---
title: "QLD Source: Indigenous Engagement at Q'Water24"
description: Q'Water24 was held at Novotel Twin Waters Resort, officially Welcomed to Country by Lydon Davis. Read more about the Indigenous engagement here.
image: https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/qwater24-indigenous-engagement-blog-800x400.png
---

[![Indigo by AWA logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Indigo_colour.png?height=24&name=Indigo_colour.png)](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/)

[![Ozwater logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Ozwater.png?height=24&name=Ozwater.png)](https://www.ozwater.org/)

[![Careers in Water logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Careers%20in%20Water_colour.png?height=24&name=Careers%20in%20Water_colour.png)](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/)

[![NWW logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/NWW.png?height=24&name=NWW.png)](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org/)

- [Join ![user icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-user-icon.svg "user icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/new-registration)
- [Member Hub ![user icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-locked-icon.svg "user icon")](https://memberhub.awa.asn.au)
- [About us ![about us icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-about-us-icon-copy.svg "about us icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/about)
- [Contact us ![contact icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-contact-icon.svg "contact icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/contact-us)

[Skip to content](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/qwater24#main-content)

[![Australian Water Association | 60 Years](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/AWA-logo@2x.png?width=180&height=85&name=AWA-logo@2x.png "Australian Water Association | 60 Years")](https://awa.asn.au)

- [ Home ](https://www.awa.asn.au)
- [ Membership ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership)
  
  Show submenu for Membership ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Membership for me ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/individual)
      
      Show submenu for Membership for me ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg)
      
      ---
      
          - [ Branch committees ](https://www.awa.asn.au/local-branch)
          - [ Specialist Networks ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership-specialist-water-networks)
          - [ Young Water Professionals ](https://www.awa.asn.au/young-water-professionals)
    - [ Membership for my organisation ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/corporate)
      
      Show submenu for Membership for my organisation ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg)
      
      ---
      
          - [ B2B ](https://www.awa.asn.au/business-connections)
          - [ Australian Water Directory ](https://www.awa.asn.au/digital-marketplace)
- [ Careers in Water ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au)
  
  Show submenu for Careers in Water ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Jobs Board ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs)
- [ Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources)
  
  Show submenu for Resources ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Indigo ](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/)
    - [ Latest Industry News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news)
    - [ Strategy 2030 ](https://www.awa.asn.au/strategy-2030)
    - [ Current Magazine ](https://www.awa.asn.au/member-magazine)
    - [ Water e-Journal ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/water-e-journal)
    - [ Reconciliation Action Plan ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/reconciliation-action-plan)
    - [ Future of Water Report ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/futureofwaterreport)
    - [ Podcasts ](https://www.awa.asn.au/podcasts)
    - [ Advertising & Media ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/media-releases)
    - [ Past Papers ](https://www.ozwater.org/program/past-papers)
- [ Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events)
  
  Show submenu for Events ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Upcoming Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events)
    - [ Events Calendar ](https://www.awa.asn.au/national-events-calendar)
    - [ Ozwater ](https://www.awa.asn.au/events/ozwater)
    - [ Photo Gallery ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums)
- [ Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards)
  
  Show submenu for Awards ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Awards Overview ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards)
    - [ Individual Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-individual)
    - [ Chris Davis AM Fellowship ](https://www.awa.asn.au/chris-davis-am-fellowship)
    - [ Guy Parker Award ](https://www.awa.asn.au/guy-parker-award)
    - [ Organisation Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-organisation)
    - [ Student Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/student-awards)
    - [ Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards/student-awards/asjwp)
    - [ View Honour Roll ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-honour-roll)
- [ Programs ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs)
  
  Show submenu for Programs ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ International Program ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international)
    - [ Advocacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/advocacy)
    - [ Mentoring ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/mentoring)
    - [ Graduate Program - Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/graduate-program-water)
    - [ National Water Week ](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org)
    - [ Circular Water Taskforce ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/circular-water-taskforce)
    - [ ANZBP ](https://www.biosolids.com.au/)

- [ Home ](https://www.awa.asn.au)
- [ Membership ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership)
  
  Show submenu for Membership ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Membership for me ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/individual)
      
      Show submenu for Membership for me ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg)
      
      ---
      
          - [ Branch committees ](https://www.awa.asn.au/local-branch)
          - [ Specialist Networks ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership-specialist-water-networks)
          - [ Young Water Professionals ](https://www.awa.asn.au/young-water-professionals)
    - [ Membership for my organisation ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/corporate)
      
