Kids on Country
Groups of young Aboriginal people are learning more about Country by heading out to remote nature reserves for 5-day camps through the Nature Foundation’s Kids on Country junior ranger program.
High school students are mentored by Traditional Owners as they engage in practical on-Country studies in conservation and land management through a SACE-accredited course which also involves classroom study and online learning.
Nature Foundation’s CEO, Alex Nankivell, highlighted that since launching in 2016, Kids on Country has become a sought-after program for schools, with enquiries from across Australia.
“Through this program, young Aboriginal people build skills for personal growth and development, strengthen cultural identity, build employability skills and foster a desire for learning. This all positively impacts students’ commitment to, and capacity for, engagement in education,” he said.
“They learn about ecology and geology of the area, which increases their understanding about the environmental issues facing our communities. They also learn that they can make a difference to their environment and their community, all while spiritually connecting to land.”
The camps are a mixture of cultural stories, life skills such as car maintenance, fence repair and cooking kangaroo tails over a campfire and conservation projects such as bird and animal surveys. Nature Foundation saw how well students responded during their first trial camp and won a 12-month philanthropic grant to continue.
Since then, Nature Foundation Youth Programs Coordinator for Kids on Country, Katie Perry, said it has
grown from strength to strength as they’ve refined what they can offer through successful grants and focusing on becoming a culture-first program.
“Before then there was culture, but it wasn’t at the forefront; it was more about conservation and inspiring young people to think about careers in conservation. Now culture is at the forefront,” she said.
“Since Warren and I came on board, we’ve run 46 camps and had 543 Aboriginal young people come through from schools across the state.”
Narungga and Adnyamathanha man Warren Milera works as Youth and Conservation Officer with the Kids on Country Program and said, “you’ve got to be there to witness the transformation that takes place in students over the five days.”
“They walk out feeling taller, prouder and with more belonging, not only to one another and where they come back to, but we say even if the Country is not your Countrymake yourself at home,” he said.
“They walk away with that feeling of pride and identity but also with a bit of culture under their belt and the perks that come with participating such as 10 points towards their SACE.”
LeFevre High School has participated in the program from the beginning and recently sent a group of all female students out for a camp at the Nature Foundation’s Witchelina Nature Reserve in remote northern South Australia.
Sophie, a young Kokatha woman in Year 12 at LeFevre High has been attending Kids on Country camps since year 8, and says they are her only opportunity to get out on Country and learn about her cultural heritage there.
“It’s just an amazing camp. You get to spend time out with people you wouldn’t necessarily talk to and learn new things, especially touching on the conservation and just being out on Country,” she said.
Introducing SA Native Title Services’ new logo
South Australian Native Title Services (SANTS), the publisher of Aboriginal Way, is excited to share its new logo, designed in collaboration with Ngarrindjeri artist, Jordan Lovegrove.
The new logo symbolises South Australia’s Traditional Owners, their deep connection to Country and the organisation’s commitment to supporting their journey towards self-determination.
The colours reflect the diverse landscapes of South Australia – from the red desert to the green hills and the waters in-between. The semi-circles represent Elders sharing knowledge with younger generations, while the footprints represent progress and building on native title.
SANTS delivers specialised services to Traditional Owners, including administration, research, legal, finance, corporate & community development, human resources and communications. To access our services, contact enquiries@nativetitlesa.org.
Nunga Screen
Across National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, Country Arts SA is hosting Nunga Screen, a free film event celebrating First Nations’ culture, stories and language.
This year’s selection of short films include stories of history, healing, belonging, community and connection to Country across documentary and scripted formats.
The first half of the program before the interval is suitable for all ages.
