The Murray–Darling Basin Plan was introduced in 2012 to improve the health of Basin by helping to resolve past attempts to share water that were not working. This whole-of-Basin approach is vital to managing the Basin’s water resources in the national interest, and to meet Australia’s international obligations. Preparations to review this plan, to see what’s working and reflect on lessons learned, are now underway. Combining his lived experience as a Nari Nari man and his four years as a member of the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, Rene Woods takes us through the early insights of the review and the five key areas of challenge that are now a primary focus of this work. He shares his observations on the commitment the agency has made to walk with First Nations people and, through their traditional knowledge and science, involve them in our decision-making in a more inclusive way. The rights, interests and knowledge of First Nations people will contribute to the goals they have for their communities. Working together and being open to different perspectives is important and necessary, especially with issues like climate change that lie ahead. There is a need to collectively draw on the knowledge, wisdom and insight of all people, to ensure the Murray–Darling Basin has a robust plan into the future.