Aboriginal Way | Issue 97 | Summer 2025

Issue 97

Summer 2025

A publication by South Australian Native Title Services

www.nativetitlesa.org

2024 PBC Forum In early December, representatives from PBCs across South Australia attended the National Native Title Council’s (NNTC) PBC Regional Forum on Nauo Country in Coffin Bay, supported

by NIAA and SA Native Title Services.

Read article on page 12

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Fancy a holiday? First Nations tourism is booming

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SA Voice makes historic first address to parliament

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Kauwi Cultural Cruise

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Healing trauma is the key to preventing family and domestic violence

Aboriginal Way South Australian Native Title Services

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Ngarrindjeri Elder Clyde Rigney sharing stories about Country on the Coorong with SA Native Title staff.

Fancy a holiday?

First Nations tourism is booming 2023-24 was a record year in First Nations tourism for Australia, with a total of three million trips incorporating First Nations activities.

This is the highest annual number of trips on record incorporating First Nations activities, according to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission’s Tourism Research Australia.

First Nations tourism experiences include viewing Aboriginal art, visiting Aboriginal sites or communities, attending performances, tours with Traditional Owners, trying native foods and camping on Country.

More than half these trips were by Australian travellers, at 63% (1.9 million), and the rest were international visitors.

2023-24 also saw the highest ever recorded number of international trips incorporating First Nations activities at more than a million.

This is 14% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2018-19 and 66% higher than 10 years ago in 2013-14 (662,000).

New national partnership to boost growing First Nations tourism In late 2024, an historic new partnership was announced to investigate and build a national, permanent First Nations tourism peak body to develop the growing sector and offer better opportunities for First Nations people and businesses.

Representatives from the First Nations tourism industry in each state and territory have provided leadership and guidance on respectfully embedding rich cultural heritage within tourism offerings to create the First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership (The Partnership).

This will build upon existing national programs designed to increase economic opportunities for First Nations people in this sector. This includes the Indigenous Tourism Fund, supporting First Nations people in the sector through grants, mentoring and co-investment in strategic projects and the First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program. This connects businesses with skilled experiences and culturally respectful tourism industry specialists by providing one-on-one guidance, advice and support.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said First Nations tourism provides opportunities to share the world’s oldest living culture with travellers from around the world, while empowering First Nations people through employment and business prospects.

“The First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership will advocate for the sector and support the growth of First Nations tourism businesses to provide unique experiences for domestic and international visitors, driving more economic activity in the regions and local communities,” Senator McCarthy said.

Issue 97 Summer 2025

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Aboriginal Way Editor: Keith Thomas Journalists: Joy Lothian, Isaac Selby Communications Officer: Caleb Sweeting Design and Printing: We Create Print Deliver Advertising Enquiries: aboriginalway@nativetitlesa.org Aboriginal Way is a publication of South Australian Native Title Services Level 6 27 Currie St Adelaide SA 5000 www.nativetitlesa.org Ph: (08) 8110 2800 Fax: (08) 8110 2811 FREECALL: 1800 010 360 If you have any stories of interest to our readers, please address correspondence to: aboriginalway@nativetitlesa.org The Editor has the final decision on all stories and advertising that appear in this publication.

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell said First Nations tourism offers an important avenue for First Nations people to stay on Country, preserve their culture and knowledge while providing economic opportunities.

“We know that domestic and international visitors are increasingly seeking unique First Nations experiences as part of their travels,” Senator Farrell said.

“This presents great opportunities for First Nations tourism and job creation in Australia’s regions and First Nations communities.”

The Partnership will initially be funded for two years through the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

First Nations industry representatives co-designed the Partnership in collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), Tourism Australia and state and territory governments.

Cover image: A great turnout of Traditonal Owners from across SA at the PBC Regional Forum in Coffin Bay. WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following publication may contain images, names, and stories of deceased persons.

Aboriginal Way South Australian Native Title Services

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Letter from the Editor

Hi everyone, welcome to our first edition for 2025.

SANTS is looking forward to continuing to build on the native title platform to enhance nation building, to support the aspirations of PBCs, continue to seek opportunities for growth in economic development, social programs supporting community, and continue to protect, maintain, and grow native title rights and interests.

SANTS will develop a new strategic plan this year for the period 2025-2030 (based on financial year). I look forward to the release of the new strategic plan in June/July this year. The new plan will continue to highlight native title claim outcomes but also have significant growth in post native title activities working to support PBCs. SANTS will be meeting with other stakeholders to discuss future services and service delivery models.

SANTS will continue to build its relationship with First Nations of South Australia Aboriginal Corporation (FNSAAC), particularly seeking support and collaboration for advocating on behalf of PBCs where native title rights and interests are threatened or at risk. A particular focus moving forward will be new or amended government legislation and its potential impacts on native title.

SANTS will also seek advice from FNSAAC about priorities for the growth of PBCs in South Australia.

SANTS will also continue its national advocacy role as a member of the National Native Title Council (NNTC) and the First Nations Heritage

Protection Alliance (FNHPA) in supporting these national institutions to better the opportunities in recognising the cultural authority of PBCs, sourcing new funding opportunities for PBCs, and to better protect native title rights and interests including Aboriginal heritage.

SANTS will also work closely with the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations Network (SAACCON), in implementing the State Implementation Plan in addressing the priorities and targets of the National Agreement for Closing the Gap. SANTS also looks forward to collaborating with the state government in several areas including comanagement of parks, hand back of land, Aboriginal engagement, ranger program, legislative change including the Pastoral Act, Biodiversity Act, and the Aboriginal Heritage Act, water rights and interests including inland waters, and engagement with the clean energy and carbon economies.

SANTS will also build on current activities including support to develop funding submissions, Country-based planning, ranger program, cultural mapping, knowledge recording, youth engagement and leadership, and training around good governance and financial management.

It is going to be a busy year and I look forward to meeting with your PBC to catch up on activities and opportunities.

Keith Thomas SANTS CEO

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10,000 copies sent to SA & NT

Contact: aboriginalway@nativetitlesa.org

APY Lands store upgrades to improve food security

Native title claims update Active claims

If you live in or have visited a remote community, you’ll know that getting your hands on healthy food can be difficult. It’s expensive and time-consuming to be transported and doesn’t last particularly long on the shelf.

Amata’s Anangu Store in Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands will be receiving $120,000 towards improving their food supply and resilience for nearby communities during emergencies.

They, and Kaltjiti (Fregon) Store, also in the APY Lands, have extra funding approved for additional cold storage.

This will help both stores increase the availability of food for their communities.