Check out the closest free screening to you at: www.countryarts.org.au/events/nunga-screen-2025/
Native title claims update
Active claims
Ngarrindjeri - consent determination scheduled for later this year
Arabana 2 - High Court appeal was successful - remitted to Full Federal Court
Far West Coast sea claim - judgement to be delivered on 24 April 2025
First Nations of the South East 1 and 2consent determinations scheduled for later this year
First Peoples of the River Murray and Mallee 2 - consent determination negotiations ongoing
Malyangapa - consent determination negotiations ongoing
AMYAC Compensation - mediation ongoing
New Aboriginal Knowledges Centre announced by University of South Australia
A new purpose-built centre for Indigenous ideas and perspectives has been announced by the University of South Australia, soon to merge with and be renamed Adelaide University.
Yaitya Ngutu Wardli, meaning Aboriginal Knowledge House in Kaurna language, is expected to be completed in 2026, the year of the merger.
The centre will be supported by a $2.5 million donation from the Wood Foundation, alongside additional university funding.
UniSA’s Lewis O’Brien / Yarlupurka building in its City West campus will be completely redeveloped to house the centre, with dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces aiming to create a supportive, welcoming environment.
Kaurna/Narungga man, Uncle Frank Wanganeen, is a member of UniSA’s Purkarninthi in Residence Elders group and said the centre will be a place for students, staff and the community to come together to “foster an appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal knowledges and cultures”.
“It will be a dedicated space for gathering, for yarning and teaching, celebrating and participating in a wide range of cultural activities,” Uncle Frank said.
The space was designed by Jefa Greenaway, a Wailwan/ Kamilaroi designer from Greenaway Architects and Paul Herzich, a Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri designer from Mantirri
Design, working with Swanbury Penglase, an Adelaide Architecture Practice.
The aim is for the centre to be anchored in an understanding and deep appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ connection to Country.
UniSA vice chancellor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO said the centre “will play a strategic role in bringing communities together for events progressing the recruitment, retention and progression of Aboriginal students, researchers and educators.”
“It will facilitate two-way knowledge sharing and mutual respect, promoting First Nations and nonAboriginal peoples to engage collaboratively,” she said.
“It will help to amplify Aboriginal knowledges, cultures and communities and accelerate our ambitions for Aboriginal success.”
The new centre at City West adds to dedicated Aboriginal spaces planned or completed across UniSA’s campuses including student support centres and yarning circles at Mount Gambier, Mawson Lakes and Whyalla campuses.
The Wood Foundation supports a diverse range of projects that include improving access to education, supporting women and girls experiencing disadvantage, enhancing the environment and addressing inequality. Projects they have supported have included The Smith Family’s Learning for Life with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children for several years, the Ngampa Aboriginal Scholarship with UniSA, revegetation and
YAITYA NGUTU WARDLI WILL BE A PLACE OUR PEOPLE CAN CONTINUE TO BUILD A LONGLASTING IDENTITY ON KAURNA LAND AND WILL ACKNOWLEDGE OUR CULTURE IN A RESPECTFUL WAY. SOMETHING FOR OUR YOUTH AND FUTURE GENERATIONS TO CONTRIBUTE TO AND BE PROUD OF. A PLACE TO SEE OUR CULTURE AND OUR PEOPLE’S ACHIEVEMENTS CELEBRATED,” SAID DR UNCLE LEWIS YARLUPURKA O’BRIEN AO, SENIOR KAURNA ELDER, FELLOW OF UNISA AND MEMBER OF THE PURKARNINTHI IN RESIDENCE.
other land care or restoration projects and Catherine House on Kaurna Country. They seek to build community and connection and provide First Nations children with educational opportunities.
Wood Foundation director, Anna Wood, said they were “deeply honoured” to support the establishment of the Aboriginal Knowledges Centre.
Ms Wood was personally inspired to donate funding towards the program after witnessing impactful Welcome to Country ceremonies performed by Kaurna and
A $2.5 million donation from the Wood Foundation, along with additional university funding, will support the centre.
Ngarrindjeri Elders and after witnessing backlash from the failed 2023 referendum to establish a Voice to Parliament. She also cited reading Thomas Mayo’s book ‘Always Was Always Will Be’ as influential over the decision. “This meaningful initiative aligns closely with the foundation’s mission and holds special significance to the Wood family. It is especially close to my heart, and I hope it inspires others,” she said.
