Country, Culture, People, Future

February 2023

NNTC online seminar on the Voice to Parliament – register now!

Posted: February 27th, 2023

On Thursday, 2 March 2023 [10am-11.30am (AWST)], the National Native Title Council (NNTC) is hosting an online seminar about the Voice to Parliament for native title holders.

The seminar is intended to provide information by way of an expert panel of First Nations peoples about the Voice to Parliament and address some of the confusion and uncertainty attendees may be feeling. The panellists will include:

  • Jamie Lowe
  • Tony McAvoy SC
  • Dr Hannah McGlade
  • Dr Eddie Cubillo
  • Rachel Perkins
  • Clinton Benjamin

To learn more about the seminar and panellists, please visit the NNTC website or contact the NNTC.

To register for this seminar, please follow the instructions here. Note: registrations close Tuesday, 28 February 2023.

The Voice, Native Title & Sovereignty – Unpacking the Issues

YMAC employee appointed to DWER advisory group

Posted: February 14th, 2023

Congratulations to YMAC Land and Sea Management Project Coordinator Marika Oakley, who has been appointed as a regional representative on the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s (DWER) Aboriginal Water and Environment Advisory Group.

Established in 2018, the group was designed to ensure First Nations knowledge, values and needs are considered and addressed across DWER strategies, programs and planning when managing WA’s environment and water resources.

The group comprises 14 First Nations members covering the Kimberley, Pilbara, Great Sandy Desert, Goldfields-Esperance, South West and Perth with Marika – based in YMAC’s Geraldton office – representing the Gascoyne-Mid West region.

Marika’s insight and knowledge, delivered from a First Nations perspective, will make a valuable contribution. She previously worked as a Malgana ranger for two years and has a certificate III in conservation and land management and certificate IV in bush and western herbal medicine. Marika was also the inaugural chair of Malgana Aboriginal Corporation (MAC), following a native title determination in 2018.

“I have always been interested in conservation and looking after Country and my people,” Marika said.

YMAC’s Land and Sea Management unit works on research and development for new ranger projects and Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs); Healthy Country Planning (strategic planning for cultural and natural heritage); advice on environmental matters; funding applications; and sustainable financing.

The unit also provides project management for ranger and IPA projects; advice and support for joint management, training and capacity-building for senior staff and rangers; advice on Indigenous Land Use Agreement negotiations that cover ranger; fee-for-service and governance structures; and support for groups in creating new jointly vested and managed reserves with the State Government.

The flagship Nyangumarta rangers program operates with support from YMAC’s Land and Sea Management unit, in collaboration with the Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation.

Marika Oakley, centre bottom row, during her time as a Malgana ranger.

Marika Oakley, centre bottom row, during her time as a Malgana ranger.

Free NIAA training workshops for PBCs

Posted: February 3rd, 2023

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) is offering free training workshops for board members and staff of Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), delivered by Supreme Court of Victoria barrister and solicitor Shane Carroll.

Workshops cover corporate governance for PBC Boards – for existing PBCs or those on a pathway to becoming a PBC – with participation open to directors, future directors and staff.

Mr Carroll has extensive experience as a legal consultant for a wide cross-section of private and public sector organisations and currently conducts training modules and provides advice for the Federal and State Governments, along with First Nations organisations including NTRB/SPs and PBCs.

Free workshops are available until 30 June 2023; a venue and catering needs to be provided by the PBC.

For further details, contact Shane Carroll on 0411 472 833. Download the flyer for more information.

Country is our mother, the provider and keeper of cultural belongings. Country and Culture go together. You can’t have one without the other.

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians throughout Western Australia, and on whose Country we work. We acknowledge and respect their deep connection to their lands and waterways.

We honour and pay respect to Elders, and to their ancestors who survived and cared for Country.

Our offices are located on Whadjuk Country, Southern Yamatji Country, Yinggarda Country, Kariyarra Country, and Yawuru Country. We recognise the continuing culture, traditions, stories and living cultures on these lands and commit to building a brighter future together.

Disclaimer: Caution: Please be advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased people.

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