This is part of a $9.6 million Store Efficiency and Resilience Package, which is seeing the Federal Government partnering with local stores, state and territory governments, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to improve reliable access to nutritious food and groceries.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said the Albanese Labor Government is trying to improve food security and build resilience in remote areas by providing funding to the places that need it the most.

“We know it is harder for First Nations people in our remote communities to access healthy and affordable food all year round,” she said.

Mai Wiru Regional Stores Council Aboriginal Corporation CEO Dennis Bates said the upgrades to storage areas, cool rooms and freezers in the APY Lands’ stores will make a huge difference in the region.

“Amata and Kaltjiti are vital to our efforts in food security as they both offer the extra storage and support to our stores, ensuring we can mobilise food and essential items in emergencies or cater to sudden influx in communities ,” Mr Bates said.

“Our stores work together as a community network ensuring that the community needs are met, and this improved storage will go a long way to improve food security.”

THIS PACKAGE IS NOT JUST OFFERING RELIEF, IT IS AN INVESTMENT IN THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF OUR FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES, AND PART OF OUR BROADER COMMITMENT TO CLOSING THE GAP.” - SENATOR MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY

Walka Wani Oodnadatta 1 and 2 and Arabana 2 – Awaiting judgment.

Far West Coast (FWC) Sea claim – Judgment still reserved.

First Peoples of the River Murray and Mallee No. 2 – Consent determination negotiations and subject to programming orders.

First Nations of the South East #2 and Ngarrindjeri Part B – Timetabled for consent determination in 2025.

First Nations of the South East #1 – Mediation and timetabled for consent determination.

Malyangapa - Consent determinations negotiations are ongoing.

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Update

Aboriginal Way South Australian Native Title Services

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Dieri collaborate on finance and investing program

The Dieri Aboriginal Corporation investment committee with Professor Ralf Zurbruegg.

A grant of $330,000 has been awarded to researchers from the business school at the University of Adelaide to push economic development for First Nations.

The funding from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)’s Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC) Capacity Building program will be received by Dr George Mihaylov, Dr Ivan Obaydin, and Professor Ralf Zurbruegg. The PBC Capacity Building Program aims to support PBCs in recognising economic opportunities relating to native title rights and interests.

Over three and a half years, senior management at registered native title body, The Dieri Aboriginal Corporation (TDAC), who helped design the project, will receive a financial and investment education program tailored to their needs.

OUR AIM IS TO PROVIDE A FOUNDATION FOR THESE ORGANISATIONS GOING FORWARD, SUPPORTING THEM AS THEY STRIVE FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN FINANCIAL AND INVESTMENT DECISION-MAKING.” - PROFESSOR RALF ZURBRUEGG

The project will also research the development of sustainable investment strategies and processes for non-profits including Aboriginal corporations.

The funding marks a major milestone for the research team, according to Dr Mihaylov.

“We’re delighted to be a recipient of funding from the National Indigenous Australians Agency, whose support has been absolutely invaluable,” he said.

“Our team is looking forward to collaborating with TDAC to promote the sustainable economic development of Indigenous communities.”

Various activities will take place across Adelaide, Port Augusta and Broken Hill, allowing the research team to promote sustainable economic development to rural and remote communities.

Professor Zurbruegg said the aim is to support independence in Indigenous communities.

“The funding will provide a case study in developing bespoke investment literacy education for not-for-profits like TDAC, as well as supporting research into sustainable financial management processes within Indigenous communities,” he said.

“Many not-for-profit organisations, including native title holder entities, rely on the goodwill and knowledge of their members to manage their operations.”

“Our aim is to provide a foundation for these organisations going forward, supporting them as they strive for continuous improvement in financial and investment decision-making.”

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Experts gather on Kaurna Country for conference on child protection Late last year, world-leading experts in child protection and family support lent their expertise at a major SA symposium held at the Adelaide Oval.

The event was the second South Australian Child Protection and Family Support Symposium, with experts putting forward notions of reform including 2025 South Australian of the Year, Leah Bromfield, child protection expert Fiona Duncan and Wakwakurna Kanyini CEO, Ashum Owens, a voice for improved outcomes for Aboriginal children and their families.

The event was designed to incorporate discussion regarding different methodologies from interstate and overseas in efforts to improve the critical issue of safety for children across the board.

It was billed as an “unprecedented opportunity to shape a brighter future” for upcoming generations by attempting to replicate positive outcomes from previous thought collectives held in the past.

SA Minister for Child Protection, Katrine Hildyard, highlighted the need to bring together community, government and the child protection sector to drive meaningful change to the current child protection and family support system.

“Many children, young people and their families are grappling with complex and intergenerational issues which demand new and collective thinking and action,” Ms Hildyard said.

“This symposium brings us together to tackle the most difficult of issues and to embrace an unprecedented opportunity to shape a brighter future for our next generation through collaborative expertise and a determined and relentless focus.”

Wakwakurna Kanyini CEO, Ashum Owens spoke at the symposium.

Jack Buckskin performed at the Adelaide Oval event.

THIS IMPORTANT SYMPOSIUM WILL ENABLE US TO DRAW UPON PARTICIPANTS’ BROAD RANGE OF KNOWLEDGE, TO INFORM A 20-YEAR VISION FOR A STRONGER CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM IN THIS STATE.” - LEAH BROMFIELD This sentiment was mirrored by keynote speaker and Director of the Australian Centre for Child Protection, Leah Bromfield.

“I’m really looking forward to hearing from those involved with child protection interstate, overseas and right here in SA about programs that are achieving great results – and considering how we might replicate their successes,” she said.

“It will also provide an opportunity for organisations and academics to learn from those with direct experience of the system and for young people, carers and families to contribute to system reform.”

Aboriginal Way South Australian Native Title Services

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SA Voice makes historic first address to parliament

Minister Maher interviews Mr Bilney for the Aboriginal Way podcast after the address to parliament.

On November 27, the SA First Nations Voice to Parliament gave its inaugural address to the South Australian Parliament.

The historic address was given in the Legislative Council Chamber at Parliament House, with Presiding Member of the Voice, Leeroy Bilney, speaking on behalf of collective members of the SA Voice.

So far, the Voice has provided feedback on government legislation relating to early childhood development and preventative health and is set to provide formal contribution to the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Kyam Maher, spoke before the address and expressed his belief that the SA Voice had the potential to be of great importance for all South Australians.

“Whether you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, whether you’re a non-Aboriginal person, with this process no one has anything to lose,” Mr Maher said.

“There is potential for so much to be gained in improving our state and the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“The simple act of Aboriginal people having a say in the decisions that affect their lives isn’t controversial – it will lead to better outcomes and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”

SA Voice presiding member, Leeroy Bilney, used his platform during the significant address to “prove wrong” naysayers of the Voice on state and federal levels across the next calendar year.

