YMAC News Issue 49

After almost 30 years, Traditional Owners celebrate Middamia Determination on Country

Yule River On-Country Bush Meeting

24 - 25 July 2024

Yamatji on Country

4 - 5 September

YMAC Native Title Forums

Marlpa region: 8 August

Yamatji region: 29 August

YMAC posts regular updates on current news and issues affecting Native Title and Traditional Owners.

Visit ymac.org.au to stay up-to-date or subscribe to email updates by visiting the website, clicking on ‘Media & Publications’ and then ‘Subscribe’ on the pulldown menu. You can also scan the QR code.

You can also follow us on LinkedIn via tinyurl.com/ymaclinkedin .

We are always on the lookout for interesting and informative news. If you have stories or photos you would like to share, please reach out to us by emailing editor@ymac.org.au

Miss Natalie Parker, Co-Chairperson – Pilbara Region

Mr Peter Windie, Co-Chairperson – Yamatji Region

Cover photo José Kalpers.

News from the CEO

This year, YMAC celebrates its 30th anniversary since incorporation and becoming a Native Title Representative Body (NTRB)

The chosen theme for this major milestone — “Respecting Our Country, Empowering Our People” – highlights not only the work that goes into achieving native title recognition, but also the important work undertaken by Traditional Owners.

YMAC provides services to several Traditional Owner groups and has assisted thousands of people in our regions to win recognition of their native title rights. We know how long and challenging this process can be. Sadly, we lose so many people along the way. I pay my respects to those who fought hard for their people and their Country – often from before YMAC existed – who are no longer with us.

I also take this opportunity to acknowledge our past Regional Committee and Board members, as well as those who continue to govern and guide the organisation. Their leadership and contributions have shaped YMAC into the success that it is. Our anniversary story on pages 4 and 5 shares some insights from our Co-Chairs and Deputy Co-Chairs.

In this edition of YMAC News, we are thrilled to feature the successful Middamia Determination by the Federal Court and on-Country celebrations that took place. After a 27-year long journey, it was a privilege to be part of such a great outcome.

We are also pleased to recognise several local award recipients and share with you their important contributions and achievements. Further, you will see a number of notices about upcoming events and forums throughout this issue, so be sure to mark your calendars and be part of these opportunities.

I am happy to share that YMAC staff are diligently working on preparations for the On-Country Bush Meeting at Yule River (24-25 July) and Yamatji On-Country (4-5 September), two community-led events that are growing in both size and importance each year. Read more on pages 14 and 15.

Staff have also been busy developing new education tools and publications – notably, a new cultural guide, launched at our recent All Staff Conference, and our ‘Renewable Energy Guide’, which will be finalised soon. These resources are intended to both inform and educate a range of groups and highlight the significance of working with Traditional Owners in a respectful and meaningful way.

Much of our latest event and advocacy work has been driven by feedback received as part of YMAC’s ongoing Core Stakeholder Engagement Consultation, the most recent related activity being our PBC CEO Roundtable (see page 18). YMAC is excited to continue to find new and innovative ways of helping and supporting Traditional Owners and PBCs from our representative areas, particularly in relation to matters and potential solutions as identified by them.

I hope you enjoy reading more about YMAC’s recent activities and other stories from the community in our first issue of YMAC News for 2024.

As always, I would like to thank you for your ongoing interest and support for the critical work that YMAC does.

Simon Hawkins, YMAC Chief Executive Officer

YMAC celebrates 30 Years!

From our inception in 1994 as the Yamatji Barna Baba Maaja Aboriginal Corporation to today, YMAC is proud to have served as a Native Title Representative Body (NTRB) for the last three decades. This status as an NTRB has enabled us to support so many important outcomes with and for Traditional Owners across our representative regions.

YMAC has evolved – not only in terms of the areas it represents – but also from a small, academic organisation, into a large and diverse industry leader in the field of Native Title

The various native title claim groups YMAC represents from across the Mid-West, Gascoyne, Murchison and Pilbara regions – each with their own language, culture and traditions – has allowed YMAC to progress into a varied and thriving NTRB. We are incredibly proud to have played a part in over 40 native title determinations, from the Ngarluma/Yindjibarndi determination back in May 2005 all the way through to the Middamia determination in March of this year.