Plans of new Aboriginal Knowledges Centre.
“It’s in this spirit of constant improvement and striving that we are honoured to bestow her name on our Cultural Centre here at ANU – a significant building at the heart of our campus which brings our community together.”
Dr O’Donoghue’s remarkable life and lasting impact on Australia will also be remembered and honoured in an inaugural exhibition portraying her most iconic, triumphant and heartbreaking moments.
LOWITJA – A Life of Leadership and Legacy will feature a selection from Dr O’Donoghue’s extensive personal collection of her landmark speeches and media interviews, never before seen photographs, letters and reports spanning across her lifetime relating to the Stolen Generations, nursing and healthcare, Aboriginal affairs, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), her own significant achievements, family and Indigenous peoples.
There is an existing connection to The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, which is presenting this inaugural exhibition alongside the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation and Lowitja Institute. Dr O’Donoghue was a longtime friend and Patron of the Hawke Centre, and had a close professional and personal friendship with the late Hon Bob Hawke AC, former Prime Minister of Australia after he presented her with the Australian of the Year Award in 1984.
Executive director of The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, Jacinta Thompson, said the
Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG with great niece Ruby Edwards (left) and niece Deb Edwards (right) Credit Leanne King.
exhibition is a celebration of the remarkable life of a true pioneer and tireless advocate for justice, health and equity.
“It is an honour for The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre to host this exhibition, given Dr O’Donoghue’s deep and enduring connection between the late Bob Hawke and University of South Australia. As a member of the Advisory Committee of the Aboriginal Task Force, she played a key role in ensuring that one of the University’s core functions would be to provide education programs that meet the needs of Aboriginal people,” she said.
“Through her extraordinary legacy, Dr O’Donoghue has inspired generations, not only within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, but across the wider Australian community - fostering greater understanding, respect and reconciliation.”
The exhibition coincides with the end of 2025 National Reconciliation Week (27 May–3 June) and aligns with the Lowitja Institute 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre (16-19 June) and 2025 National NAIDOC Week (6-13 July).
Listen to this episode of Aboriginal Way “Lowitja - a Life of Leadership and Legacy” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
LOWITJA – A Life of Leadership and Legacy
4 June 2025 – 25 July 2025
Open weekdays 9am - 6pm
FREE ENTRY
Kerry Packer Civic Gallery Hawke Centre Level 3, UniSA City West Campus 55 North Terrace Adelaide
but it’s not happening because native title rights aren’t being recognised - the FWCAC are an incorporated umbrella group that has been given native title over the lands and therefore Koonalda Cave.
“They speak for many people but have been told that unless there is consensus on the Department of Environment plan, they can’t proceed in protecting the cave. The real protection does lie in doing conservation-based research, the conservation research plan was supported by the native title body, yet they too have been blocked from fulfilling their own cultural obligations.
“All Aboriginal groups need to be able to make comment, however in the end, the ultimate decision making should lie with the native title body alone and they can then accept comments from others.”
SA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Hon. Kyam Maher MLC, called the protection of Koonalda Caves “crucial”, with reference to the plan drawing upon the knowledge of the Traditional Owners of the FWC.
“Koonalda Cave is an important site, both for its incredible natural features and it contains examples of some of the earliest signs of First Nations history in Australia,” Mr Maher said.
KOONALDA CAVE IS VERY IMPORTANT PLACE TO A LOT OF PEOPLE FROM THE FAR WEST COAST, BUT WE’VE GOT TO TAKE MORE MEASURES TOWARDS OUR CONTINUED PROTECTION OF LAW AND CULTURE WITHIN THOSE AREAS,” MR LAWRIE SAID.
“It is tangible evidence that we are home to the oldest living culture on the planet and it is of particular importance to Aboriginal communities.”
SA Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Susan Close MP, said the additional security measures are a “vital step towards preserving and protecting the heritage and cultural values of Koonalda Cave well into the future.”
“The new management plan allows for continued research at Koonalda Cave, with processes to ensure protection of the cave, compliance with the law and support of Traditional Owners,” Ms Close said.
