Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Why He Turned Down the Chance to Become One of Australia’s Richest People

In a world where riches often eclipse values, Jeffrey Lee stands as a testament to the profound, unwavering bond between land and identity. As the sole custodian of Koongarra, Lee faced the tantalizing lure of a $5 billion uranium deposit but chose instead to shield his heritage, whispering to a Parisian committee, “I want to ensure that the traditional laws, customs…stay the same as when they were passed on to me.” The path was fraught with pressures from mining giants, yet Lee’s heart remained tethered to the sacred soil and the wisdom of his ancestors. His triumph in having Koongarra enveloped by the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park embodies a poignant truth: “Money comes and goes, but the land is always here.” The story is a clarion call for valuing cultural heritage and environmental stewardship over fleeting wealth.

Be The Change

Inspired by Jeffrey Lee’s commitment to preserving his land and culture, promise to learn about and support an Indigenous land conservation initiative in your area. By volunteering or spreading awareness, you can help protect these lands and cultural heritage, echoing Lee’s belief that, “The land is always here, it always stays if we look after it.”