YMAC’s staff deliver services from across five offices and are deeply committed to working in partnership with Traditional Owners to help navigate the complex post-determination work, including mining agreements, land access, future acts, heritage agreements, as well as land and sea management.

YMAC’s Co-Chair – Pilbara Region, Ms Natalie Parker reflected on the work of YMAC staff and how important it is. “Our deep connection to our Mother - Our Country - confirms that the land and the waterways have always belonged to our people. And to have our Country formally recognised through native title shows the determination and strong resilience of our people,” said Ms Parker

“YMAC’s achievements over the last three decades has only been possible through the dedication and hard work of our governing committees, board of directors and staff. I am proud of the service YMAC provides to communities, and to the many PBCs across our region whose staff and boards work incredibly hard to protect native title rights and create new opportunities for our people.”

To recognise 30 years, YMAC Directors unveil commissioned artwork from Yindjibarndi artist Allery Sandy (left to right; Peter Windie (Co-Chairperson – Yamatji Region), Deborah Oakley (Deputy Co-Chairperson – Yamatji) Region, Ivan Smirke, Cicily Dowden)

YMAC 30th Anniversary logo to acknowledge 30 years of service

“This work is not always easy, but it is very important.”

“I’m looking forward to being part of the next stage of YMAC’s story,” said Ms Parker.

The work undertaken by YMAC couldn’t have been achieved without the highly professional Board and Regional Committees that direct YMAC – with over 200 First Nations people having served as members over the last thirty years.

Mrs Eaton, YMAC’s Deputy Co-Chair – Pilbara Region talked about what her role at YMAC means to her and why she continues to advocate for her people, saying, “It’s been wonderful to be involved with YMAC over the years, and to have Country recognised for all our peoples holds a special place in my heart.

“Native Title recognition can strengthen our ability to provide opportunities for our people, especially our young ones.”

“As Directors and Committee members, we do the work we do with YMAC for our children, and for our children’s children. It is so important they have the opportunity to be on Country, to connect with our history, and our stories, and keep our culture strong,” said Mrs Eaton.

To mark this special occasion, YMAC has commissioned artwork from local Yindjibarndi artist Allery Sandy, which will be displayed at our Pilbara office and showcased through 30th Anniversary commemorative items.

Over the course of this year, we are also celebrating the anniversaries of the native title determinations we have played a role in, which will be viewable on our LinkedIn page – follow us.

Whilst we are incredibly proud of the work YMAC has been involved in over the past 30 years, there is so much more to our work that happens following a positive determination.

YMAC’s Co-Chairperson - Yamatji Region, Mr Peter Windie was asked what he sees for the future of YMAC.

“Supporting the achievement of Native Title recognition has created a foot in the door for our family groups. I want to acknowledge the many, many people who

have contributed their knowledge and passion through representation on our Boards and communities, over the last 30 years to make YMAC what it is today.”

“I am very proud of our work on native title claims, and in supporting PBCs following a determination. What’s important to me is that YMAC continues to support native title holders at whatever stage they are in their journey. We want to make sure PBCs can not only be effectively governed to manage rights and care for Country, but also to meet the needs and aspirations of the cultural groups they represent, for example through programs connecting them to Country, or perhaps through projects creating employment opportunities.”

“YMAC has long been an advocate for change and will continue to do so, so that PBCs can do business with government and industry on an equal playing field, from a position of strength,” said Mr Windie.

Ms Deborah Oakley, Deputy Co-Chairperson - Yamatji Region echoed Mr Windie’s sentiments. “As Deputy Co-Chair I’d like to acknowledge, that we, the Directors, have continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of our members, Traditional Owners and PBCs. We should all be very proud of how we have contributed over the last 30 years.”

“The pathway to success is ongoing. There isn’t an end point – each group’s journey is different. One of YMAC’s tasks is to remain aware of the changing landscape and then adapt and offer new services to ensure groups across our regions can achieve genuine outcomes from their native title recognition.”

“I am very excited to see what new directions we will take as PBCs in our regions continue to grow,” said Ms Oakley.