      Show submenu for Membership for my organisation ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg)
      
      ---
      
          - [ B2B ](https://www.awa.asn.au/business-connections)
          - [ Australian Water Directory ](https://www.awa.asn.au/digital-marketplace)
- [ Careers in Water ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au)
  
  Show submenu for Careers in Water ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Jobs Board ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs)
- [ Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources)
  
  Show submenu for Resources ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Indigo ](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/)
    - [ Latest Industry News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news)
    - [ Strategy 2030 ](https://www.awa.asn.au/strategy-2030)
    - [ Current Magazine ](https://www.awa.asn.au/member-magazine)
    - [ Water e-Journal ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/water-e-journal)
    - [ Reconciliation Action Plan ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/reconciliation-action-plan)
    - [ Future of Water Report ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/futureofwaterreport)
    - [ Podcasts ](https://www.awa.asn.au/podcasts)
    - [ Advertising & Media ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/media-releases)
    - [ Past Papers ](https://www.ozwater.org/program/past-papers)
- [ Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events)
  
  Show submenu for Events ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Upcoming Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events)
    - [ Events Calendar ](https://www.awa.asn.au/national-events-calendar)
    - [ Ozwater ](https://www.awa.asn.au/events/ozwater)
    - [ Photo Gallery ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums)
- [ Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards)
  
  Show submenu for Awards ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Awards Overview ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards)
    - [ Individual Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-individual)
    - [ Chris Davis AM Fellowship ](https://www.awa.asn.au/chris-davis-am-fellowship)
    - [ Guy Parker Award ](https://www.awa.asn.au/guy-parker-award)
    - [ Organisation Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-organisation)
    - [ Student Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/student-awards)
    - [ Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards/student-awards/asjwp)
    - [ View Honour Roll ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-honour-roll)
- [ Programs ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs)
  
  Show submenu for Programs ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ International Program ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international)
    - [ Advocacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/advocacy)
    - [ Mentoring ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/mentoring)
    - [ Graduate Program - Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/graduate-program-water)
    - [ National Water Week ](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org)
    - [ Circular Water Taskforce ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/circular-water-taskforce)
    - [ ANZBP ](https://www.biosolids.com.au/)

![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-nav-hamburger.svg)

![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-nav-close.svg)

[Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources) > [Latest News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news) >  Qwater24

# QLD Source: Indigenous Engagement at Q'Water24

Dec 11, 2024 | 1 mins read ![User Icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-user.svg "User Icon") by Declan Hearne

![indigenous engagement](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/qwater24-indigenous-engagement-blog-800x400.png "indigenous engagement")

 

This year Q’Water24 was held at Novotel Twin Waters Resort on Kabi Kabi Country from 31 October – 1 November. We were officially Welcomed to Country by Lyndon Davis, Kabi Kabi man, cultural educator, artist and performer, with energetic and provocative stories about history of the lands and waters of Kabi Kabi Country and potent didgeridoo song.

Before the official conference opening, Lyndon led a Walk on Country to help guests understand some of the fundamentals of his land and sea, sharing the spirit of the place through rich Dreamtime stories of Kabi Kabi Country’s creation, its landforms and abundant ecosystems. Lyndon told of various uses for native plants, the seasonal relationships between many local species and how they have been influenced by modern changes to the ecosystem.

Several presentations during the conference, provided insights into the engagement approaches with First Nation parties and how we can consider cultural values in water planning, projects and operations. Emma Newton from Unitywater, presented on the insights and value gained from regular engagement with Kabi Kabi People, well ahead of Unitywater project delivery. Two key frequent and regular actions with the Kabi Kabi People have been - site inductions provided by Kabi Kabi to project teams ensuring awareness of material and intangible cultural heritage, and proactive, Kabi Kabi-led on site monitoring throughout project lifecycles.

Prof. Phil Duncan, a proud Kamilaroi man and Australian Water Professional of the Year 2024 and Declan Hearne, Seqwater shared their insights from the development of a Cultural Capability Maturity Model. This model looks inward toward organisational capabilities for developing and maintaining healthy, ongoing partnerships that are both strategic and aligned with shared interests for a water authority and local First Nation party. This First Nations-led research, provides a critical new tool for mapping and diagnosis of cultural maturity in water agencies, be they government, private, or not-for-profit.

