Dr. Rene Woods

Biography

Rene Woods is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science at UNSW, based on Ngunnawal Ngambri country in Canberra, ACT. As a Nari man from southwest New South Wales, he has a profound understanding of the significance of water to family, community, and way of life. With extensive involvement in Gayini (water) issues impacting Aboriginal people in the Murray-Darling Basin, Rene is a steadfast advocate for First Nations' rights in the region. Throughout his career, he has engaged with Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander communities to promote recognition of First Nations land and water practices in the Murray Darling Basin. He has held significant positions such as Chairperson of the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (2018-2020) and Vice-chair of the Nari Tribal Council, as well as serving with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Aboriginal Water Initiative (2013-2016). His contributions also extend to advisory roles, including the Murrumbidgee Valley Water New South Wales Customer Advisory Group (2018-2020) and the National Cultural Flows Research Committee (2013-2018). In December 2020, Rene made history as the first Aboriginal person appointed to the Murray Darling Basin Authority Board.

Research Interests

Experience