Caring for Country

Council is proud to introduce our First Nations Fire Officer, Michael Willmot.

Australia's First Nations community have been custodians of country for tens of thousands of years and Council recognises the importance of cultural land management and burning as the most appropriate way to mitigate the effects of bushfires.

Respecting these cultural connections, Michael will work closely with the region's Traditional Owners to establish healthy management of country.

Get to know Michael

Michael is a proud Wakka Wakka man, born on the Cherbourg Aboriginal Settlement (Mission). He is a carpenter by trade and has extensive experience in both Federal and State Park management as a ranger. His fire journey began while working in park management at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park where he had the opportunity to learn from Anangu (Central Desert Aboriginal people) and build his skills as a fire practitioner. In turn, he was able to pass on this knowledge to the younger generation of the Uluru, Central Desert region. He now brings his passion and experience to the Gladstone Region and looks forward to sharing his knowledge with us.

This role has been made possible through funding from the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.