Photo © Ella Loeffler
Our Work
Across southern Australia, Country is under increasing pressure - from changing climates, biodiversity loss and the impacts of human activity. Even through this, Aboriginal Nations continue to care for land, sea and sky Country.
SAALSMA exists to support and strengthen this work, not by directing it, but by helping create the conditions for it to grow.
Caring for Country
At the centre of our work is care for land, sea and sky Country. This care is anchored in cultural knowledge, carried across generations and guided by those who hold responsibility for place. We strengthen the work already happening on Country, supporting Nations to restore landscapes, protect biodiversity and continue cultural practice.
Connecting Knowledge & Practice
Across southern Australia, knowledge is held in many forms - in culture, lived experience and research. Our role is to help bring these together in the right way. We support approaches where cultural knowledge leads, and where research and contemporary knowledge strengthen, rather than replace, what is already known. In this way, we help support enduring care for Country as conditions continue to change.
Enabling Economic Pathways
Caring for Country can also create pathways for sustainable livelihoods.
We help create culturally aligned economic opportunities – from on-Country management and nature-based work to emerging markets and cultural enterprise. These pathways support communities while maintaining cultural and ecological integrity. Over time, this contributes to a stronger system, where Aboriginal-led care for Country is recognised and sustained.
Strengthening Connection & Collaboration
A key part of our work is bringing people together. We create space for organisations and Nations to connect, share knowledge and identify where working together can strengthen outcomes for Country. This might happen through shared projects, learning together, or simply building relationships over time. We also support connections with partners across research, government, philanthropy and industry, making sure these relationships are guided by cultural leadership and shaped in the right way.
Supporting capability & leadership
Across our member organisations, there is strong leadership and deep knowledge. Our role is to support and strengthen this over time. That includes creating opportunities for shared learning, supporting practical work on Country, and helping organisations access the tools and resources they need to keep leading their work. In doing so, we support not only individual organisations, but the strength of the broader system.