- $3.69 million in grants helping 17 native title organisations in Kimberley expand services, build capability and support Traditional Owners
- Program supports Aboriginal-led management and protection of cultural heritage for future generations
- Part of Cook Labor Government’s commitment to strengthening Aboriginal heritage management across the Kimberley through jobs, governance and local decision-making
The Cook Labor Government is strengthening Aboriginal heritage management across the Kimberley through investment in jobs, governance and local decision-making.
Grants provided under the Native Title Party Capacity Building Program are helping Aboriginal organisations expand their workforces, improve governance and enhance services that support the protection and management of cultural heritage across the region.
The program has enabled 17 native title parties in the Kimberley to create local employment opportunities, strengthen organisational capability and increase community knowledge of cultural heritage and its management.
Gogolanyngor Aboriginal Corporation has used funding to expand its workforce, including ranger, administration and land management roles, improving its ability to work with Traditional Owners and proponents to manage heritage on Country.
In the East Kimberley, Malarngowem Aboriginal Corporation has strengthened its governance through support for board and committee meetings that guide decisions about cultural heritage management on traditional lands.
Karajarri Traditional Lands Association has also enhanced services for proponents through dedicated frontline support, streamlined engagement processes and new workflows and guidelines for managing cultural heritage matters.
Established in 2023, the Cook Labor Government’s $58 million Native Title Party Capacity Building Program supports eligible Aboriginal organisations to respond to growing demand for heritage, land use and agreement-making responsibilities while ensuring important cultural values are protected.
All 77 native title parties participating in the program receive regular funding through three or four-year agreements, providing greater certainty to build strong organisations, create local jobs and support Traditional Owners to make informed decisions about activities on their Country.
More information about the program including a list of recipients can be found online at www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/native-title-party-capacity-building-program
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
“Traditional Owners play a vital role in protecting and managing Aboriginal cultural heritage across Western Australia, and it is essential they have the resources, skills and organisational capacity to make informed decisions about activities on their Country.
“The Native Title Party Capacity Building Program is strengthening Aboriginal organisations by supporting workforce growth, governance, service delivery and community engagement, enabling them to respond more effectively to the responsibilities they carry on behalf of Traditional Owners.
“The Cook Labor Government is committed to empowering native title organisations to lead the management and protection of their cultural heritage, while creating local jobs, strengthening communities and building long-term capability across the State.
“By investing in strong Aboriginal organisations today, we are helping ensure Western Australia’s unique cultural heritage is protected, respected and passed on to future generations.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“This funding is helping Kimberley Aboriginal organisations build the skills and capacity needed to make informed decisions about Country and protect cultural heritage for future generations.
“By strengthening local Aboriginal organisations, this investment is empowering Traditional Owners to lead cultural heritage management while creating jobs and delivering lasting benefits for Kimberley communities.”