Please contact [Kylie Pinwill](mailto:kpinwill@awa.asn.au) if you would like to connect with any of the presenters.

[ News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/news) [ QLD Source ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/qld-source) [ Australian Water Association (AWA) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/awa) [ Indigenous ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/indigenous) [ QLD ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/qld) [ Q Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/q-water) [ Novotel Twin Waters Resort ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/novotel-twin-waters-resort)

 Share

[![email icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-email.svg "email icon") ](mailto:?subject=QLD%20Source:%20Indigenous%20Engagement%20at%20Q'Water24&body=Check%20out%20https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/qwater24) [![facebook-icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-facebook.svg "facebook icon") ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/qwater24) [![LinkedIn icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-linkedin.svg "LinkedIn icon") ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/qwater24) [![Twitter icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-twitter.svg "Twitter icon") ](https://twitter.com/home?status=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/qwater24)

## RELATED NEWS

[![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Johanna%20Johnson12.png?width=352&name=Johanna%20Johnson12.png) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/our-queensland-young-water-professional-of-the-year-a-sustainability-change-maker)

### [ Our Queensland Young Water Professional of the Year: A Sustainability Change-Maker ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/our-queensland-young-water-professional-of-the-year-a-sustainability-change-maker)

Johanna Johnson

 Johanna (Jo) Johnson is the Sustainable Solutions Lead at Logan Water and is helping shape the future of the water sector by… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/our-queensland-young-water-professional-of-the-year-a-sustainability-change-maker)

[![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/53243439197_6b22454206_b-1.jpg?width=352&name=53243439197_6b22454206_b-1.jpg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/meet-the-2023-queensland-young-water-professional-of-the-year)

### [ Meet the 2023 Queensland Young Water Professional of the Year ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/meet-the-2023-queensland-young-water-professional-of-the-year)

Amber Craig

 Amber Craig is a hydroclimate analyst and project officer with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. She was recently announced as… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/meet-the-2023-queensland-young-water-professional-of-the-year)

### [ Getting to know our new CEO ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/business/workplace/getting-to-know-our-new-ceo)

Water Source

 AWA's new CEO Corinne Cheeseman is a mother of two daughters, aged 10 and 13. She feels her impact in the water sector aligns with… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/business/workplace/getting-to-know-our-new-ceo)

 Advertising

---

### Subscribe to our newsletters

 Sign up to get the latest news and insights from us

 Advertising

---

![white arrow pointing upwards](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-white-arrow-up.svg) Top

[![Footer-logo-02](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/Footer-logo-02.svg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/)

The **Australian Water Association** acknowledges the Traditional Custodians across Australia, where we live, work and play, for their deep connection to our precious waters and land.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and the ancestors who have cared, protected and nurtured Country for many thousands of years.

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices, and names of people who have passed away. Please [let us know ](mailto:membership@awa.asn.au)if anything on the site causes distress.

- [About us](https://www.awa.asn.au/about)
- [International](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international)
- [Principal Members](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership)
- [Resources](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources)
- [Jobs Board](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs)

 Branches

[ ACT ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/act)

[ NSW ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/nsw)

[ NT ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/nt)

[ QLD ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/qld)

[ SA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/sa)

[ TAS ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/tas)

[ VIC ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/vic)

[ WA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/wa)

[ IWAA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/iwaa)

 Subscribe to our newsletter

 Follow us

[![nav-icon-facebook](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-facebook.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/australianwater) [![nav-icon-instagram](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-instagram.svg) ](https://www.instagram.com/australianwaterassociation/) [![nav-icon-youtube](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-youtube.svg) ](https://www.youtube.com/c/australianwaterTV) [![nav-icon-twitter](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-twitter.svg) ](https://twitter.com/AustralianWater) [![nav-icon-linkedin](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-linkedin.svg) ](https://au.linkedin.com/company/australian-water-association) [![nav-icon-flickr](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-flickr.svg) ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums)

 Australian Water Association

 PO Box 841, Chatswood NSW 2057

 Phone [ + 61 2 9436 0055 ](tel:+%2061%202%209436%200055)

 ABN: 78 096 035 773

[ Contact us ](https://www.awa.asn.au/contact-us)

 Copyright 2025 - Australian Water Association  -

[ Terms of Use ](https://www.awa.asn.au/terms-of-use) | [ Privacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/privacy-policy) |  Sitemap