers and community Advisory Forum members, we kicked off the celebrations ahead of National Volunteer Week 2025!
On Monday 12 May 2025, a group of 20 of us hopped on a bus for a regional tour under perfect autumn skies. The day was dedicated to exploring the region from Ngarrindjeri and science research perspectives. Our first encounter was a brief trip through the remarkable, long-term landscape-scale revegetation efforts that have been underway for over 25 years. Led by the Kurrangk Hindmarsh Island Landcare Group (KHILC), this work has focused on restoring vital habitats and vegetation—much of it on private land across the island. KHILC are collaborating with the CLLMM Research Centre on few of our research projects (including our Landscape Revegetation and Blue and Teal Carbon projects).
Our journey included a crossing of the barrages from north to south, with a huge thanks to Mick from SA Water and Adrienne from DEW for generously sharing their knowledge and experience. Their insights into water management, fishways, bird habitats, were all informative and inspiring. Mick and Adrienne are providing critical input into our Estuarine Connectivity project. The spontaneous arrival of a Rakali (Native Water Rat) was also a highlight of the journey across the barrages.
We found a peaceful picnic spot at Long Point, where the Kurrangk/Coorong showed off its serene beauty—calm waters, gentle breezes, and a perfect spot to reflect on the impact of collective efforts in caring for this unique region. It was here we met Ngarrindjeri elder Uncle Derek Gollan who welcomed us to his country, talking about the old days, his work as a Ranger in the National Park and introducing us to the indigenous ranger team from Meningie, who have cultural responsibility to care for Kurrangk country.
Our day concluded with a meaningful visit to the Raukkan Community, where we were fortunate to meet Uncle Russell. In a serendipitous moment, he joined us on the bus and shared unfeigned stories of his childhood in Raukkan and his experience as a member of the stolen generation. His words deeply moved us all, offering a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and history of this place and its people.
Both Uncle Russell and Uncle Derek spoke about the restoration efforts underway at the Teringie wetlands. Their stories highlighted the community's ongoing work to bring life back to this important area through tree planting, earthworks, and the restoration of natural water flows and habitats.
The visit to Raukkan was even more memorable by the incredible views over Lake Alexandrina. It was a fitting end to a day of learning, connection, and reflection.
31/05/2025
Professor Neville Crossman - Flinders University
With the CLLMM region having again recently experienced both flooding and drought, it is important to explore new ways to understand climate change, and how we respond and prepare for its impacts.
This project is a collaboration between Flinders University, University of South Australia, CSIRO, local scientist Dr Kerri Muller and CLLMM communities. It is led by Neville, who has international experience leading science policy of land and water systems, including roles with the United Nations, European Union, the World Bank and WWF, while closer to home has had a long-term interest in the Murray Darling Basin.
“The focus is on adaptation planning – how, throughout the region, we can understand, predict and respond to impacts of more frequent, and more intense, periods of drought and flood caused by climate change” says Neville.
Direct input from community members will develop creative approaches to help us all understand and engage with identified threats and how our ecosystem can be protected from them. A series of community workshops are underway currently, which will deliver a creative output to communicate - visually, aurally, both perhaps - how the community experiences climate change and what needs to be done to adapt to the extremes of impacts to local communities caused by drought and flood.
By improving understanding and engagement, ecosystem managers and the broader CLLMM community can together co-design protection measures and activities that align with priorities and will attract strong local support.