Local Yindjibarndi artist Allery Sandy with her artwork commissioned by YMAC, to be displayed at our Pilbara office

SCAN QR CODE

Middamia Determination -an emotional celebration

There were smiles, laughs and tears when the Honourable Justice Burley of the Federal Court of Australia recognised that the Middamia claimants hold native title in the determination area at Middalya pastoral station on 12 March. It was a long time coming for the Middamia families.

They could finally celebrate after almost a 30-year-long legal process to be recognised as Traditional Owners of the land they hold close connections with The claimants, along with a number of their Elders who have sadly passed on, have been a par t of this claim process from the beginning and gave an incredible amount of their knowledge and time towards the claim of Countr y that sits between the Gnulli and Thudgari determination areas – covering an area of roughly 733 kilometres.

Traditional Owner Mr Thomas Dodd, a Yinggarda man and the Elder from his family on the Middamia claim, shared his experiences growing up on Country “I recall way back in the day when I used to come out and spend time here during my school holidays with my old people. I got the knowledge of the land and family connections which I will pass on to my next generation, so they know the connections that we got on this Country,” Mr Dodd said.

Remarking on the claimant’s deep connection to Country, The Hon. Justice Burley, who presided over the Determination, said, “You teach your children about Country, you teach them about traditional ways, hunting, fishing, and cooking. And teach them about rituals that are to be observed on Country. Your deep connection is something that you know about, and you have cherished for generations.”

Middamia families witness the determination

YMAC’s Yamatji Regional Manager Ms Chris Dann represented CEO Simon Hawkins at the Determination. She congratulated the Middamia families and highlighted that Determination means the claimants are not only recognised by the Federal Court as the Traditional Owners of the Country but they will also have certain procedural rights under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

“These procedural rights, such as the right to be consulted – ideally from the very beginning of a project – and the right to negotiate with regards to development in the Determination Area, is an opportunity for genuine partnerships between Traditional Owners and proponents and should be the way when conducting business of any kind on Country – such as mining and renewable energy projects,” Ms Dann said.

Mid L: Middamia Traditional Owners celebrate their Determination.

Mid R: Kids learning traditional ways on Country.

Top: Honourable Justice Burley addressing Middamia claimants

We would like to congratulate the Middamia families and Elders who can now celebrate their Determination, and acknowledge the Elders who have since passed for their tireless efforts and commitment to making the Middamia determination a reality. Their work allows the Middamia Traditional Owners to protect their Country and pass on ancestral knowledge to future generations.

Above: Elder and Traditional Owner Thomas Dodd

Left: YMAC legal team Pauline Gartlan and Radhika Kayarat

Right: Kids proud of their bush tucker caught on Middamia Country

Respect Rising as YMAC staff first to participate in Reconciliation WA’s visioning session

A highlight of our 2024 All Staff conference –which brings together our staff across YMAC to share knowledge and learn from external and internal presenters – was the Reconciliation WA’s Respect Rising, Little Yarn session.

Ms Thompson from Reconciliation WA shares her reconciliation vision

YMAC was privileged to be the first group of many across WA to undertake this interactive session, which Reconciliation WA have developed in the wake of the 2023 Voice Referendum.

Delivered by Pilbara-raised, Noongar woman Ms Jade Thompson alongside Reconciliation WA CEO Ms Jody Nunn, the session focused on what the future holds for reconciliation in WA as well as what we, as an organisation and as individuals, can do to build our allyship in the reconciliation space.

In her presentation, Ms Thompson shared her reconciliation vision with YMAC staff, “Aboriginal children thrive in two-worlds where both are equally valued, respected, and celebrated. When disparate life-outcomes exist only as historical truths, markers of Aboriginal peoples’ enduring strength in overcoming adversity, and as the nexus for unity in our shared story – we chose to step forward together in forging a pathway to the future, big enough for all of us to walk on.”

Throughout the session, YMAC staff shared their own experiences, feelings, challenges and aspirations for the future. The atmosphere of trust, safety and respect that the facilitators created allowed for a free exchange of

ideas on what reconciliation might look like going forward.

Ms Nunn reminded us that 6.2 million Australian voted ‘Yes’ in the 2023 Voice Referendum, and that we now have an opportunity to build off this base, mobilise and work collectively to improve the future.

