- Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle wins national award
- Yarning circle embeds cultural governance in estuary management
- Part of Cook Labor Government’s commitment to protect and restore our environment
A Cook Labor Government initiative bringing together Traditional Owners to support a culturally grounded approach to caring for one of the State’s waterways and Country has won a national award.
The Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle received the 2026 Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Summit Award for Excellence in Sustainability and Sustainable Futures.
This national recognition highlights the strength of Aboriginal-led initiatives that uphold cultural governance and deliver lasting outcomes for community and Country.
The yarning circle brings together Bindjareb Noongar Elders and emerging leaders to shape the care of the waterways and Country of the Bindjareb Djilba (Peel-Harvey estuary).
Working in partnership with local Aboriginal corporations, Winjan, Waroona, and Harvey, the group supports delivery of Bindjareb-led actions under the Cook Labor Government’s 2020 Bindjareb Djilba Protection Plan. It plays a key role in embedding Traditional Owner knowledge and leadership into estuary management.
Through the Healthy Estuaries WA program and the Protection Plan, the Cook Labor Government is partnering with Aboriginal organisations to support initiatives led by culture and community.
This approach delivers long-term benefits for both people and the environment, helping to restore waterways and protect the estuary for future generations.
This collaborative model also demonstrates how strong partnerships and cultural knowledge can work together to heal Country and secure sustainable futures.
As stated by Water, Aboriginal Affairs, and Climate Resilience Minister Don Punch:
“I congratulate the Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle on this well-deserved award, recognising the strength of cultural governance and Aboriginal leadership in caring for Country.
“The Cook Labor Government is proud to support initiatives built on genuine partnership with Aboriginal people.
“Embedding Traditional Owner knowledge is helping protect our waterways and deliver lasting social, cultural, and environmental outcomes for Western Australia.”
As stated by Peel Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
“This award highlights the real impact of local leadership, with Bindjareb communities driving practical actions to protect and restore the Peel-Harvey estuary.
“It’s fantastic to see regional partnerships delivering on-the-ground results, strengthening waterways while supporting communities and cultural knowledge across the Peel region.”
As stated by Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams:
“This is a strong outcome for our community, and I congratulate the Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle on this well-deserved award. It highlights how local voices and partnerships can deliver real benefits while protecting our waterways for future generations.”
As stated by Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday:
“This award highlights the strength of Traditional Owner leadership, with Bindjareb knowledge and care for Country driving real environmental outcomes for Bindjareb Djilba (Peel-Harvey estuary).”
As stated by Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle co-ordinator Kallan Nannup:
“This award highlights the power of culture, truth-telling, and caring for Country.
“We hope it inspires others to listen to Aboriginal voices and work with Traditional Custodians, recognising our knowledge and connection to Country as vital to a strong future.”
As stated by Bindjareb Elder George Walley:
“As a Bindjareb cultural knowledge holder and leader, I am incredibly proud of the sustained efforts across our region over many years, particularly the commitment of our young people, who represent the next generation and our pathway to a sustainable future.
“Receiving this award is a powerful recognition of that collective work at a community level and, in many ways, everyone involved is a winner.”