“We value important scientific research because it helps to improve our knowledge of significant sites and assists in management decisions.”
Permits to conduct research at Koonalda Cave will be considered via new research protocols, set to be developed over the coming months.
Entry to the cave will be carefully managed with strict access conditions to protect the heritage features, natural values and ensure the safety of all who enter.
Koonalda Cave and surrounding landscape.
Clem Lawrie at Koonalda Cave.
deeply meaningful for us as an organisation and reinforces that what we do has purpose, meaning and brings real change.
“We have to do something to ensure that, for our Elders, their life is one where they have surety – particularly towards the back half of their life.”
The developing village is of particular importance to members of the Stolen Generations, an aging community of which many hold a fear towards traditional aged care facilities. Many stolen children were put into institutions and facilities and the thought of being put into a standard aged care home can be traumatic, particularly if these venues are not attuned to the needs of Aboriginal people.
Mr Hamm himself is a member of the Stolen Generations and said the availability of facilities like Purrkanaitya was of “utmost importance.”
“It would be inhumane of us and completely irresponsible to say to these people ‘you were institutionalised when you were children and towards the end of your life you’re going to be institutionalised
again’ - how can we do that with any modicum of human decency?” he said.
“What do we expect of the staff we employ, how do we want them to relate to our residents here or in other facilities, what do we expect of our staff - not just the technical and service provision that you would expect as a bare minimum, but what is the relationship expectation we have of them?
“That’s why projects like this are so critically important, that we look after our people our way in a way that looks after them.”
Construction on Purrkanaitya Elders Village is possible via additional funding from the ILSC, the South Australian Housing Trust, Housing Australia’s National Housing Infrastructure Facility Social and Affordable House and Community Housing Limited.
Design for the village was developed in consultation with the Kaurna community in collaboration with Adelaidebased firm C4 Architects.
Smoking ceremony during commencement speeches.
Kaurna vice-chair Dennis Rigney spoke on-site at Purrkanaitya.
Program funding from the Commonwealth Government to resource the repatriation plans.
They draft legally binding agreements setting out the roles and responsibilities of both the PBC and of the SA Museum, to ensure everything is fully funded through the grant.
Kaurna Elder Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch has been heavily involved with the return of Ancestors and would like to see a push towards entirely-community led repatriation with increased funding made available.
“I believe in what’s best for Aboriginal people and what’s best for Aboriginal people is to be in control of their own destiny. But they can only do that if they’re resourced to do so,” he said.
“There needs to be more funding towards our community for the ongoing maintenance and care of the burials and lease. How do we know that the leases won’t expire, and our people will be dug up or others put on top of them? We don’t get ownership of our burials, and we need ownership – we can look after our own burial grounds and turn workers into rangers to look after it, that way we’ll be looking after Country.
“But I’m happy and content that it’s happening.”
Looking to the future
Several PBCs are at different development stages in relation to their repatriation works widely and with the SA Museum.
“At the moment we’re working with Dieri who are pretty advanced into their Return to Country plan; the Kaurna community, who are talking about having their fourth reburial at Wangayarta, and the other big project is Ngarrindjeri who are working on their new resting place at Raukkan,” Ms Russo said.
“Kaurna’s work at Wangayarta has really opened doors for other communities. Especially for a group like Ngarrindjeri who also have a lot of Ancestors here, it’s not easy to find locations to rebury all those people on Country. So to create a memorial park where everyone can be safely reburied in a culturally appropriate way by the community; they’ve seen Kaurna do that, and it’s given them confidence to do that themselves.”
Ngarrindjeri
The Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation and Raukkan Community Council collaborated with the SA Museum throughout 2024 and secured funding from the State Government to complete a co-design process for a new ancestral resting place at Raukkan. The co-design process ended in February 2025 with a community-designed concept plan that was costed and put to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
A decision on the release of the next stage of funding to establish Ngarrindjeri Raukkan Resting Place is expected soon, at time of writing.
