Water

Written By Vanessa Sewell

At Third Space Ventures, we champion a collaborative approach to water management in the Murray-Darling Basin by combining the strengths of First Nations Knowledge Systems and Western Science. Guided by our core values:

  • Spirit and Integrity

  • Reciprocity

  • Responsibility

  • Cultural Continuity

  • Equity

    Respect.

We work in the ‘Third Space’ where diverse perspectives and knowledge systems intersect to create innovative, culturally resonant, and sustainable solutions.

Why We Do It

Water is life. It sustains ecosystems, nourishes communities, and holds profound cultural and spiritual significance for First Nations peoples. The Murray-Darling Basin represents an intersection of ecological importance and cultural heritage, where integrated management is crucial for addressing environmental challenges, sustaining biodiversity, and upholding Indigenous sovereignty.

What We Do

We design and implement community-led projects that bring First Nations Knowledge Holders and Western scientists together to protect, restore, and manage water systems in the Basin. By facilitating open dialogue, co-designing research frameworks, and embedding cultural protocols, we ensure that solutions honour Indigenous worldviews while leveraging Western scientific tools.

Our initiatives focus on:

  • Building trust and relationships with First Nations communities.

  • Developing hybrid frameworks that integrate Western and First Nations knowledge systems, ensuring respect for cultural protocols and Indigenous data sovereignty.

  • Creating models for environmental monitoring and management that integrate traditional ecological knowledge and scientific methodologies.

  • Empowering communities through training, capacity-building, and youth engagement programs.

  • Publishing and sharing successes to influence broader policy and academic practices. Third Space Principles in Action

The ‘Third Space’ is where we create a dynamic environment of learning, understanding, and collaboration. This approach is rooted in:

  • Spirit and Integrity: Upholding trust, authenticity, and alignment with cultural and ethical principles in every project.

  • Reciprocity: Fostering two-way learning where Indigenous Knowledge Holders and scientists exchange insights, ensuring mutual benefit.

  • Responsibility: Acting as stewards of the land and water, ensuring sustainable practices that honour cultural and environmental heritage.

  • Cultural Continuity: Respecting and revitalising Indigenous ecological knowledge to safeguard its transmission to future generations.

  • Equity: Ensuring all voices are heard, valued, and empowered in decision-making processes.

  • Respect: Honouring cultural protocols, sovereignty, and the interconnectedness of people, land, and water.

A Vision for the Murray-Darling Basin

Through our work, we envision a Murray-Darling Basin that is not only ecologically vibrant but also an example of cultural empowerment and innovation. By bringing together the wisdom of the past with the tools of the future, we aim to create lasting solutions that sustain life, celebrate diversity, and honour the interconnected stories of the land and its people.

Vanessa Sewell