Joshua Staines is a Master of Philosophy student in the Cumberland Plain Research Program. A proud Wiradjuri man living on Darkinjung Country, Joshua works across the lands of the Dharug, Gundungurra and Dharawal peoples, where he leads and supports a wide range of Caring for Country initiatives on both land and water. His professional and community roles centre on First Nations leadership, sector development and capacity building. Joshua also serves as a Board Member for Reconciliation NSW, Sustainable Table, Laguna Native Grains and Black Duck Foods, contributing to regional food systems, reconciliation and culturally grounded land management.

Joshua’s research focuses on Cultural Fire and Water practices in Western Sydney and the role of First Nations knowledge in shaping sustainable environmental futures. His work explores how Indigenous-led approaches to fire management and water stewardship can support the resilience and restoration of Cumberland Plain ecosystems. Through this research, he aims to strengthen the integration of cultural practices into contemporary land management and inform strategies that respect, revitalise and embed First Nations custodianship in conservation decision-making.