Rene Woods

Rene Woods, a Nari Nari man from southwest New South Wales, Growing up on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Rene deeply understands the significance of water to his family, community, and way of life. With extensive involvement in Gayini (water) issues for Aboriginal people across the Murray-Darling Basin, Rene is a steadfast advocate for First Nations rights in the region. Now based on Ngunnawal and Ngambri country in Canberra, ACT, Rene is employed as the Associate Professor of Practice in the Faculty of Science at UNSW

Rene has played a pivotal role in advancing recognition of First Nations land and water practices in the Murray Darling Basin, engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for many years. Notably, he has held positions such as Chairperson of the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (2018 to 2020), Vice-chair of the Nari Nari Tribal Council, and has served with organisations including the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Aboriginal Water Initiative (2013 to 2016). His contributions extend to various advisory roles, including the Murrumbidgee Valley Water New South Wales Customer Advisory Group (2018 to 2020) and the National Cultural Flows Research Committee (2013 to 2018), as well as serving as a panel member for former Minister Littleproud’s Independent Panel for the Assessment of Social and Economic Conditions of Murray-Darling Basin communities.

In December 2020, Rene made history as the first Aboriginal person appointed as a Murray Darling Basin Authority Board Member. Rene believes in the collective effort to achieve a strong, healthy river system and healthier communities. He envisions Australia leading the world in developing water management arrangements in partnership with First Nations peoples that address both present needs and future aspirations.