“We want to start focusing in on key perspectives from the people, what’s been raised up from the regions up to the state voice and putting in place real actions and getting meaningful outcomes,” Mr Bilney said.

“For so long Aboriginal people have been left outside, we’re not sitting at the table with decision-makers making these decisions.

“We don’t want to take away anyone’s independence, we don’t take anybody’s power away from them - people still can do what they want to do.

“They can express their individuality, they can maintain their identity and their community still has autonomy.”

Yawarrawarrka man and SA Voice representative, Rob Singleton, was in attendance during the inaugural address and felt the speech helped to validate the reasons why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people saw the need for the existence of the Voice.

“It was a feeling of awe to be perfectly honest with you.

I know the work that has gone into this day, I know there

were feelings of trepidation across the regional and state voice members,” Mr Singleton said.

“But to see it come to fruition and to literally see the address was historic, certainly for me. And I can probably say with all honesty that was a similar feeling from other state members and regional members at the present.

“Leeroy’s ability to reflect the views that are impacting on regional Aboriginal communities in South Australia, it’s real.

“I hope that it resonates with all members of parliament today and sends a clear message that this is a challenge that’s not only confronting Aboriginal people - it’s for the benefit of South Australia’s public more broadly.”

While his appraisal for the address to parliament was glowing, Mr Singleton flagged that there was plenty of work required ahead to sustain the momentum and existence of the SA Voice.

“What we really do need to do is find better ways of engaging with community more broadly - some of our regional geographic areas are significant and getting to all those corners requires resources and energy,” he said.

“Engagement with remote areas and consultation needs to occur face to face if we’re going to get a true reflection of what people think and what their aspirations are - the only way is to speak to the people.

“To get to them we need to physically go to where they are, to hear from them, take on their concerns and at the same time share information with some of the achievements that the state voice members have been able to bring to the floor.”

Listen to this episode of Aboriginal Way “SA Voice addresses parliament” on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

State Voice member Rob Singleton.

Review of the Future Acts Regime for Native Title The Australian Law Reform Commission (‘ALRC’) has been asked to review the future acts regime in the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) by the Commonwealth Government. We are looking at problems in the future acts regime and developing ideas for reform.

Our Inquiry is about when people do things on Country that affect native title. We will look at when people need permission to do things on Country; the types of things that can be done, and how to ask for permission. In native title law, this is called the ‘future acts regime’.

We have recently published an Issues Paper.

Download a copy from our website.

The Issues Paper includes: • a summary of native title law and the future acts regime; • some important issues we have found; • some things people have told us so far; and • five questions people might like to answer when they write us a submission.

Anyone is welcome to make a submission in response to the Issues Paper. You can send us your submission by: • using our website: www.alrc.gov.au/inquiry/review-of-thefuture-acts-regime/make-a-submission/ • email: nativetitle@alrc.gov.au • post: PO Box 209, Flinders Lane VIC 8009 If you can’t make a submission now, you can make a submission when we publish our Discussion Paper later this year. You can also get in touch and share your views at any time.

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Aboriginal Way South Australian Native Title Services

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Still no to nuclear “Our strong message from Aboriginal people of South Australia has always been no to nuclear”, Yankunytjatjara Anangu woman Karina Lester told the Select Committee on Nuclear Energy in December last year.

The Committee was established by the House of Representatives to hear directly from communities about their views regarding nuclear generation in Australia.

Ms Lester, a second-generation survivor of the British nuclear testing program, told the committee that Aboriginal people were concerned about the prospect of a nuclear power plant in Port Augusta and the impact that would have on Traditional Owners.

“This latest announcement around nuclear power again brings back the traumas of this industry, imposing its pressures on First Nations peoples, in particular Anangu and my community,” she said.

“This is an ongoing, generational story for many of us who are on the front line, having to be involved in processes like this to voice our concerns and our reasons for saying no to nuclear power in this discussion.”

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), endorsed by Australia in 2009, says that states should obtain free, prior and informed consent from Indigenous peoples about any projects affecting their lands and resources, particularly in connection with the development, utilisation or exploitation of mineral, water or other resources.

In their submission, the peak body for native title groups in South Australia, First Nations Aboriginal Corporation said: “The lack of consultation and consent from the First Nations and the broader community before making announcements harks back to a colonial British administrative mindset. First Nations and the broader community have been provided no information on the technical, legal or financial aspects, none on the risks and the dangers. Giving no right to us as Australians to have any agency in the decision process.

Instead, an announcement was made in disregard to the agency of any Australians in this critical decision, just like the old times of colonial administration.”

SA Native Title Services senior legal officer, Bianca Lena, said many native title holders are particularly interested in the potential impact on the land and waters of significance to them in terms of their laws, customs and cultural heritage.

“We would be looking to ensure that First Nations people’s cultural heritage is protected under any framework that’s developed and to ensure there’s a consent process

for First Nations people to be engaged with and to develop partnerships and work with government if this were a proposal that was going forward. But we would prefer not to have nuclear energy.”

In 2023, Barngarla people won their court battle to stop the Federal Government’s attempt to dump nuclear medical waste in Kimba, but the future is uncertain for Port Augusta if the coalition wins the next election.

The Nukunu Wapma Thura Aboriginal Corporation say they will consider launching a similar legal battle if the proposed site goes ahead on their native title land at Port Augusta.

“Aboriginal people throughout the region and state of South Australia have historically and overwhelmingly opposed nuclear energy, and the storage of its waste,” a spokesperson said.

Nukunu Elder Lindsay Thomas told the ABC, “Our people don’t believe in this, we don’t believe it should have even been dug out of the ground anywhere in Australia… it’s poison. You put that stuff in the ground, that kills that

WE WOULD BE LOOKING TO ENSURE THAT FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE’S CULTURAL HERITAGE IS PROTECTED UNDER ANY FRAMEWORK THAT’S DEVELOPED,” - BIANCA LENA

Reconciliation SA Column

Yankuntjatjarra Anangu woman Karina Lester.

earth forever, we can’t do that – that’s like killing your mother.”

According to the CSIRO, it would take at least 15 years for nuclear power plants to become operational in Australia – leaving a small window to replace coal power stations before they close by 2038.

In November last year, Ms Lester attended the United Nations climate summit, COP29, in Azerbaijan and said renewable energy was discussed as an alternative to nuclear.

“Why are we faced with and dealt this trauma of nuclear power again when we, as the state of South Australia, are heading in a direction where by 2027 we will be 100 per cent renewable?” Ms Lester said.

