My name is Graham Briggs, and I hold a reserved seat on YYNAC. Over the November–January period, as a newly elected member, I have been formalising myself with the roles and responsibilities of this position, understanding the structure of YYNAC, and engaging with community members to establish relationships and gather feedback.

Work priorities: 

Over the past few months, what have been the areas of work or key messages you have been sharing with Community in your region? What have you been seeking feedback on?

Engagement activities: 

Since taking up my reserved seat, I have actively participated in a number of events and engagements as part of my role with YYNAC. Three weeks ago, on Friday, 30th of January 2026, I had the opportunity to deliver a presentation to the YYNAC Elders Council, where I outlined my role as a reserved seat holder and engaged in discussion about community priorities and aspirations. On the 2nd of February 2026, I participated in the YYNAC World Wetlands Day event held at Barmah. During this event, I connected with community members to discuss wetlands conservation, cultural heritage, and the important role our communities play in protecting and managing these areas.In addition to these key engagements, I have been attending workshops and meetings to deepen my understanding of YYNAC’s work, build relationships with other members, and gather insights from the community. These activities have been essential in helping me formalise my responsibilities and ensure that the voices of the communities I represent are heard and considered in YYNAC’s initiatives.

Insights: 

Through my recent engagements, I have gathered valuable insights that are shaping my understanding of community priorities and informing my role as a YYNAC reserved seat holder.

There is strong community interest in environmental and cultural heritage issues, particularly the protection and management of wetlands. People are keen to see traditional knowledge recognised and integrated into conservation efforts, highlighting the connection between Country, culture, and community wellbeing. Feedback from Elders has emphasised the importance of formalising youth engagement and mentoring programs, ensuring that younger generations are supported to take active roles in cultural, environmental, and governance initiatives.

Other key community concerns that have been raised include access to local resources, strengthening regional collaboration between communities, and the need for clearer communication and transparency around decision-making processes. Collectively, these insights underscore the need for inclusive, culturally-informed engagement and the value of listening closely to community voices in all aspects of YYNAC’s work.

Implementation: 

How The insights from these engagements will shape my ongoing work in the following ways:

• Incorporating community feedback into YYNAC initiatives.
• Advocating for the priorities of Elders and community members in Chamber discussions.
• Identifying opportunities for further workshops, presentations, and engagement sessions.

Looking ahead: 

In the coming months, I plan to:

• Participate in upcoming YYNAC workshops and community events.
• Strengthen relationships with Elders and regional representatives.
• Provide regular updates and opportunities for community members to engage with YYNAC initiatives.

Conclusion: 

I acknowledge and thank the YYN Elders, YYN community members, and my YYNAC colleagues for their guidance, trust, and ongoing support as I continue to strengthen my role as a reserved seat holder. I remain deeply committed to representing the voices, priorities, and aspirations of my community with integrity and respect. I will continue to listen, engage, and advocate to ensure our perspectives are heard and contribute meaningfully to the work of YYNAC and the shared journey forward.