Gomeroi Dance Company reveals big plans after taking over management of Bective travelling stock route

The company has signed an agreement with the North West Local Land Services to co-manage a section of the old Bective travelling stock route.

It is the first land the Tamworth Indigenous education institution will ever have responsibility over.

It's been a dream for the dance company since it was founded a decade ago.

Marc Sutherland said the company had identified the area and made a pitch to the state government organisation.

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The route backs onto the Peel River.

Not only does the river have a particular significance to Gomeroi people, the specific section is even more important and beautiful.

"This section of the Peel River is traditionally known as Goora, which is referring to things in full glory, in full bloom, in full display," Mr Sutherland said.

"You would say that 'these flowers' are in Goora."

Mr Sutherland said the academy wants to play a role in return the local environment to its former glory.

From in-stream river planting to halt erosion, to fixing river banks affected by the movement of cattle to fencing, the company has big plans. Long-term they want to develop fish habitats, build up the river system, and bring back native species.

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They will also develop a yarning circle, corroboree ground, and generally turn the old stock route into culturally safe space for traditional ceremonies, dances and other events.

"One of the first things on our agenda is trying to bring back the native bees," he said.

"How do we work out what's still here, and then moving forward what should be here and how do we run projects in a sustainable and a culturally appropriate manner to lift this place back up."

Local Land Services Senior Land Service Officer Luke Raveneau said they hoped to be able to use the space as an educational tool for schools and other community groups.

"Everyone that wants to learn about traditional cultural activities," he said.

"There are opportunities everywhere out here. The potential to create a culturally safe space is enormous."

The rejuvenation project will be filmed and photographed by a local Aboriginal filmmaker.

Both Crown Land and the Gomeroi Dance Company are hopeful that it will be the first of many land deals, including buying some.

"Co-management between an Aboriginal organisation and LLS will be one of my goals down the track," Mr Ravinough said.

"We're focused on caring for country, its one of the biggest things," Mr Sutherland said.

"Caring for country is around not only managing land, but also owning land."

Dance academy member Maene Trindall said getting land back in the right hands meant his generation would be able to pursue traditional culture in the way the previous one couldn't.

"It feels special," he said.

"All the hard work the old fellows did over the years, it's finally starting to pay off."

The land remains crown land. Non-Indigenous people will still have access to the area.

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