On the subject of allyship, Ms Thompson shared with YMAC staff some key points, including the importance of educating yourself, of amplifying Aboriginal voices, supporting Aboriginal owned businesses and employers, engaging in respectful dialogue, and listening actively to Aboriginal people.

Reconciliation WA are using the information gained through the session to identify challenges and opportunities for action and have begun work on developing strategies and initiatives to support their work. Long-term, they hope to use some of YMAC staff’s contributions alongside those from other organisations participating in Respect Rising to create a state-wide ‘reconciliation canvas’ that will shape the future of reconciliation here in WA.

Learn more at Respect Rising - Reconciliation WA (recwa.org.au)

Reconciliation WA CEO Ms Nunn addresses YMAC staff on Allyship

Ensuring First Nations peoples lead in renewables

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) has long been an advocate for First Nations peoples regarding economic participation and equity ownership in projects on their Country.

With the rapid growth of the Greenfield renewable energy industry, YMAC has been working to assist a number of Traditional Owner groups so they can enjoy long-term economic rewards, guarantee their involvement in decision-making, and ensure their ability to protect their unique cultural heritage.

To support this work, YMAC will shortly be releasing a new Renewable Energy Guide.

The Guide will include best practice standards for engagement with Traditional Owners, plus a project timeline that discusses what to expect and plan for in a renewable energy project pathway, with specific attention to requirements that arise from Western Australia’s legal, heritage and environmental frameworks.

The guide is intended for Traditional Owners, proponents and government, and aims to:

• create opportunities to establish the highest standards for First Nations’ engagement, self-determination and economic participation, alongside genuine respect for Country and cultural heritage.

• increase business confidence in First Nations ownership and partnership models to achieve long term capital growth for communities.

• highlight the significance of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and strategies to achieve it.

• ensure First Nations peoples can seize the once-in-a-generation opportunity for full participation in the rapidly growing Greenfields renewable energy industry creating new income streams and help “Close the Gap”.

To learn more about the YMAC Renewable Energy Guide, watch for updates on www.ymac.org.au

YMAC’s Yamatji Region office has moved

Exciting times ahead for staff based at YMAC’s Geraldton office, having recently moved into their new premises at 144 Flores Road Webberton.

For the next two years the staff from our Geraldton Regional team will be working from this new office while their regular office at 171 Marine Terrace will undergo much needed renovations.

New Sea Country Alliance

YMAC was proud to have been a part of the National Native Title Council’s National Sea Country Alliance Summit, which took place in Darwin on Larrakia Country in November 2023. YMAC Senior Lawyer Ms Clare Duncanson was invited to present to delegates on a panel discussing examples of good consultation.

Ms Duncanson covered YMAC’s own experiences working with PBC clients and industry, the importance of good consultation, and the framework that YMAC has developed in-house specifically aimed at offshore oil and

gas companies – noting that good consultation requirements are specific to different groups.

The event was a great opportunity for YMAC to hear from other Native Title Representative Bodies, service providers and PBCs about their own experiences protecting Sea Country and engaging with offshore developers.

Sea Country holds immense cultural value, and Traditional Owners have a critical role to play in exercising their right and responsibilities with increased offshore exploration and development.

YMAC Senior Lawyer Ms Clare Duncanson sharing examples of good consultation

News from YMAC 2023 ARMs

YMAC’s Annual Regional Meetings (ARMs) present an opportunity for our members to receive updates on our achievements, discuss current issues, ask questions of the Board and undertake elections to the Yamatji and Pilbara Regional Committees.

The 2023 Pilbara ARM took place on Thursday 16 November on Kariyarra Country in Port Hedland.

Following the ARM, the Pilbara Regional Committee membership is:

Ms Natalie Parker Chairperson - Pilbara Regional Committee; YMAC Co-Chairperson- Pilbara Region

Mrs Eaton

Deputy Chairperson - Pilbara Regional Committee; YMAC Deputy Co-Chairperson - Pilbara Region

Ms Raylene Button also on Board of Directors

Mr Ivan Smirke also on Board of Directors

Mr Terry Jaffrey also on Board of Directors

Ms Diane Stewart also on Board of Directors

Mr Albert Pianta re-elected at ARM

The 2023 Yamatji ARM took place on Saturday 25 November on Southern Yamatji Country in Geraldton.

