Panatana – located in Port Sorell, Tasmania, is a hidden gem. Filled with beautiful reserves, beaches and trail walks, it is a sacred space with long, Indigenous history.

Panatana’s caretakers are the Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation (SRAC).

It is here on the traditional lands of the Punnilerpanner people, where SRAC staff connect with Country and share their traditional knowledge with visitors, including school students and tourism groups.

In fact, overnight school camps have been identified as one of the corporation’s most rewarding and profitable activities, allowing SRAC to share Indigenous knowledge with future generations.

This is something the SRAC are now able to strengthen, thanks to over $93,000 of funding from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC).

The funding has contributed to a new community hub on the property which includes a newly built accessible toilet and shower block, accompanying various water tanks and storage facilities.

The community hub helps ensure groups are well equipped during visits and overnight stays and improves the cultural site’s accessibility for people with disabilities.

The increased accessibility is set to in turn create more awareness of Panatana, its culture and history across both Tasmania and wider Australia.

SRAC Chair, Dave mangenner Gough, said it has been a great opportunity to work with the ILSC and get the correct infrastructure in place on the property.

“Knowing that some community members and Elders who previously struggled to be on this Country, due to the lack of amenities, can now access Panatana freely, is so very important.

“Not only do the new facilities help the SRAC care for Country, they strengthen our ability to educate the community, schools and natural resource management groups about our culture and history,” said Mr mangenner Gough.

The upgraded facilities have also strengthened SRAC’s self-determination, something ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Joe Morrison, supports.

“The ILSC is always proud to partner with Aboriginal organisations, particularly those who work tirelessly to manage and care for their Country.

“I look forward to seeing the amenities and hub strengthen SRAC’s connection to Country, now and for future generations”, said Mr Morrison.

“I believe SRAC’s sharing of Indigenous history, culture and knowledge will in turn lead to greater self-determination for SRAC”.

Panatana is accessible to the public 365 days a year.