Ngarrindjeri Elder Uncle Clyde Rigney Snr said it’s good to be reaching this outcome, as Ngarrindjeri people have been working on repatriation for several years.
“We finally made a decision at the 2024 native title AGM where we saw a resolution for our community,” he said.
“Raukkan means “traditional resting place”, so it became evident to us that the final resting place should be there. Before 1788, everyone would meet in Raukkan for our governance – we think there is no place more significant.
“The gates will be opposite our main cemetery and at the entrance there will have a boomerang to signify people returning to Country. There will be artwork in there, places for ceremony, and space for people to sit and reflect. We hope it will be a place for people to build resilience around how they can deal with our past and look to the future.”
With around 1500-1600 Ancestors to be returned home, Uncle Clyde says this will be the biggest repatriation the state has seen.
“We have to look at cultural safety and respect – the way we present it in ceremony for our people and the wider public needs to be considered. We’re at 400 members now, they are the ones making the decisions. We’re into our second year of consultation and giving people the opportunity to be involved in the process. It’s a process that I’m quite happy with; the fact that we’ve been so transparent.”
Wangayarta
Wangayarta was designed by Kaurna to have four burial mounds; north, south, west and east, then they brought soil from those different parts of Kaurna Country and spread it at Wangayarta during the construction process; to “create Country” there in a way, Ms Russo said.
“Kaurna have now gone through the northern mound, the first one. They came back six months later and did the western mound; then the eastern mound a year later; now this southern mound is the final one.” Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri Elder Uncle “Moogy” Sumner has been heavily involved with repatriation efforts in SA and around the world and said the remains are there just waiting to return to Country.
WE ARE ATTENDING TO OUR CULTURAL OBLIGATIONS BY DOING THIS. IT GIVES CLOSURE TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE SITTING IN BOXES.”
“Our old people’s remains are waiting for us to come and get them and bring them home,” he said.
Listen to this episode of Aboriginal Way “Repatriation” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Raukkan School children are spending time with Ngarrindjeri Elders and artists to come up with a suitable Ngarrindjeri name for the new resting place.
Ngadjuri cultural camp brings young people to Country
Ngadjuri Nation Aboriginal Corporation recently held a two-day cultural camp near Burra, on Ngadjuri Country, which provided an invaluable cultural experience to all who attended and provided an opportunity for Elders to spend time with younger generations.
The camp was attended by Elders Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch, Uncle Ian (Bobo) Harradine, Aunty Lynette Newchurch and Aunty Angie Harradine, holding cultural workshops carried out across the weekend.
Uncle Jeffrey provided cultural advice on the tour of Worlds End, the location of a proposed National Park located approximately 2 hour’s drive northeast of Adelaide and 20 kilometres south of Burra; an area of cultural significance to the Ngadjuri Nation.
Ngadjuri Nation Aboriginal Corporation (NNAC) chairperson Carlo Sansbury witnessed strong and positive reactions from children in attendance who participated in the cultural tour.
“It was fantastic for the kids to have the opportunity to listen to the storylines that he told them during the tour and they loved what he was talking about.”
Another highlight from the camp was a boomerangmaking workshop led by Uncle Bobo Harradine, where participants were able to try their hand at hand-carving and decorating their own boomerang
Sessions featuring arts and crafts using traditional methods, ran by Angie Harradine, also proved successful amongst creatively inclined attendees.
THE KIDS LOVED IT, YOU COULD SEE IT ON THEIR FACES WHEN THEY RETURNED FROM THE TOUR WITH UNCLE JEFFREY, THEY WERE ALL REALLY HAPPY TO HAVE TAKEN PART,” MR SANSBURY SAID.
The kids created custom designs with Aunty Lynette Newchurch to feature on printed t-shirts, giving them the chance to bring a piece of their experience home with them after the camp.
SA Museum Aboriginal Heritage and Repatriation manager, Anna Russo, discussed the repatriation of ancestral remains currently kept at the SAM, providing a deeper understanding of the complicated processes and history involved.
On the provision of the continuation of funding for the cultural camp, Mr Sansbury indicated the camp was “very likely” to be held again following the positive reception.