The Albanese government has declined a pact with the US and UK movement to fast-track civilian nuclear energy development. However, opposition leader Peter Dutton has called the government’s decision an “international embarrassment”. Time will tell if Australia decides to repeat or learn from its mistakes regarding nuclear and its Aboriginal people.

Quotes from Ms Lester and Ms Lena are from a Hansard report on the Select Committee on Nuclear Energy - 05/12/2024 - Inquiry into nuclear power generation in Australia.

Listen to our interview with Karina Lester on the Aboriginal Way podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Working in reconciliation Reconciliation work is a journey of passion, resilience and profound purpose. Far from being an unattractive career prospect, this field offers deep personal fulfillment and the opportunity to create meaningful societal change. At its core, reconciliation is about building respectful relationships between Aboriginal people and the wider community, driven by values of inclusivity and mutual understanding.

The reality of this work is complex and challenging. Professionals in this space navigate a landscape of external funding, where job security depends on securing contracts and maintaining organisational sustainability. One individual might find themselves organising the country’s largest Reconciliation Breakfast, while another works to engage with every school in the state. The workload is intense, often requiring individuals to wear multiple hats and remain incredibly flexible.

The emotional landscape is equally demanding.

Practitioners constantly confront tokenism, racism and systemic barriers. Some days are extraordinarily tough, with efforts to educate and create change met with resistance or indifference. The work requires an unwavering commitment to the cause, a deep belief in the possibility of transformation, and the resilience to continue pushing forward.

And yet, none of this equates to the challenges First Nations peoples face, which is another reason why it is such an important role.

Yet, what sustains these dedicated professionals is the powerful sense of community.

They work alongside like-minded individuals who share aligned values and a collective vision.

This creates a supportive environment of trust, friendship and shared purpose. It’s more than a workplace—it’s a family united by a commitment to positive change.

The rewards, while not always immediately visible, are profound. When behavioural shifts occur, when understanding deepens, when respect grows—these moments make the challenging journey worthwhile. It’s a space where change is hard-fought but deeply meaningful, where personal passion meets systemic transformation.

For those willing to embrace the complexity, reconciliation work offers an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to a more just, inclusive, and understanding society. It’s not just a job—it’s a calling.

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Aboriginal Way South Australian Native Title Services

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Main Story

2024 PBC Forum In early December, representatives from PBCs across South Australia attended the National Native Title Council’s (NNTC) PBC Regional Forum on Nauo Country in Coffin Bay, supported by NIAA and SA Native Title Services.

It was a productive two-day forum, where Traditional Owners discussed topics such as land and water rights, co-management of parks, biodiversity, cultural safety, leadership, lateral violence, healing, succession planning and youth development.

With a particular focus on youth, Elders encouraged young people in the room to share their thoughts about native title and how they could be included in the process.

As Chelsie Collard from NNTC said, “These discussions are just the beginning of young people taking up the space that is destined for them, without fear, as they’re guided by their old people.”

The 2024 PBC Forum had a focus on young people.

Everyone’s voices were heard during the important discussions that took place.

SANTS CEO, Keith Thomas addresses the forum.

Presentations and Q&A sessions were held by SANTS, NNTC, National Indigenous Australians Agency, Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, National Native Title Tribunal, Department for Environment and Water, Department for Infrastructure and Transport and Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). Agencies left with plenty of ways they can better engage with, support and provide opportunities for PBCs and their members.

Before heading home, attendees joined Nauo Elder Jody Miller on a tour of his Country around the breathtaking cliffs, seas and beaches of Coffin Bay. Traditional Owners made the journey back home with new connections, ideas and aspirations for the future.

Look out for a full report about the forum to be released by the NNTC.

THESE DISCUSSIONS ARE JUST THE BEGINNING OF YOUNG PEOPLE TAKING UP THE SPACE THAT IS DESTINED FOR THEM, WITHOUT FEAR, AS THEY’RE GUIDED BY THEIR OLD PEOPLE.” - CHELSIE COLLARD

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Guuranda port officially named after Narungga

A view of the Port of Narungga.

Narungga Nation has become the first Traditional Owner group to have a harbour or port named after them following successful negotiations with a major grain exporter.

The harbour is now known as Port of Narungga, a mark of respect to the deep cultural connection with the surrounding waters of Guuranda (Yorke Peninsula) that will additionally recognise the harvested grain taken from all over the peninsula.

SANTS helped facilitate the consultation process between Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation (NNAC) and grain exporter T-Ports, which was conducted in a process of mutual reciprocity, with Narungga people offering advice on areas of cultural significance to minimise disruption.

The harbour is divided into two sections, Wallaroo Harbor, operated by Flinders Ports and Narungga Harbor, which will be operated by T-Ports.

Ongoing income, employment and training opportunities will be ensured for Narungga people through the establishment of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) between the two groups.

Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Doug Milera played an integral role in the consultation process ahead of the ports establishment and saw it as a positive outcome for their people.

“As traditional custodians of the Yorke Peninsula, NNAC is focused on developing strong and healthy families, growing Aboriginal culture, maintaining cultural connections and empowering the economic wellbeing of our community and the wider region,” Mr Milera said.

“Our partnership with T-Ports has been a positive experience, built on mutual respect and a shared vision to ensure our people share in the success of the Port of Narungga because a strong port means a strong Narungga Nation.”

T-Ports chief executive officer, Nathan Kent, shared Mr Milera’s positive outlook regarding the collaboration.

“We are extremely proud to be part of an Australian first, which celebrates and honours the enduring cultural connection of the Narungga people to the land and waters upon which T-Ports operates,” Mr Kent said.

“We thank the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation (NNAC) for its valued partnership and support of T-Ports, and we acknowledge the State Government for facilitating the naming of the Port of Narungga and adjoining Narungga Harbor after the Traditional Owners.”

Listen to our interview “Narungga port consultation” on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

THE NAMING OF THE PORT OF NARUNGGA IS A LANDMARK RECOGNITION OF THE NARUNGGA PEOPLE.” - DOUG MILERA

Doug Milera welcomed the opportunity to name the port.

Electoral district of Frome renamed Ngadjuri The electorate of Frome in South Australia’s Mid-North will be renamed Ngadjuri, ahead of the 2026 election, due to concerns from Traditional Owners about the current electorates’ namesake, Edward Frome’s involvement in acts of retribution against Aboriginal people.

Ngadjuri Map 2024

NGADJURI

Electoral boundaries follow Suburb / Locality or Local Government Area boundaries unless otherwise shown.