Following the ARM, the Yamatji Regional Committee membership is:

Mr Peter Windie

Chairperson – Yamatji Regional Committee; YMAC Co-Chairperson – Yamatji Region

Ms Deborah Oakley Deputy Chairperson – Yamatji Regional Committee; YMAC Deputy Co-Chairperson – Yamatji Region

Mr Richard Oakley also on Board of Directors

Mr Albert Winder also on Board of Directors

Ms Cicely Dowden also on Board of Directors

Ms Sharna Oakley re-elected ARM, also re-elected to Board of Directors

Mr Barry Dodd re-elected at ARM

Mr Grant Dodd newly elected at ARM

Mr Revel Oakley Sr re-elected at ARM

Mr Ben Roberts

Mr Paul Baron

Ms Tracey Tonga (Edney)

Ms Gail Bellotti

Mr Wayne Evans

As per YMAC’s Rule Book, following the Yamatji ARM, a Yamatji Regional Committee meeting was held separately to fill the board of director position that was up for renewal. Congratulations to Ms Sharna Oakley, who was re-elected.

YMAC thanks outgoing Pilbara Regional Committee members Ms Selina Stewart, Ms Nora Cooke and Mr David Cox, and outgoing Yamatji Regional Committee member Ms June Pearce, for their service.

Do you need to obtain ID? Licence Check?

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In partnership with:

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Adult Community Corrections, ALSWA & Legal Aid WA

Look for our teams at the following locations!

Ieramagadu 25 to 28 March 2024

Tom Price / Paraburdoo / Newman 15 to 19 April 2024

Jigalong / Parngurr 20 to 24 May 2024 The Aboriginal Justice Open Day is open to everyone! Here to Help You!

Yamatji Call-to-Action heard loud and clear

Following the 2023 Yamatji On-Country, YMAC has had ongoing interest from government stakeholders in both the Call to Action Statement and the Youth Statement. YMAC is part of the Midwest Aboriginal Organisations Alliance (MAOA) who have been meeting regularly and have also viewed the Call to Action Statement. They have committed to work with the community to address the Call to Action.

At the conclusion of 2023 Yamatji on Country, a letter was sent to Ministers and government agencies, updating them on meeting outcomes, which included the 2024 Call to Action, youth statement and key results from the meeting.

From these letters, YMAC have received several responses. In particular the WA Government will be providing a formal whole-of-Government response to the 2023 Yamatji On-Country Call to Action. The Department of Premier and Cabinet has committed to providing the formal response in time for the 2024 On-Country meeting.

The Youth Statement has also had some movement, with the Aboriginal Health Council of WA (AHCWA) returning to Geraldton early in 2024 to run an additional two-hour workshop with a ‘focus group’ of students from Yamatji

SAVE THE DATE 2024

Yamatji On-Country meeting held at the Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation

Wednesday 4 & Thursday 5 September

Live music and dinner on Wednesday night

Call YMAC Geraldton on (08) 9965 6222 for more information.

ymac.org.au

YMAC is unable to pay travel allowance

on Country to finalise the key messages that will be used for social media tiles and posters. AHCWA are now in the process of producing the posters and tiles.

YMAC has also been asked by the Department of Education to provide details of the schools and students involved in Yamatji on Country, so they can organise their own meetings with the students to further discuss the Youth Statement.

Exciting things are starting to happen for the Yamatji community with the Call to Action statement and Youth Statement and YMAC is pleased progress is being made.

Follow up workshop with focus group of students

Yule River keeps the pressure on

The team behind the 2024 Yule River meeting, scheduled this year for 24 and 25 July, is preparing to ramp up consultation and engagement with community, as well as keeping pressure on members of Parliament.

This year, four additional, pre-event workshops have been planned throughout the Pilbara in April, open to Aboriginal organisation representatives and community members who wish to contribute.

They are intended to provide an update on progress on the Call to Action and facilitate preliminary discussions about how community can best progress the Call to Action for further discussion at the July on-Country meeting.