“It’s important for children to come on camps like this, not only do they learn but they also take that knowledge home with them and to their friends and family,” he said.
“It’s great to see them happy learning outside of the classroom.”
Arabana heading back to Federal Court for native title appeal
The Arabana people have won an appeal in the High Court of Australia and will have their case for rights recognised over an area near Oodnadatta sent back to the Federal Court.
The area of land is known as the Oodnadatta Common and has previously been contested by Aboriginal groups Arabana and Walka Wani.
It was agreed that the appeal should be allowed and that the wrong test for connection under the Native Title Act was applied in the Federal Court of Australia by Justice White.
The initial judgement contained emphasis on physical connection, with this appeal relying on the spiritual connection to the area claimed by Arabana people.
Arabana were granted their first native title claim in 2012, over an expansive area that includes cattle stations and towns in the far north of South Australia.
The matter will now return to the Federal Court, which will make a final ruling in consideration of this High Court decision.
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Help shape Wakwakurna Kanyini’s work to improve the lives of Aboriginal children and families in South Australia
Wakwakurna Kanyini, For Aboriginal Children and Families is the newly est ablished South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Peak Organisation.
Wakwakurna Kanyini aims to address injustices, drive transformation of systems and help shape a brighter future for Aboriginal children and their families.
Wakwakurna Kanyini’s vision is to uphold Aboriginal children’s rights to ensure they grow up strong, with purpose and identity, in their families and connected to community, culture, spirituality and Country
To learn more about Wakwakurna Kanyini or to download membership forms visit our website wakwakurnakanyini org au
To cont act Wakwakurna Kanyini call 8202 2022 or email info@wakwakurnakanyini org au
Arabana people following the High Court’s decision.
Umeewarra Downtown 2025: a celebration of culture, truth-telling, and 30 years of leadership in Port Augusta
Alongside an influx of visitors, the people of Port Augusta gathered in early March to celebrate their community as part of the Adelaide Fringe 2025.
Nearly 1,000 people attended over the course of the day and those at the end were treated to an unforgettable performance by Troy Cassar-Daley, whose music resonated deeply with the crowd.
Umeewarra Downtown 2025 also celebrated 30 years of Vince Coulthard as Umeewarra Media’s CEO. His work in truth-telling, lifting up Aboriginal voices and keeping our stories strong has made a huge impact and the whole crowd showed their respect and appreciation, giving him the recognition he deserves.
“Seeing our young ones up there singing, sharing their voices and standing proud in who they are - that gives me real hope for what’s ahead. The way the crowd, the
performers and our community leaders all came together shows just how much this space means to our people. [The] weather might’ve tried to slow us down, but the spirit of the day was too strong for that.”
A highlight leading up to the event was a workshop for local school students and kids from Club Umee with Troy Cassar-Daley.
The children had the opportunity practice two songs with him, which they subsequently performed on stage – a deadly performance which managed to get the entire crowd involved.
FOR MORE THAN THREE DECADES, UMEEWARRA’S BEEN A PLACE FOR TRUTH-TELLING AND KEEPING CULTURE STRONG,” MR COULTHARD SAID.
The festival was packed with incredible local talent. Tyson Fielding’s electric performance had the crowd going, with Eliza McKenzie’s stunning rendition of “Today I Started Loving You Again” also leavingthe audience completely enthralled, showcasing the best of local community talent.
Local young ones also had their moment to shine, including the Club Umee kids who got up on stage with Vince Coulthard for a deadly performance steeped in culture and storytelling.
Luke Carroll, Gayle Mather, Vince Couilthard and Troy Cassar Daley.
Reconciliation SA News
Reconciliation isn’t slowing down
National Reconciliation Week is nearly here, a time for reflection, learning and action; bringing Australians together to acknowledge the past and build a better future. The 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, emphasises honouring history while taking steps towards a just and equitable future.
One of the week’s most significant events in South Australia is the National Reconciliation Week Breakfast, which Rec SA host, and which is the largest in the country. Tickets to this year’s breakfast sold out quickly, though we do offer free attendance for First Nations peoples.
