Water is woven through all parts of life – spirituality, culture, family, kinship, health, healing and more.

The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers has embarked on a journey to hear First Nations peoples' stories, views and aspirations about water.

We are taking time to listen and learn about their connections to Country and what water means to mob. We want to hear a diversity of voices. We recognise that every community will have different views and perspectives.

We want to hear from you. We won’t be able to visit every community or speak with every person face to face. This site provides opportunities for you to share your stories, views and aspirations and learn more about the work we are doing.

• Sign up to get updates about the project and find out about planned yarning sessions in your area
• Email us if you’re interested in setting up a community-led water yarning circle in your area.

If you would like to have a yarn with someone in the project team, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or email FNWS@rdmw.qld.gov.au

The government also consults First Nations communities on a number of specific ideas about the way water is managed in Queensland.

These include water plan reviews, regional water assessments, and water infrastructure projects.

These conversations are usually focussed on a single project, policy or regions and happen over a short period of time.

You can read about some of our consultations and projects on the department’s website.

Connections across Country

This artwork was created to tell the story of the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and its significance to a thriving and sustainable Queensland.

It’s a team that cares about each other and the people it serves and values the essential connections it makes along the way.

At the centre of the artwork are the First Nations voices, knowledge, and perspectives that are vital to the department’s work. Circular elements representing regional development, manufacturing, and water are closely connected.

The department’s collective journey to build and maintain authentic and meaningful relationships radiates from the centre.

First Nations manufacturing and innovation is represented by boomerangs throughout and Queensland’s diverse landscapes can be seen.

The department is dedicated to creating better opportunities for Queensland’s regions to improve the lives of all who live there – for today and for generations to come.

By strengthening its relationships with First Nations peoples all over Queensland, the department’s connections across Country can help build a more prosperous and equitable state to be shared and enjoyed by all.

This artwork concept and narrative was developed by David Williams. David is a proud Wakka Wakka artist at Gilimbaa.