At these workshops people from Newman, Roebourne and Karratha and surrounds that may not have the opportunity to get to Yule River, will be able to discuss the Call to Action and ensure it meets local needs. Government representatives will be invited to join the Hedland meeting for part of the agenda.

These preliminary workshops are building on the new approach piloted by YMAC’s Pilbara Regional Committee in 2023, aiming to make the On-Country event as productive as possible by providing more opportunity for consultation and feedback.

Last year’s pre-event meeting led to the nomination of a Call to Action Working Group. This group provided YMAC guidance in drafting the Call to Action before the Yule River meeting, and then following the meeting guidance on edits to ensure it reflected community feedback from Day 1 of the 2023 meeting before it was shared with government.

Learn more about the pre-event meetings and the Yule River On-Country meeting at: ymac.org.au

YMAC has received several letters in response to the 2023 Yule River Call to Action, including from the Premier of Western Australia Hon Roger Cook MLA and Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Hon Linda Burney MP, who attended the event in 2023. The State Government has advised YMAC it intends to provide a “Whole-of-Government” response to the Call to Action at this year’s On-Country meeting.

The Yule River meeting remains the key event to which Government Ministers are invited to hear from and discuss critical issues with Pilbara Aboriginal people.

There is no better time than now to keep advocating to make sure government remains accountable in their response to the Call to Action. The recent Productivity Commission progress report on The National Agreement on Closing the Gap, highlights the importance of Indigenous leadership and genuine community self-determination with respect to policies and programs affecting First Nations Australians. Yule River provides a vital opportunity for community to come together as one, and to lead the way on ‘closing the gap’ in the Pilbara.

Scan QR code for the Productivity Commission progress report

News from Nyangumarta Rangers

In August 2023, a team of Nyangumarta Rangers set off from Bidyadanga to make the long journey to New Well, near Pukatja in the APY Lands of South Australia.

The trip was organised as part of the Indigenous Desert Alliance Ranger Exchange Program, which gives rangers across the desert regions opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing opportunities.

The trip was planned for the rangers to learn more about the Black-footed Rock Wallaby and how other ranger groups have studied and managed them on Country. Over the course of the thirteen-day trip the Rangers recorded footage for the films they are creating of their journey, as well as a ‘How To’ guide on the Black-footed Rock Wallaby that can be shared with other Ranger Groups looking to find and study the species on their Country.

Scan the QR code to read the rest of the article.

Nyangumarta Rangers share their work adventures with the YMAC team

Nyangumarta Rangers on Country studying the Black-footed Rock Wallaby

Register for the National Land and Sea Management Forum

The National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation are partnering to deliver a First Nations Land and Water Management Forum for its Indigenous Ranger and Indigenous Protected Areas providers.

The Forum will bring together First Nations land and water managers from across Australia to celebrate and build on successful First Nations Leadership in looking after Country for the national benefit.

The event will feature three full days of presentations, an interactive marketplace, on-Country experience and an official dinner.

Location: Darwin Convention Centre Darwin, Northern Territory

Scan QR code for more information

2024 First Nations Land and Water Management Forum

YMAC hosts PBC CEO Roundtable for deeper consultation

Building on the success of previous community regional roundtables, YMAC had the pleasure of hosting a PBC CEO Roundtable on Thursday, 7 March 2024.

As part of YMAC’s Core Stakeholder Engagement Consultation (CSEC), several PBC CEOs (and other executive/senior staff) from across both of our representative areas recently gathered in Perth to discuss shared interests, concerns, achievements, and aspirations.

Designed to assist YMAC in progressing its strategic priorities and objectives, the CSEC aims to:

• seek guidance from core stakeholders regarding their collective priorities and aspirations to inform implementation of the Strategic Plan 2021-2025;

• inform future direction/s of and services offered (with a particular focus on the post-determination space); and

• provide focus relating to what additional advocacy, information-sharing and capacity-building work should be progressed.

“YMAC’s PBC CEO Roundtable enabled us to directly hear more about the unmet needs, other challenges, and opportunities available for PBCs in our regions.

It is important to YMAC to be listening to these concerns and ideas, particularly from those on the frontline who encounter the day-to-day workings of a PBC,” shared Acting YMAC CEO, Mr Nick Kimber.