Northern Areas Council

±

Hilltown

STUART

Pastoral Unincorporated Area

The Regional Council of Goyder (portion)

NARUNGGA

Eastern and Northern boundary Bundey

Clare Western boundary Bright

Wakefield Regional Council (portion)

Northern boundary Bright

Mintaro

Robertstown

Waterloo

Northern boundary Halbury

Western boundary Halbury

Northern boundary Robertstown

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council

Watervale

Barunga West Council

South Australia’s Electoral Districts Boundaries Commission made the announcement in their final report ahead of the 2026 vote.

Ngadjuri, pronounced ‘Na-dju-ri’, means “we people” and refers to the Ngadjuri people, whose traditional lands cover the Mid North region of South Australia, including a significant portion of the electoral district formerly named Frome, a seat currently held by Liberal MP Penny Pratt.

Labor MLC Reggie Martin had been a long-time advocate of the renaming of Frome, due to concerns around SA’s third Surveyor, General Edward Frome’s acts of retribution following what is widely referred to as the Maria Massacre.

In June 1840, a ship called The Maria was travelling from Port Adelaide to Hobart but was shipwrecked off the coast of Cape Jaffa in the state’s South East. All 26 passengers onboard made it safely to land near what is now known as Kingston South East.

They received assistance from local Aboriginal people, but, according to later accounts, were then all killed in what has been referred to as the largest massacre of colonists by Aboriginal people in Australia, according to the 2001 book Fatal Collisions.

In one of Edward Frome’s sketchbooks, a sketch of about 12 established Aboriginal homes titled “Native Village on the Coorong deserted by the Milmenrura tribe after the murder of the crew of the Maria, burnt by me, Oct. ‘40, apparently as part of the retribution for these killings a few months earlier.”

In one of Edward Frome’s sketchbooks, a sketch dated 1 Oct 1840, depicted approximately 12 established Aboriginal homes titled, ‘Native Village on the Coorong deserted by the Milmenrura tribe after the murder of the crew of the Maria, burnt by me’.

“Frome was not responsible for the death of any Milmenrura or, as far as I have been able to determine, any other Aboriginal people. He was however responsible for burning an Aboriginal village,” she said.

Based on his admission of burning these houses and his presence when Governor George Gawler responded to a report on the killing of the survivors of the shipwreck, the name Frome was found to be unsuitable for a House of Assembly seat by the commission.

Comments were sought from the Aboriginal Lands Trust, Ngadjuri Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Kaurna Yerta

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Northern boundary Ngapala

Auburn

The Regional Council of Goyder (portion)

Point Pass

Saddleworth Halbury

Yorke Peninsula Council

Marrabel

Rhynie

Riverton

CHAFFEY

Eudunda Northern boundary Avon

Western boundary Avon

Northern boundary Pinery

North-western boundary Owen

Tarlee

Owen

Avon

Wakefield Regional Council (portion)

Pinery Northern boundary Wild Horse Plains

Light River Kapunda

Hamley Bridge

Wild Horse Plains

Light Regional Council (portion)

Wasleys

Freeling

Roseworthy Eastern boundary Gawler Belt Two Wells

Eastern boundary Ward Belt Gawler Bypass

Town of Gawler

Gawler River / Metta Watte

Southern boundary Dutton

Mid Murray Council (portion) Western boundary Dutton East

Eastern boundary Dutton East

Southern boundary Dutton East

South-eastern boundary Freeling

Adelaide Plains Council

Gulf St Vincent

Western boundary Dutton

South-eastern boundary Fords

Mallala Dublin

South-eastern boundary Kapunda

Mid Murray Council (portion)

Southern boundary Hansborough

Southern boundary Bagot Well

Light Regional Council (portion) Eastern boundary Roseworthy Northern, eastern and south-western boundary Hewett

LIGHT City of Playford

TAYLOR

SCHUBERT

The Barossa Council 0

THIS IS HOW TO TAKE ACTION AND IGNITE CHANGE.” - JASON DOWNS Aboriginal Corporation, River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation, Mannum Aboriginal Community Association Inc, and First Peoples of the River Murray Mallee Region #2 as to whether they would support “Ngadjuri” or alternatively the word “Cowie” - meaning “water” in the Ngadjuri language - as a new name.

“The Commission received responses from the Aboriginal Lands Trust and the Ngadjuri Nation Aboriginal Corporation. Both responses strongly supported the use of the name ‘Ngadjuri’,” the commission said.

The late Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG, was also considered, but the commission said whilst this was appropriate, the practice of someone having been deceased for at least one year made it unfeasible for renaming Frome.

Reconciliation SA CEO Jason Downs said this is an important step forward.

“Thank you [to the] Electoral Commission of South Australia for showing the importance of Historical Acceptance, one of [the] five themes of Reconciliation.”

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Kauwi Cultural Cruise A new cultural cruise has set sail showcasing the Aboriginal history and culture of the southern coast of Kaurna’s land and waters.

Two local companies, Southern Cultural Immersion and Temptation Sailing teamed up to fill a gap they both noticed in Adelaide’s tourism market late last year, and Kauwi (pronounced cow-i, meaning water in Kaurna language) Cultural Cruise was born.

Temptation Sailing is owned and operated by Will Pyke, who flagged a gap in the cultural cruise market as a reason for starting the endeavour.

“We already run multiple different tours along the coast and we kept getting asked about the cultural heritage of the coastline,” Mr Pyke said.

“We were inspired by customers asking us questions, it’s of high importance to us to talk about the Traditional Owners of the land. From there we did a bit of research and reached out to Southern Cultural Immersion. We thought a partnership pairing the marine biology and ecology side of tours with the cultural aspects would fill the gap.”

The two-hour cruise will be held on the first Monday of each month, taking participants on a marine adventure delving into the rich history of Kaurna Yerta, immersing them in local Dreaming stories and uncovering the significance of oceans and landscapes in Kaurna culture.

Kaurna man and Southern Cultural Immersion owner, Corey Turner, has been part of conversations about this partnership since mid-2023 and is proud to share Kaurna ocean culture.

“We do lots of bus tours and walking tours, so to add a boat tour into the mix is a really important step – our relationship with Country exists not just with the land, but also with the seas and skies too. I’m glad we’ll be able to share that important connection with everyone on this tour,” Mr Turner said.

Kauwi Group.

Corey Turner.

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH COUNTRY EXISTS NOT JUST WITH THE LAND, BUT ALSO WITH THE SEAS AND SKIES TOO. I’M GLAD WE’LL BE ABLE TO SHARE THAT IMPORTANT CONNECTION WITH EVERYONE ON THIS TOUR.” - COREY TURNER

Proud Ngarrindjeri woman and Southern Cultural Immersion cultural tourism officer Taylah Lochert, who took out the “Young Achiever” award at the SA Tourism Awards in November, agreed with this sentiment.

