Piyal Partners
Piyal
/pii-yahl/
Piyal is the Wamba Wamba word for the River Red Gum tree. Found along rivers, wetlands, and floodplains, the River Red Gum is one of Australia’s most iconic and important natives.
Long central to life and culture for thousands of years, the River Red Gum was used for canoes, shelters, message sticks, boomerangs, and tools, as well as providing a habitat for hundreds of species. Fallen branches form vital shelters and breeding grounds for fish, reptiles, and insects, while fungi and bacteria beneath the tree break down nutrients creating fertile, living soils, connecting Country.
The River Red Gum adapts to all that Country throws at it – fire, flood, drought, poor soil, yet it still thrives, towering like an ancient pillars of wisdom, living up to 1,000 years. Piyal Partners take it's values from the River Red Gum:
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Resilience (surviving floods, droughts, fire)
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Connection (to rivers, land, community, and history)
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Stewardship (care for environment and future generations)
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Continuity (deep roots, long lifespan)
Who we are
Piyal Partners is led by Principal Dan Mason, a Wamba Wamba man, with extensive experience across Aboriginal affairs, including health, cultural heritage, and community engagement. Guided by the principles embodied by Piyal connection, resilience, caring for Country, Dan works alongside communities and organisations to support strong relationships and sustainable outcomes.