Challenge

Following the 2019-2020 Victorian fire season, the Victorian Government invested $35 million into establishing 1,447 kilometres of Strategic Fuel Breaks (SFBs) to protect communities, infrastructure, and environmental and cultural heritage. To align with the Self-Determination Reform Framework, DELWP established the Traditional Custodians Engagement Program with two funding streams: Traditional Owner Partnership Agreements providing $1.25 million to three major Aboriginal corporations, and Capacity and Capability Building funding of $1 million for additional Traditional Custodian organisations across six regions. DELWP required an independent evaluation to assess program progress, identify strengths and challenges, and inform future engagement approaches.

Approach

CIS conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the Traditional Custodians Engagement Program through multiple phases. Our role included:

• Desktop review of strategic documents, funding agreements, and program reports to understand program objectives and implementation progress

• Development of an evaluation framework with standardized interview questions to assess program effectiveness, risks, and opportunities

• Stakeholder consultation including focus groups with 16 Capacity and Capability funded TOCs, interviews with three Traditional Owner Partnership Agreements holders, six regional SFB leads, and key DELWP personnel

• Analysis of program actions that worked well and those that presented challenges, with identification of risks and recommendations for improvement

Outcome

CIS delivered a comprehensive evaluation report assessing program progress and effectiveness. The evaluation identified strengths, challenges, and risks associated with program delivery and provided evidence-based recommendations to strengthen future Traditional Custodian engagement in the SFB program and support DELWP's broader self-determination reform objectives.