“We’ve got three significant Dreaming stories associated with the area, we talk about some of the marine animals we may potentially encounter on the tour, we look at the coastline itself and its historical elements – what you’re looking at used to be like, prior to colonisation,” Ms Lochert said.

“The guys from Temptation Sailing also jump in so we can learn about the natural and marine elements we’re encountering as well.”

A Kaurna-owned and operated business, Southern Cultural Immersion offers Aboriginal cultural experiences, tours and environmental education programs across the city of Adelaide from the base they manage at Warriparinga, the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre.

Listen to this episode of Aboriginal Way “Kauwi Cultural Cruises” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

WE WERE INSPIRED BY CUSTOMERS ASKING US QUESTIONS, IT’S OF HIGH IMPORTANCE TO US TO TALK ABOUT THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LAND...WE THOUGHT A PARTNERSHIP PAIRING THE MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY SIDE OF TOURS WITH THE CULTURAL ASPECTS WOULD FILL THE GAP.” - WILL PYKE

Desalination plant for Eyre Peninsula despite Traditional Owner protests A controversial desalination plant on the outskirts of Port Lincoln has been approved by the South Australian Government, despite serious concerns from the Barngarla people who hold native title over the area.

Construction on the $330 million plant at Billy Lights Point on the Eyre Peninsula, is due to begin in March and set to be running by mid-2026. This will maintain the water supply to around 35,000 local people who would otherwise face an immediate supply risk.

Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) hold native title of the area and said the proposed site poses a significant risk to their cultural and marine heritage, in a provided statement.

“The location contains a significant fish trap complex, which is one of the last surviving pieces of our heritage around Port Lincoln and provides a significant and irreplaceable connection to our ancestors,” the statement read.

“We are alarmed that SA Water, with the support of the minister, has disregarded the overwhelming community opposition to the location of this plant and instead blindly pursued an option with reckless indifference to how it will damage our heritage.”

At the time approval was given in late November, Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion gave assurance that the historical fish traps had been planned around to ensure they would not be impacted.

BDAC expressed further concern around the lack of comprehensive surveying completed prior to approval, which would ascertain where the greatest impact on Aboriginal heritage would be.

Given the known heritage value of the area and the ground-disturbing works associated with the construction and operation of a desalination plant, SA Water lodged an application with the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher for authorisation under sections 21 and 23 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act. Under the Act, authorisations under these sections are required to excavate land for the purposes of uncovering Aboriginal sites, objects or remains (heritage) and to potentially damage, disturb and/or interfere with heritage.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion says the desalination plant can’t be delayed, with extended public consultation closed on February 3.

“There are no alternatives, the Eyre Peninsula’s water security is under serious threat,” he said.

“Billy Lights Point will deliver a climate-independent and sustainable drinking water source for the Eyre Peninsula.

“We are working to a tight deadline. We all want to avoid water restrictions and must deliver an alternative water supply by mid-2026.”

SA Water says that, in addition to its own proposed management measures, it has committed to following AAR’s (Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) Aboriginal Heritage Discovery Protocols and Heritage Impact Procedure if cultural heritage is discovered during project works.

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Mark Koolmatrie with Minister Bettison, partner Belinda and grandson Jaxson.

Aboriginal Cultural Tour on Kangaroo Island An Aboriginal cultural tour is now up and running on Kangaroo Island.

Ngarrindjeri Elder Mark Koolmatrie’s tourism company Kool Tours has teamed up with SeaLink Kangaroo Island to respectfully share the unique culture and history of KI, or Nurrungaui, as it is known to the Ngarrindjeri people, meaning the “place of Nurrunderi”, their revered creator.

The new trip, which can be done in one (long!) day starting from Adelaide, offers the unique experience of seeing the island through Ngarrindjeri eyes.

“Since settlement there’s never been a cultural tourism product there, except for two years ago when we began doing walks and talks in Penneshaw with the cruise ships, but there’s never been Indigenous tourism operators on Kangaroo Island, so it’s very exciting,” Mr Koolmatrie said.

The new venture came about when SeaLink sought advice from Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation to advise on the naming of their two new Kangaroo Island ferries, set to begin operations this year.

SeaLink was directed to work with Mr Koolmatrie, who was already working on Country. It was decided that the two ferries should be named “Wanggami” which means kangaroo and “Ruwi”, meaning land, water and cosmology.

Mr Koolmatrie said interest in First Nations tourism has grown since 2023’s failed referendum, which has led to more people seeking answers and information.

“There’s a huge market for this. Leading into Australia Day after the referendum, our tours were booked out completely because people wanted to know our opinion on the referendum and what we think about Australia Day. It’s created questions around why did it fail, why aren’t you in

the constitution? People just wanted to sit and talk; there’s a real thirst for knowledge,” Mr Koolmatrie said “Growing up in Australian schools, there hasn’t necessarily been truth-telling. We’re at a very exciting time in history right now where people want to know more.”

2024 proved to be a year of growth for Kool Tours, now in its fifth year, which was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the South Australian Tourism Awards in November, after winning gold medals for three consecutive years.

“We began the business officially in 2019 doing tours on the Coorong, but prior to that we’ve been working since 2012 on a lot of experiences, we just never realised it was tourism!” Mr Koolmatrie said.

“Our family have been educators forever and we could see that there was a need for information to be told here.”

Sealink executive Philip Boyle agreed the tour has filled a gap for people looking to learn more about the history of Nurrungaui/Kangaroo Island.

“This Australian-first tour beautifully weaves together two stories — the ancient, rich cultural history of the Ngarrindjeri people and the island’s more recent history,” Mr Boyle said.

“Hearing both perspectives was not only educational but inspiring- what an an amazing way to understand and appreciate the significance of Kangaroo Island from every angle.”

Listen to this episode of Aboriginal Way “Kangaroo Island’s cultural tour” on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

How State Records of South Australia can help you

State Records SA.

State Records of South Australia was the first service of its kind in the country when it was established more than 100 years ago in 1919.

State Records SA has an Aboriginal Reference Group and specific Aboriginal access services, which include Aboriginal access officers.

These services can help you find your Aboriginal family history through culturally sensitive archival records. They can specifically assist members of the Stolen Generations to identify and become reunited with members of their families. They also help researchers find information and gain access to the correct records for their needs.

Aboriginal access officers can help: • Search for records on behalf of researchers • Advise on the process for seeking permission to access records which are usually restricted from general public access • Assist with the development of resources to enable quicker and easier access to records relating to Aboriginal people • Coordinate visits by groups of researchers to their repository and research centre (by appointment) • Refer to other sources of records relating to Aboriginal people.