The roundtable also facilitated a safe space for a diverse range of PBC CEOs to come together for peer-to-peer learning and networking, and for them to help identify new ways in which YMAC can offer its support.

Key feedback received during the roundtable highlighted several areas of interest that YMAC will be exploring further to provide guidance, advice and support to PBCs within our representative areas in future. These include (but are not limited to): renewables/decarbonisation; water rights; agreement modernisation; land access and management; heritage protection; and collective approaches.

Mr Kimber summarised the event, “The engagement and input received through this process, both prior to and during the event, is highly valued and will be an asset to YMAC going forward. The mutual benefit to participants was also reflected in the feedback we received, which is highly encouraging too.”

SAVE THE DATES: PBC REGIONAL FORUM

Tuesday, 18 and Wednesday, 19 June 2024

The Woolshed, 21 Robinson Street, Carnarvon

Supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC), the National Native Title Council (NNTC) is hosting a twoday workshop for Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs). Directors from PBCs operating in YMAC’s representative regions – Pilbara, Gascoyne, Murchison, and Mid West – are invited.

NIAA will cover travel and accommodation costs for two Directors per PBC. Other representatives are welcome to attend at their PBC’s (or their own) expense.

Designed specifically for PBC Directors, the two-day forum will be an opportunity for attendees to hear about work being carried out by NNTC and to identify and discuss issues common to the sector. Several sessions will be facilitated discussions on the potential future focuses for PBCs, examples of decision-making structures, and how collaboration and networking works across YMAC’s regions.

Representatives from Commonwealth Government agencies will be in attendance to provide a national overview of the support available to PBCs and answer questions about how PBCs operate. Other departments/organisations also set to join and present at the forum will be confirmed shortly.

The forum agenda will be circulated in coming weeks.

Please register now though, to ensure your PBC’s participation.

To confirm who from your PBC will attend, please have someone from the corporation contact YMAC Senior Business Support Officer Michelle Goodlet (P: 08 9965 6222; E: mgoodlet@ymac.org.au) to register.

Again, NIAA will cover the costs (at Australian Tax Office reasonable rates) for two people from each PBC to participate; others must have their costs covered by alternate means.

Also, as this is a development forum, sitting fees will not be paid.

For all other questions or queries, please contact NNTC by emailing

jasmine.yarran@nntc.com.au

Roberta Hunter wins Kimberley Ranger Network leadership award

Nyangumarta Ranger Ms Roberta Hunter has won the inaugural Ranger J Leadership Award at the 2023 Ranger Achievement Awards ceremony hosted by the Kimberley Land Council.

The Ranger J Award was created in honour of the first female ranger in the region who sadly passed in 2023. Ranger J was an inspiration to women rangers all throughout the State, and the award honours the woman ranger who has been judged as showing the most remarkable leadership.

Speaking after her win, Ms Hunter was thrilled with the recognition. “I felt really happy, and I was so excited to get my award. I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m so happy.” Ms Hunter wasn’t the only Nyangumarta Ranger to win an award, with both male and female Nyangumarta Rangers also being recognised with Achievements Awards for their Ranger work in 2023.

Ms Hunter was equally excited to see other Nyangumarta Rangers recognised. “We’ve got some of the young rangers working with us, they

started working with us some time this year, and they got their award for their first time. I was so happy with my Rangers getting an award too.”

Asked about what motives her work as a Ranger, Ms Hunter gave some insight into her experience. “I like working as a ranger because there are big opportunities to travel, do presentations, learn other things from other rangers, meet friends from exchange, have fun with each other on Country, and teach the young ones when we are out on Country and doing trips.”

As a leader in the field, Ms Hunter had some advice for any young people who are interested in getting involved in Ranger programs. “Don’t be scared. I was scared, but there’s lots of opportunities. Take those opportunities, step up, and be confident. And I’d like to say to my young rangers, the women rangers, good on you girls, and thank you very much for stepping up on your ranger work.”

A proud Ms Hunter receiving her award at the ceremony

Respecting Yamatji and Marlpa Country, Culture and People guide

Following the State Government repeal of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021, YMAC has revamped our guide to visiting and working in YMAC’s representative areas, relaunching it in February with new content and a new name - Respecting Yamatji and Marlpa Country, Culture and People for a better Future.

