Crown Land holiday parks focus on cultural tourism

Reflections Holiday Parks has partnered with Crown Lands on an Aboriginal Tourism Experiences Pilot Program to deliver cultural activities at Crown land holiday parks, working with Aboriginal organisations.

Reflections is a Crown Land Manager that cares for 9,300 hectares of public land and 36 holiday parks with all profits reinvested back into the reserves and parks it manages.

The pilot program is a part of Reflections’ Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the first of four RAPs endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. 

The program includes activities such as bush tucker gardens and creative workshops, and was celebrated with the launch of an art trail created by Worimi artist Tyson Jolly at Reflections’ Jimmys Beach park on 1 September.

The Reflect RAP is aligned to Reflections’ 2030 strategic plan, which cites a strong commitment to reconciliation, and includes a target to expand a visitor experience program that delivers social, cultural, and economic value to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

RAP outcomes include partnerships between Reflections and local Aboriginal communities and Native Title Holders in holiday parks located across 12 traditional Aboriginal Nations:  Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Birpai, Worimi, Awabakal, Darkinjung, Yuin, Kamilaroi, Wonnarua, Wiradjuri and Ngunawal. 

Reflections’ cultural tourism initiatives are steered by Aboriginal Engagement Officer and Githabul Bundjalung Woman Cheryl Newton.

Reflections’ CEO Nick Baker said the RAP and pilot program had grown cultural awareness with park guests and among staff, who will also have the opportunity for cultural training.

“What I’d like to see in every single park is that we have a relationship with the local communities and Indigenous operators that offer experiences that they want to share with our guests,” Mr Baker said.