“WE SUPPORT THE SPIRIT OF RECONCILIATION AND THE RECOGNITION OF INDIVIDUALS’ RIGHT OF ACCESS TO THEIR OWN PERSONAL INFORMATION,” - STATE RECORDS SA

State Records SA also has a range of guides to help people researching Aboriginal history that are available for purchase. These include: • Whose Land is it Anyway?: A collated set of original documents produced in collaboration with the SACE Board of SA, covering Aboriginal people’s lives and experiences with government in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

• A Little Flour and a Few Blankets: an Administrative History of Aboriginal Affairs in South Australia 18342000: a guide to government and legislation relating to Aboriginal people.

• Distant Voices: a DVD about how access to State Records has helped people find out more about Aboriginal history and experiences.

• Guide to Records Relating to Aboriginal People: a five-volume guide providing an overview of the records relating to Aboriginal people from the early 19th century.

• The Aboriginal Resource Kit: covers a wide range of themes relating to Aboriginal issues during colonisation, protection, assimilation and the post 1967 referendum period. It provides examples of primary sources relating to Aboriginal people from 1842-1970 held by State Records and a list of GRG52 Department of Aboriginal Affairs records, topical interest lists and a detailed index.

State Records of South Australia’s Research Centre is located at Gepps Cross and open to the public by appointment only, and records must be pre-ordered prior to your visit.

At the research centre you can utilise: • Research tools • Microfilm • Computer search • Printed reference collections • Specific Aboriginal access services to help find your Aboriginal family history through culturally sensitive archival records.

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Healing trauma is key to preventing family and domestic violence First Nations Healing, formerly Nunga Mi:Minar, is a family and domestic violence support service, which recently marked 50 years of operating in South Australia.

The organisation now supports men in addition to women (miminar) and children in domestic violence situations.

In South Australia there is currently a Royal Commission into domestic, family and sexual violence, after a spike in murders of women by their intimate partners.

Wiradjuri woman and CEO of First Nations Healing, Olive Bennell, is part of the Commission’s Aboriginal Partnership Committee, which is recommending measures to strengthen the delivery of domestic violence support services to Aboriginal people and communities.

Ms Bennell said governments need to commit more funding to tackle the crisis head on – particularly towards First Nations Healing, which helps the state’s “most complex clients.”

“The original establishment of Nunga:Miminar was for a women’s shelter and primarily focused on responding to domestic and family violence. We have grown over those 50 years and have identified some significant gaps in the way our service has been delivered in the past. For the first time, we now have men’s support workers.”

Ms Bennell said community education is a key focus for the Aboriginal community-controlled organisation because

First Nations Healing CEO, Olive Bennell and Strategy Policy and Parnership Lead, Clinton Bennell.

I THINK THERE IS A STRONG ASSUMPTION IN THE BROADER COMMUNITY THAT THE VIOLENCE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES IS ONLY BEING PERPETRATED BY OUR MEN, AND IT’S NOT THE CASE.” - OLIVE BENNELL some families don’t realise they need support until they engage or yarn with their staff.

Wiradjuri man Clinton Bennell is part of the new genderdiverse team at First Nations Healing. As the strategy, policy and partnership lead, he is working on new ways to address trauma and the underlying causes of harmful behaviour.

“We have this new approach that we’re working towards, which we’ve coined as ‘in-reach’ through our website and podcast. The podcast is a safe way for them (families) to learn about healthy regulation within their relationships and how to identify negative behaviour because we are combating the normality of violence within our families,” Mr Bennell said.

“We don’t use labelling in terms of perpetrators,

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Inside one of the six homes for families experiencing domestic and family violence.

victims or survivors. We treat them as individuals, and we let them apply their own labels. That’s what gives them self-empowerment and self-determination; we separate violence from identity because it’s a learned behaviour through the effects of colonisation.”

First Nations Healing offers their services to Aboriginal families, including those with non-Aboriginal family members, “because they’re seen as part of that family and they need to be involved in the healing,” Ms Bennell said.

“I think there is a strong assumption in the broader community that the violence within our communities is only being perpetrated by our men, and it’s not the case.

A lot of our families don’t want to be separated from each other, they want the healing and to access their children, but to access each other in a safe way.”

Listen to this podcast episode of Aboriginal Way “First Nations Healing” on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

You can access support from First Nations Healing online at firstnationshealing.com.au or call 8367 6474, you can also call 13 YARN on 13 92 76 for a free and confidential chat with a First Nations crisis support worker.

Bousta set to represent community at WOMADelaide Arrernte man Myles Turner, also known by his stage name “Bousta”, is an emerging MC who has been making waves in SA and his hometown of Mparntwe/Alice Springs, set to perform at WOMADelaide festival in March 2025.

Since his debut performance at the Gap View Hotel, Bousta has collaborated with established artists such as Rob Edwards and DEM MOB, incorporating positive messages and his native language into his music, drawing inspiration from his strong family upbringing and cultural heritage.

The Northern Sound System (NSS) has been instrumental in helping Bousta develop his artistry, building his confidence and helping navigate the business side of the music industry.

This will be the second time he has performed at WOMADelaide, having received a call-up to perform on the NSS stage during last year’s festival.

“It’s a funny story. I was performing at The Lab, opening up for Dem Mob. It must’ve been a really good show because a guy named Nick O’Connor came up to me and he was like, how would you like to perform at WOMAD this year?” Bousta said.

“I was shocked. I was like, what? Nah, don’t muck around with me, don’t play, bro. And he was like, nah, we’re looking for another artist and there’s a space if you want it - it was crazy.

Through his music, Bousta has had the opportunity to help educate his community, working with Children’s Grant in Alice Springs helping youth keep their language strong.

“I was in Brisbane recently doing a kids show for the ABC. Because we sing our own songs we can perform wherever we go and show everyone our language,” he said.

Bousta credits his family for giving him the inspiration to keep going with music and use it to give back whenever possible.

“I grew up with a strong family, my grandmother was a really strong person and she taught us you look after the land, look after you, keep your culture strong and don’t be ashamed of doing the right thing.

WOMADelaide takes place at Tainmuntilla/ Botanic Park from March 7-10, 2025.

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First Nations Clean Energy Strategy launched On December 6, Australia’s energy ministers attended the Adelaide Convention Centre to release the First Nation’s Clean Energy Strategy, responding to a pledged commitment to put First Nations at the forefront of the country’s transition toward clean energy.

