December 2022

Defence and Veterans Legal Service

Posted: December 8th, 2022

Did you know there is a legal service available at Legal Aid WA called the Defence and Veterans Legal Service (DAVLS)?

The DAVLS has been set up to assist people who want to share their story with the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

They provide free and private legal advice about the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide to members of the public including:

• people who are serving, or have served, in the Australian Defence Force (no matter time, length or service branch); and
• family members, carers and supporters of people who are serving, or have served, in the Australian Defence Force.

The DAVLS can help people share their experiences safely, protect their privacy, help them prepare a submission, and talk to them about their rights and protections.  They can also connect people with other legal and non-legal services if required. Click here to read the DAVLS pamphlet.

For further information, please visit their website at https://defenceveteranslegalservice.org.au or call 1800 33 1800.

Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) Plan 2022–2032

Posted: December 6th, 2022

Created through a process of consultation across Nyangumarta Country in WA’s northwest Pilbara and southwest Kimberley region in 2020 and 2021, the Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) Plan 2022–2032 builds on the previous IPA Plan of Management 2015–2020 which involved extensive consultations with the Nyangumarta community between 2010 and 2015.

Through four field trips over an 18-month period, the IPA plan drew from consultation and research conducted with Elders, rangers, cultural advisors and Nyangumarta community members to ensure as much information as possible was gained on how best to encapsulate the Nyangumarta values, practices, and beliefs regarding Culture and looking after Country.

The IPA plan is currently split into six values/categories:

1. Marrngumili – Nyangumarta Law and Culture
2. Yinta – Important Sites
3. Governance and Partnerships
4. Nyangumarta People and Pathways
5. Pirra Country (Great Sandy Desert)
6. Jurrar Country (80 Mile Beach)

The management plan is a living document that will be reviewed and updated when required.   The review process is through the MeRI framework, allowing a way to make change transparent on the management plan so progress can be tracked and adapted when necessary.

The  Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) Plan 2022–2032 can be viewed here