Aboriginal communities are being encouraged to register their interest in developing and operating public campgrounds with the expansion of the Camping with Custodians program.
Camping with Custodians is an Australian-first program offered by the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA. In collaboration with the respective communities, top quality campgrounds are built, and are then owned and operated by the community.
The campgrounds are open to the public, allowing visitors to learn more about the local Aboriginal culture.
For the host community, Camping with Custodians generates income, employment, training opportunities and the chance to showcase local culture, with all fees collected remaining in the community.
Five campgrounds have been developed to date, at Imintji, Mimbi, Violet Valley and Doon Doon in the Kimberley, and at Peedamulla in the Pilbara. Work has started on a new campground at Djarindjin on the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome, while the campground for the neighbouring Lombadina community is in the planning stages.
This is part of the WA Government’s plan to broaden Aboriginal employment in the tourism sector and make WA the premier Aboriginal tourism destination through its Jina: WA Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan.
For more information, visit https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au
As stated by Tourism Minister David Templeman:
“We know the demand for Aboriginal tourism outstrips what is currently available in WA, and there is an opportunity for significant growth in this area.
“The expansion of the Camping with Custodians program was identified in the Jina Plan, launched this year, to help boost the number of Aboriginal tourism operators in our industry.
“I strongly encourage Aboriginal communities that have an interest in establishing tourism as an economic opportunity to express their interest in a Camping with Custodians site.
“The five campgrounds currently open have been very popular, and I look forward to expanding this program across the State.”