The First Nation’s Clean Energy Strategy is released at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

In 2022, the First Nations Clean Energy Network put forward a request for the Federal Government to engage hundreds of First Nations, industry and government leaders from around the country to drive design of the strategy through consultation and roundtables.

A key focus was to signal to industry that backing First Nations partnerships will prioritise business in the eyes of the federal and state governments.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, pointed to Canada as an example to follow, a country where nearly 20% of electricity generation infrastructure includes First Nations, Metis and Innuit entities as owners, partners or beneficiaries.

“This is an enormous opportunity for our country to use the wealth created by renewable energy to ensure equity

ONE PERCENT OF AUSTRALIA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY HAS A FORM OF INDIGENOUS OWNERSHIP AND EQUITY, THAT TELLS ME WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO TO CATCH UP.” - CHRIS BOWEN

and ownership for our First Nations peoples,” Minister Bowen said.

“The strategy that we released today is the framework to get that work done. The Commonwealth is making an investment, we’ve also got key criteria in our capacity investment scheme. This is just the beginning of the work.

“It’s not a set and forget, we’ve got more work to do in partnership, true genuine partnership with First Nations peoples, this is practical reconciliation. This is practical engagement.”

Developed with extensive input from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Strategy provides a national clean energy framework for governments, industries and communities. It’s guided by six foundational principles placing First Nations peoples at the centre of Australia’s energy transformation, including: • First Nations peoples’ maintaining their right to live on their land, with access to reliable and affordable clean energy.

• First Nations peoples’ cultural heritage must be recognised, protected and celebrated throughout the clean energy transition.

The Strategy’s vision is a sustainable clean energy future for all Australians, with Country and culture at the heart, underpinned by three goals: • empowering First Nations’ communities with clean energy • achieving economic benefits with First Nations’ peoples • enabling equitable partnerships.

A further 11 objectives and 24 priority areas for action support the goals and visions to ensure First Nations’ voices and expertise are at the centre of Australia’s energy future.

First Nations Clean Energy Network co-chair Karrina Nolan said the document covers all areas of the transition in a way that First Nations can genuinely participate in and benefit from.

“We spent two years talking to people right around the country; we did round tables in each state and territory, which was a combination of a day that was just listening and talking to community and testing which solutions would work for people around renewables and access to energy, and a day that was more focused on government and industry,” Ms Nolan said.

“All of those talks and solutions have made their way into the document, and it really does cover all areas of the transition, and we can make sure that First Nations can genuinely participate in, consent to and benefit from.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen at the energy meeting.

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Indigenous Desert Alliance Conference 2024 The Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) held a significant conference of Elders, rangers and community leaders at Uluru, with over 400 attendees making their way the event which is held every two years.

The conference celebrated “A Decade of Connection” in reference to the IDA’s past 10 years of coordinating these events, with the three-day event running between November 11-14 and containing full-day rosters of workshops.

Ranger programs were at the forefront of discussion across day one, with topics including Great Desert skink surveys, Malleefowl protection, preparation for the National Bilby Summit, working with school groups and sharing observations regarding changes to Country.

Day two included workshops on utilising drones in culturally sensitive areas, the impacts of tourism, fire planning workshops and the impacts of tourism and visitor management.

On the final day, key focus subjects were elevating desert women’s voices, the Indigenous Environmental Monitoring Platform, National Environmental Science Program (NESP), culturally significant entities, and a reflection on the past 10 years and future ambitions.

The Arabana Desert Ranger team attended the conference and were able to learn from a variety of different ranger groups, with Arabana head ranger Zaheer Mckenzie highlighting the preservation of thousands of natural springs around the Kati Thadna/Lake Eyre National Park area they manage.

“The main focus on our Country is looking after our springs, we’ve got a lot of springs on our Country probably a few thousand around the Kati Thadna basin area,” Mr Mckenzie said.

“We’ve got some pests, feral animals, camels, donkeys further up north on pastoral properties, in and around Finniss Springs - there’s also pest weeds that we’ve seen turn up now like buffel grass for example, not much but it’s starting to turn up.

“We do monitoring but also work on keeping the ferals out, especially the horses or the hard-hoofed animals as they do a lot of damage to our springs.

“Some of these areas are hard to tackle because they’re so vast and there’s a lot of springs on our Country so we’re just trying to do the best we can with what we’ve got.”

The IDA was established in 2014, to facilitate the sharing of lived experience from the vast network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rangers across the desert regions of Australia.

The initial meeting of groups that now form the IDA occurred in 2014 at the World Parks Congress in Sydney, these groups remained in contact before coming together in 2015, to continue conversations and set methods to formalise ways to meet across borders.

The desert area covered by IDA groups spans over 2,730,000 square kilometres, containing 25 Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA), 65 ranger teams and manages more than 78 threatened species.

Mr Mckenzie found the IDA conference engaging on multiple issues including tracking, fire management and pest control.

“Recently we picked up the track of a mulgara, a little marsupial native to us. We set up cameras afterwards, then we caught him on camera, so picking up on more tracking skills from that conference was really surprising and good to see,” Mr Mckenzie said.

“We picked up on the tracks by catching that mulgara, skills like that we didn’t really think of, that people in the north were using and using really well. I think we will be using that in the near-future.

“There was a lot of talk around cat management, unfortunately we’ve got a lot of cats on our Country that kill off the smaller animals, like birds and marsupials so there was that sort of talk that we were really interested in.”

Arabana rangers cover hundreds of square kilometres of land and are constantly looking for best practice engagement with their land, inviting people wanting to know more about their Country to get involved.

“If they’re willing to come out and see what we do, we’re always welcoming to people wanting to volunteer their time and come out on Country. We camp out a lot which I think a lot of people will like particularly in the wintertime,” Mr Mckenzie said.

“For the work we want to do for our future, we could say the funding is not quite there but we are in the process of trying to reach out and gain some more.

“Fee-for-service opportunities like gaining some contracts here and there could potentially lift our program.

“The distance that we have to travel on our Country is so enormous, our Country is so big it’s the size of Tasmania if not bigger.”

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T e r r i t o r y Irrwanyere Mt Dare Native Title Determination Eringa Part A Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi Proceeding Part A Proceeding

Tjayiwara Unmuru Native Title Claim Eringa

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Issue 97 Summer 2024

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V i c t o r i a

Prepared by: Geospatial Services, National Native Title Tribunal 16/01/2025

Narungga Nation Native Title Claim

W a l e s

Barngarla (Port Augusta Proceeding)

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Yandruwandha/ Yawarrawarrka Native Title Claim

The Wangkangurru/ Yarluyandi Native Title Claim

Q u e e n s l a n d

Tjayiwara Unmuru Compensation Application