A proud Bidjara and Birri Gubba woman, Professor Jackie Huggins AM FAHA will give this year’s keynote speech. There will also be performances from the amazing Iriwi Choir, formed by members of the APY Lands and Marliya, a powerhouse ensemble of young Indigenous women from Spinifex Gum.
This year’s dance group is the Imbala Dancers, who blend traditional and contemporary dance to honor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ strength, identity and storytelling.
This inspiring event offers an opportunity to listen, learn and take meaningful steps towards reconciliation and it will be hosted by the incredible Bianca Hunt.
Reconciliation SA is excited to also mention that this year’s Principal Sponsor is We Create Print Deliver (who also design and print this very magazine!), a First Nations’ owned business, founded by Eastern Arrernte man Pat Caruso. This is the first time this has occurred, and we are proud to be able to say that.
If you are looking for other Reconciliation Week events, you can visit the Reconciliation Australia website to view events uploaded to their calendar, while Eventbrite and Humanitix is used frequently by Aboriginal businesses for events as well. Have a look so you don’t miss out on what is happening in your area!
Outside of the Rec Week Breakfast, Reconciliation SA recently hosted an important online discussion for International Women’s Day, themed Accelerate Action This event challenges participants to reflect on whose voices are being heard, who is missing, and why intersectionality is vital to gender equality. Featuring a diverse panel of Indigenous leaders and advocates including Allira Potter, Aunty Elaine Magias, Charlotte Coulthard-Dare, and Jayde Thyer.
The discussion explored strategies to create meaningful progress for women, especially those from underrepresented communities. We also recently collaborated with the Don Dunstan Foundation and Equal Opportunity SA so the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia could host the Harmony Day Lecture at the University of South Australia’s Bradley Forum. This focused on racial discrimination and inclusion, with keynote speaker Giridharan Sivaraman, Race Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission and a Q&A session, led by Jodeen Carney, Commissioner for Equal Opportunity.
With the breakfast and NAIDOC Week fast approaching, we are looking forward to a big year ahead.
Jackie Huggins.
Iwiri Choir.
Imbala Dancers.
Commonwealth vs Yunupingu: Gumatj clan land historic victory
On March 12, the High Court of Australia made a consequential decision, ruling that native title is considered “property” in the Commonwealth vs Yunupingu claim in what has been described as one of the most significant cases since the famous Mabo proceedings of 1992.
The High Court ruled that the Gumatj clan is liable to receive compensation from the Commonwealth for the impact mining had on their home on the Gove Peninsula in Northeast Arnhem Land.
Bauxite has been mined in the area for more than 40 years, despite objections from the Gumatj people who opposed the decision with the historic Yirrkala bark petitions and subsequent court case.
The compensation figure will be determined by the Federal Court but has been publicly estimated as being up to $700 million, with the mining lease originally granted to Nabalco, now part of Rio Tinto, finishing up in 2030.
The outcome of this case is now relevant to every freehold or leasehold title granted in the Northern Territory between 1911, when the Commonwealth assumed responsibility for the Northern Territory, through to 1978 when it gained self-government.
Background of the Yunupingu claim
The late Dr Galarrway Yunupingu was a teenager when miners came to his home on the Gove Peninsula, after the Commonwealth granted permission for Swiss mining
company Nabalco to mine bauxite in the region in 1968. Yolngu leaders felt the Menzies government’s plan for the mine had been kept from them and were angered by the lack of consultation and disregard for their interests.
A young Dr Yunupingu helped draw up the Yirrkala bark petition in protest, which his father Mungurrawuy and other Yolngu leaders travelled to Canberra to petition the Federal Parliament with in 1963.
He later served as an interpreter on the historic Gove land rights court case Milirrpum v Nabalco that failed to prevent mining from going ahead. It was the first significant legal case for Australian Aboriginal land rights, decided on 27 April, 1971.
