GKTOLMB – Who we are

The Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board (GKTOLMB) is a body corporate set up to help make sure the knowledge and culture of Gunaikurnai people is recognised in the management of Joint Managed parks and reserves.

The main role of the GKTOLMB is to work with GLaWAC, as the recognised Traditional Owner Group entity representing Gunaikurnai people, and the Victorian Government to set and guide the partnership for joint management of ten parks and reserves that have been granted as Aboriginal title to the Gunaikurnai people.

The strategic direction for joint management of these parks and reserves is described in the Gunaikurnai & Victorian Government Joint Management Plan, which was approved in July 2018. This is the first Joint Management Plan to be approved in Victoria.

Our Vision

To see empowered and respected Gunaikurnai actively managing and caring for their land and water for the enjoyment of all people.

Our Mission

Our mission is to:

  • actively protect Gunaikurnai culture, land and waters and bring strength, knowledge, skills and innovation to that role;
  • support Gunaikurnai to maintain and build their strong connections to joint managed lands;
  • generate greater employment and economic development opportunities for Gunaikurnai;
  • use Gunaikurnai traditional knowledge to set and guide strategic and operational direction for joint managed lands; and
  • build respectful relationships and enduring partnerships to protect and enhance Gunaikurnai joint managed lands.

Brian Stevens, GLaWAC Chairperson; The Hon Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change; and Grattan Mullett, GKTOLMB Chairperson, at the launch of the Joint Management Plan at The Knob Reserve on 1 September 2018.

John Bradley, Secretary to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning; Brian Stevens; The Hon Lily D’Ambrosio; Grattan Mullett; Roger Fenwick, CEO of GLaWAC; and Matthew Jackson, CEO of Parks Victoria, at the launch of the Joint Management Plan.

What our Elders fought for

Our Board

The Board is led by a Chairperson nominated by GLaWAC and appointed by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

The Board currently consists of seven members nominated by GLaWAC and up to four community members, one of which is nominated by the Secretary of DELWP. The Board operates by holding bi-monthly board meetings. It is supported by an Executive Officer hosted by EGCMA.

The Gunaikurnai members of the Board have a strong connection to the Appointed Land and lifelong experience and knowledge of their cultural heritage. The Board as a whole has a broad skills base with considerable understanding and experience in corporate governance, land and water management and business management.

The Board is supported by Executive Officer Craig Parker and Project Officer, Rob Willersdorf.


Need to contact the GKTOLMB?

Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board

Phone: 03 5150 3573 | Office: 574 Main Street, Bairnsdale VIC 3875
Post: PO Box 1012, Bairnsdale VIC 3875 | Email: eo@gktolmb.org.au