The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) congratulates the Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle on winning the 2026 Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Summit Awards for Excellence in Sustainability and Sustainable Futures.
This national recognition highlights the strength of Aboriginal-led initiatives that support cultural governance and deliver sustainable outcomes for community and Country.
Kallan Nannup, Coordinator of the Yarning Circle, shared that “this award shines a light on the strength of bringing people together through culture, truth-telling, shared learning and caring for Country.
We hope this recognition inspires more communities, organisations and governments to genuinely listen to Aboriginal voices and work alongside Traditional Custodians to create positive change. For our Bindjareb people, it reinforces that our knowledge, stories and connections to Country are valued and have an important role in shaping a stronger future for the next generation.”
The Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle brings together Bindjareb Noongar Elders and emerging leaders to guide a culturally grounded approach to caring for waterways in the Bindjareb Djilba (Peel Harvey estuary).
‘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. We also acknowledge AIATSIS for their leadership in bringing First Nations peoples together from across Australia and the Torres Strait to share knowledge, and to celebrate the many innovative and inspiring initiatives emerging from our communities.’ George Walley, Bindjareb Elder.
The Yarning Circle leads the delivery of Bindjareb-led actions in the 2020 Bindjareb Djilba Protection Plan and plays an important role in embedding Traditional Owner knowledge and leadership into estuary management.
Healthy Estuaries WA , and the 2020 Bindjareb Djilba Protection Plan, support this work by partnering with Aboriginal organisations and walking alongside the Yarning Circle in a “Bring Together, Walk Together” approach that puts culture first, enabling to initiatives that increase Bindjareb leadership in estuary, waterway and catchment management.
This collaborative model supports long-term outcomes for both people and the environment, demonstrating how cultural knowledge and partnerships can work together to heal waterways and protect estuaries for future generations.
