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.
Board Values
The values and principles the GKTOLMB operate by are:
- We encourage and value leadership by example, creativity and new ideas.
- We serve the good of all Gunaikurnai.
- We are persistent in supporting the journey for Gunaikurnai towards self-determination and social justice.
- We listen to understand all views before judgement and decision making.
- We demonstrate courage and integrity in all we do.
- We encourage and value teamwork.
- We are empowered to respectfully challenge and speak with candour and are committed to resolving conflict.
- We value strong and enduring partnerships.
- Engaging and consultative processes are integral to the way we work.
The functions of the board are those conferred on the Board under the TOLMA (Schedule 2, Clause 5.1), which are:
- To comment or make submissions on matters affecting or concerning the use of management of the appointed land; and
- To prepare policies about the board and its operations and engagement with external parties.
Through developing the JMP, the board will fulfil its role (TOLMA Schedule 2, Clause 3) which is:
to set and guide the strategic direction for the joint management of the appointed land of the board;
- To collaborate with the State and the relevant State land managers in the management of the appointed land and enable the knowledge and culture of the Gunaikurnai People to be recognised in the management of the appointed land; and
- To foster employment and economic development opportunities for Gunaikurnai People in relation to the management of the appointed land.
Board Values
The values and principles the GKTOLMB operate by are:
- We encourage and value leadership by example, creativity and new ideas.
- We serve the good of all Gunaikurnai.
- We are persistent in supporting the journey for Gunaikurnai towards self-determination and social justice.
- We listen to understand all views before judgement and decision making.
- We demonstrate courage and integrity in all we do.
- We encourage and value teamwork.
- We are empowered to respectfully challenge and speak with candour and are committed to resolving conflict.
- We value strong and enduring partnerships.
- Engaging and consultative processes are integral to the way we work.
Board Functions
The functions of the Board are:
- To comment or make submissions on matters affecting or concerning the use or management of the Appointed Land;
- To prepare policies about the Board and its operation and engagement with external parties;
- Those management functions that are conferred on the Board by agreement under any Act under which the Appointed Land is managed;
- Those management functions that are delegated to the Board by a person or body who has those management functions in relation to the Appointed Land; and
- To carry out such other functions as are conferred on the Board by the Act or the Minister by notice published in the Government Gazette (Determination 2 August 2012).
The Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners’ strong connection with the land has been legally recognised in the Recognition and Settlement Agreement and it will enable them to jointly manage the 10 parks and reserves.
These environments including the forest, rivers, beaches, plants and animals are all part of ‘Country’ and the cultural identity of the Gunaikurnai. They are valued for the environment and as a vital part of contemporary Aboriginal culture. Protecting, managing and enjoying the land are an important part of this connection and responsibility.
This settlement agreement is a first for Victoria and recognises Gunaikurnai people’s strong connections and understanding of the land and waterways over thousands of years. Joint Management will ensure the Gunaikurnai play a central role in managing these parks in the future.
What is the TOLMA?
As part of the Gunaikurnai settlement agreement, the state entered into a Traditional Owner Land Management Agreement (TOLMA) to establish a Gunaikurnai Land Management Board to jointly manage ten national parks and reserves in their agreement area. Read more.
What is the role of the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board?
The main role of the Board (often referred to as the GKTOLMB) is to coordinate the development of a joint management plan by working closely with the Gunaikurnai people, joint management partners and consulting with all groups and individuals who express an interest.
How does the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board (GKTOLMB) differ from the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC)?
The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) is the recognised Traditional Owner Group entity representing Gunaikurnai people under the Traditional Owners Settlement Act.
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 management of the JM parks.
While GLaWAC and the GKTOLMB are separate organisations, they are working closely together in partnership on developing the joint management plan, along with Parks Victoria and the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
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
Corporate Documents
Annual Reports
- GKTOLMB Annual Report 2020-21
- GKTOLMB Annual Report 2019-20
- GKTOLMB Annual Report 2018-19
- GKTOLMB Annual Report 2017-18
- GKTOLMB Annual Report 2016-17
- GKTOLMB Annual Report 2014-15
- GKTOLMB Annual Report 2013-14
- GKTOLMB Annual Report 2012-13
Joint Management Plans
- Gunaikurnai Joint Management Plan (Full-11.5mb)
- GKJMP01 – Intro Strategic Plan
- GKJMP02 – Buchan Caves
- GKJMP03 – Corringle
- GKJMP04 – Lake Tyers
- GKJMP05 – Mitchell River
- GKJMP06 – New Guinea Caves
- GKJMP07 – Raymond Island
- GKJMP08 – Tarra Bulga
- GKJMP09 – Knob Reserve
- GKJMP10 – Lakes
Governance Documents
