Launched by Traditional Owners of the Daintree rainforest on 20 December 2004 in Cairns, the Yalanji Fire Management Book, as it is known, contains stunning images of the Yalanji people of far north Queensland, their country and their culture. Written in both Kuku-Yalanji language and English, the book provides a rare glimpse into the depth of knowledge and the spiritual connection behind fire management practices that have sustained the values of the rainforest for millenia.

Led by Dr Rosemary Hill of the Australian Conservation Foundation, the project is a culmination of ten years' research and was proudly partnered by the Rainforest CRC, Cape York Land Council, Wujal Wujal Community Council and Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku, with support from the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Natural Heritage Trustr, James Cook University and Little Ramsay Press.

In May 2005, this long-term collaborative project was honoured with a prestigious Cooperative Research Centres Association Award for Excellence and Innovation, one of only four such Awards presented each year. A team of researchers and Traditional Owners attended the Award Dinner in Melbourne, where they received the Award and took part in the gala event alongside Dr Brendan Nelson MP, Minister for Education, Science and Training.

The June 2005 issue of Forest Matters, the Rainforest CRC's newsletter, covered some history of the project and the Award Dinner.

Limited copies of the book are available for $29.95 and may be ordered through Little Ramsay Press. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be returned to Yalanji organisations to support ongoing land management and cultural projects.

Download Award Nomination Document
Download June 2005 Forest Matters Article