Many years later, Dr Yunupingu went on to file the case with the Full Federal Court of Australia in 2019 on behalf of the Gumatj Clan of the Yolngu People to prove they were entitled to compensation. He passed away in April 2023, just one month before the court ruled unanimously in his favour.
The case was then appealed by the Commonwealth and went to the High Court, led by his younger brother Djawa Yunupingu and Balupalu Yunupingu, both senior members of the Gumutj clan.
In March 2025, the Commonwealth lost their appeal and were ruled liable, with the Gumatj leaders celebrating the decision outside the high court.
“Justice has been served in this country for my people, and the people of North-East Arnhem land,” Djawa Yunupingu said.
“I also want to acknowledge my late brother who was the one who had the vision. It’s for the future of my people and our children and their children.”
Dr Galarrway Yunupingu’s younger brother Djawa Yunupingu and Balupalu Yunupingu celebrate their historic win outside court.
Photo courtesy of Mick Tsikas
What happened in the High Court?
The High Court ruled that native title is “property” and therefore taking away native title rights is like taking away property from those who rightfully own it.
Under section 51 of the Constitution, if the Commonwealth is acquiring a property, they must pay an owner fairly, on “just terms”. This clause and the definition of “just terms” was made famous in the 1997 movie The Castle.
The court found that the Commonwealth acquired Yolngu property in a long history of unjust dispossession, and did not acquire it on “just terms”.
What does it mean for compensation?
Ashurst LLP lawyer Tony Denholder, told The Australian that this decision will lead to many future implications for the Commonwealth right across the country.
“Today’s landmark case is up there with Mabo and Wik. It finds that the Commonwealth is liable to pay native title compensation for the extinguishment of native title caused by its land dealings between Federation and 1975,” Mr Denholder said.
“Over 300 native title groups hold native title across Australia. Each has a legal right to claim native title compensation from the Commonwealth for its acts which have extinguished native title without the payment of just terms compensation as required by the Constitution.
“The pre-1975 liability of the Commonwealth is an unquantifiable amount. We don’t know how many acts across the country will be compensable, or the value of those acts.”
National Native Title Council (NNTC)’s chief executive Jamie Lowe said this decision confirms the strength of native title.
“Native title is now not only recognised under Australian law but also clearly protected by the Constitution – the same as any other ordinary land title or property,” he said.
“Where the Commonwealth, states or territories have acted in a way that fails to respect Constitutional or other legal protections, then it is common sense that there will be redress. This ought to be seen as an opportunity to economically empower communities who have been historically dispossessed. It is not controversial that the communities impacted by projects on their Country should benefit from the wealth generated through those projects.”
NNTC Chair Kado Muir congratulated the Gumatj clan and paid respect to the Yunupingu family.
“This decision realises the vision of Mr Yunupingu and the Gumatj Clan who continue to fight for land and native title rights to be recognised and respected not just in the Northern Territory, but all across our various Countries,” he said.
“The Gumatj decision shows that when our sacred lands are taken away, we are entitled to receive compensation on just terms in accordance with s. 51(31) of the Constitution, in the same way as any other citizen of Australia.”
What about the rest of the country?
It does not appear that the Gumatj outcome will directly affect state governments or third parties but is likely to set off a range of new claims of compensation in relation to Commonwealth land.
Reflecting on 30 years of native title in SA
SANTS is embarking on an exciting new project about the history of native title in South Australia.
The project will include a special, mid-year edition of Aboriginal Way, an August exhibition in the foyer of the South Australian Museum featuring a virtual reality (VR) experience, and a gala dinner for prescribed body corporates (PBCs) to celebrate and reflect on the last 30 years of native title.
We’re compiling photographs and stories from our archives and interviewing PBCs and influential native title figures who’ve been involved along the journey.
The VR footage we’re working on will allow everyday Australians to learn more about native title rights and interests directly from Elders speaking on Country, through an accessible and immersive medium.
If you’ve been involved in native title and want to share your story, please reach out to aboriginalway@ nativetitlesa.org.
Filming in 360 at Memory Cove, Nauo Country.