The Goyder Institute for Water Research’s Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) Research Centre is delighted to welcome Kyla McHughes to the team. Kyla will be starting her role as First Nations Engagement Officer at the Research Centre, replacing outgoing team member Nathan Hartman, who is pursuing further education.
Kyla will be continuing the development of the Centre’s collaborations with the First Nations people of the CLLMM region, building on her dedication to sharing her culture and language.
“As a proud and strong Ramindjeri/Ngarrindjeri woman, I am driven to support local First Nations Peoples to embrace their identity through cultural re-engagement, sharing of knowledge and Ngarrindjeri language” Kyla said. “I’m so excited to be joining the team at the CLLMM Research Centre to build the Centre’s cultural connections, facilitate First Nations involvement in sharing and creating knowledge, and ensuring cultural aspects are incorporated into all of the Centre’s activities.”
Director of the Goyder Institute for Water Research, Dr Alec Rolston, warmly welcomed Kyla to the team “The Goyder Institute and CLLMM Research Centre teams are delighted Kyla is joining us and very much look forward to working with her. Incorporating First Nations perspectives is critical for all of our work at the Research Centre and Kyla’s enthusiasm for First Nations culture and language to help us achieve our work in the CLLMM region and beyond. Kyla’s previous experiences in running her own cultural consultancy business embedding Ngarrindjeri language and culture into communities and landscapes will be so valuable for our work.”
Kyla will be beginning her role on 8 August and can’t wait to get started” My mi:wi (spirit) is full when I am out on country. Healthy Country – healthy people, Healthy river – healthy people, Healthy Spirit – healthy person. I believe it is all of our job to work together to preserve our environment, biodiversity and cultural heritage for future generations” she said. The CLLMM Research Centre was established on 1 July 2023 to work with community and First Nations investigate the impacts of climate change in the Coorong, lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region.