Jim Underwood
Connecting Country Manager

Jim has so far authored 27 peer reviewed papers and has presented at more than 20 national and international conferences. His work for the Australian Institute of Marine Science involved development of collaborations with state, federal and Indigenous management agencies to design marine sanctuaries that provide the best chance of survival of coral reefs in a rapidly warming ocean. Through these collaborations, two-way learning with Traditional Custodians inspired a deep respect for the ecological truth that healthy people depend on healthy country. Jim is committed to supporting traditional ways of looking after country through genuine partnerships with Indigenous elders and Rangers.

His initial work with Gondwana Link was as Nowanup Program Coordinator, working with Uncle Eugene, other Indigenous elders, the Nowanup Rangers and the Friends of Nowanup. Jim facilitated the transition to a self-governed and self-sustaining program at Nowanup based on Noongar priorities for healing people and healing country. He is now focused on strengthening the Noongar voice in fire management across the Great Southern, and joint management of a range of properties.