Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Group

Are you passionate about protecting, caring for and healing Country? 

• Join an independent Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Group to advise the NSW EPA
• Receive allowances as approved by the Minister
• Two year term
• Participate from anywhere within NSW with the option to travel for meetings  
• Register for an information session and complete an application form to apply

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) established the Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Group (APKG) in 2023. The group is comprised of seven Aboriginal people representing the diverse Country of NSW: Saltwater, Freshwater, Desert, Rainforest, Mountains and Plains Country. The APKG’s purpose is to guide, advise, nurture and challenge the EPA in meeting its Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal Peoples.

As a member of the APKG in its next term November 2026 - November 2028 you will have the opportunity to support the EPA in embedding Aboriginal cultural values, knowledges and truth telling across the agency.

You will play a key role in challenging the EPA to uphold its Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal peoples | EPA as steward of the environment and human health.

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Experience and knowledge of Caring for Country, whether within the community, professionally, or academically;
• Experience in being in a position of leadership within local Aboriginal communities, including but not limited to being an Elder of one’s community;
• Knowledge of different Country and cultural practices across New South Wales, including knowledge of Water (fresh & salt), Fire, Air & Sky, Land and cultural and/or totemic animal & plants species.
• An interest in supporting the implementation of recently achieved legislative amendments that strengthen Aboriginal participation in protecting the environment and human health, as well as contributing to the development of any future reform proposals.

Members will be appointed for a two‑year term in their own right, rather than as representatives of organisations, institutions, or communities, and may be reconsidered for reappointment at the end of their term.

Members will not be employees of the NSW Government.

About the APKG

In June 2023, the EPA Executive committed to enacting the Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal Peoples and approved the re-establishment and expansion for an ongoing Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Group (APKG) which was first formed in 2021 to assist with the EPA’s 2021 State of the Environment report.

The current APKG members were formally appointed by the CEO in late 2023; their inaugural meeting was held on 29 February 2024. The membership of the APKG comprises of 7 Aboriginal Knowledge Holders descended from Saltwater, Freshwater, Rainforest  Desert, Mountains and Plains Country of NSW. Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Group | NSW State of the Environment

Purpose of the Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Group

The APKG ensures Aboriginal peoples’ perspectives are embedded in EPA decision‑making relating to cultural values, knowledges and science.

The group operates independently to provide guidance, advice, nurturing and challenge to support the EPA in meeting the twelve principles of its Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal peoples | EPA

The APKG meets bi‑monthly (in person or online) and annually with the EPA Board and Executive to inform strategic and regulatory priorities.

A copy of the Terms of Reference can be sent upon request.

About us

As the environmental steward and regulator of our State the EPA is committed to a sustainable future.

Our people are proud to play a role in protecting the environment of NSW. We partner with Aboriginal people, industry and the wider community to protect, restore and enhance our diverse ecosystems.

We bring scientific expertise, experience and actions to inspire innovative solutions as we transition our state to a circular economy. As we respond to urgent current issues, including climate change, we educate and support our stakeholders to create an environmentally healthy future.

Join us on our mission to protect tomorrow together.

To Apply

If you are interested, complete the Expression of Interest Application form  Expression of Interest-Application Form 2026_Fillable.pdf and submit it via email APKG@epa.nsw.gov.au

Applications close:  Thursday 11 June 2026 at 11:55pm

For more information please contact Belinda Stone via email APKG@epa.nsw.gov.au or 0419 999 216.

The EPA is an independent statutory authority which sits within the Department of Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) For more information on the work we do at the NSW EPA, go to EPA homepage | EPA[BS1]