Mimal Land Management is an Indigenous owned and operated organisation focused on bringing benefits to country and culture for Dalabon, Rembarrnga and Mayili landowners and people of south central Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
For many years, Mimal was managed by the Northern Land Council (NLC), however landowners expressed a desire to operate independently under local Indigenous management. Mimal’s journey to independence is inherently linked to the West Arnhem Land Fire Abatement (WALFA) Project, as it allowed landowners to use income generated to fund a separate incorporation and autonomy.
The WALFA project became the landscape scale model upon which the government-approved savanna burning methodology was based. It provided a template for every future savanna burning fire management project across northern Australia.
The Mimal rangers now use their fire management expertise to support the Central Arnhem Land Fire Abatement (CALFA) project. CALFA is one of the next generation savanna projects that builds on the successful WALFA model with three producer groups, Mimal Land Management, Djelk Rangers and Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation.
The Mimal Rangers are part of the Central Arnhem Land Fire Abatement (CALFA) project registered under (ALFA) NT.
Where does the carbon money go?
In 2019, Rembarrnga, Dalabon, and Mayili elders invited women rangers from across the NT to meet at Bawurrbarnda in central Arnhem Land. At this first meeting, 32 ranger groups shared challenges they face as women in a male dominated sector and articulated their needs. It was with carbon revenue that these women were supported to formalise this important gathering into the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network.
The Network is guided by the principle that Strong Women means Healthy Country, provides a forum for women who often live in very remote areas to come together as one strong voice and has supported the development of a shared vision. Through the Network there are ranger exchanges, women’s camps, training and annual Strong Women for Healthy Country forums. Every two months Message Stick Meetings are convened to maintain communication across all members.
Most recently the Network launched best practice principles, which were presented at ICIN's 2024 North Australia Savanna Fire Forum (pictured below), outlining what is required for women to feel safe and supported in the workplace. These principles include respectful workplaces, dedicated resources and training, flexible work schedules and representation in decision-making processes.