The guide now includes new content promoting the value and importance of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, information on protecting Cultural Heritage under the revised Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, and new information on Acknowledgements of and Welcome to Country. It provides advice for nonAboriginal people on how to approach and prepare for meetings and working alongside Traditional Owners in YMAC’s representative regions.

Cultural awareness and education is of critical importance to YMAC. Through making the guide available to staff, the public, and proponents engaging with PBCs in YMAC’s representative regions, it is YMAC’s intention that Cultural Heritage is fully respected, and that Traditional Owner groups in our regions can enjoy mutually respectful working relationships with government and industry, and strong outcomes for Country.

Respecting Yamatji and Marlpa Country, Culture and People for a better Future

While cultural protocols and rules can vary greatly between regions as well as individual communities, the guide offers broad advice around cultural sensibilities when in Aboriginal communities. It is not designed to be used in lieu of any direct advice that may be provided by individual language groups and/or their representative organisations.

The guide is now available on YMAC’s website. TO VIEW GUIDE SCAN QR CODE

Pilbara Solar wins Indigenous Innovation Award

Congratulations to Pilbara Solar for winning the CORE Innovation Hub’s Hot 30 – Indigenous Innovation Award in March. Here we recognise the team for all their hard work and commitment to creating a business model that provides a framework for First Nations ownership of renewable energy projects on Country and inter-generational wealth creation for First Nations peoples.

Well done to the Pilbara Solar team for your ground-breaking work -Director Dr Geoff James, Director Dr Richard Finlay-Jones, Director Mr Peter Windie, Director Njamal and Pitjikarli Elder Warinypirna (Mrs Eaton), Director Tony Manso, Managing Director Kylie Chalmers and General Manager William Davis.

To learn more about the team and Pilbara Solar’s works visit pilbarasolar.com.au

To read the CORE Innovation article on Pilbara Solar scan the QR Code

William Davis and Kylie Chalmers

Shine Lawyers stolen wages class action

The Western Australian Government has agreed to settle the case brought by Mr Mervyn Street against the WA Government on behalf of all First Nations people who weren’t paid all their wages or money between 1936 and 1972.

The WA Government has agreed to a settlement of up to $180.4 million – depending on how many people register – which the Federal Court will need to approve before any money is paid out.

If you are part of the class action and want to get a payment from the settlement, you need to complete and send in a registration form by 30 June 2024.

You are part of the class action and can register if:

a) You are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person born before 9 June 1962;

b) Between 11 December 1936 and 9 June 1972 you worked in Western Australia and worked at some time for little of no wages;

OR

c) You are representing a family member who qualifies and has since passed away (if you are their spouse (husband/wife/partner – married or de facto) or child)

You must register for the settlement by 30 June 2024 to be considered for compensation money, even if you previously told Shine Lawyers that you want to be part of the class action. Further information about who is eligible to get compensation money from the class action is in the Settlement Notice.

If you want to find out more about the case, the settlement, or ask for a registration form you can: Call Shine Lawyers on 1800 976 150 • Email Shine Lawyers at wastolenwages@shine.com.au Go to shine.com.au/stolenwageswa

YMAC gets involved – WA Aboriginal Cultural Centre

YMAC staff were recently invited to meet with the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) regarding the new Aboriginal Cultural Centre (ACC), set to be established in Boorloo (Perth) on Whadjuk Country near the culturally significant Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River).

The team at DLGSC provided a presentation that explained the project and the next steps that need to be taken to achieve the projected outcomes of the Cultural Centre.

This process will include DLGSC team members travelling on-Country to meet with community members and other organisations to gather further information and ideas on how to make it a success. It’s an exciting time for the WA community and visitors to the state who will have a place to visit and engage with that is culturally significant to Aboriginal people.

YMAC look forward to the project progressing with input from the Yamatji and Pilbara communities.

Scan this QR code to learn more

YMAC News is produced by Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation. We

YMAC Vision 2021–2025:

Through connection to Country, Aboriginal people pursue and achieve economic, social and cultural goals and aspirations with strength and confidence.

Our mission:

For current and future generations, we work with and for Australian Aboriginal people to protect rights and manage Country and opportunities.