February 2025

Do you want to have your say on the services available for Aboriginal people in Geraldton?

Posted: February 20th, 2025

The Midwest Aboriginal Organisations Alliance (MAOA)  – of which YMAC is a member – want to hear from all Aboriginal people in Geraldton about the services that you may use. Are they doing a good job? Can you access those services? Are there any services you need that aren’t already in Geraldton?

If you are interested in having a say, you can join MAOA at one of two community meetings being held in Geraldton on 25 and 26 February,  See flyer below to learn more.

Congratulations to the Wajarri Yamatji people on their successful Native Title Determination

Posted: February 18th, 2025

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) congratulates the Wajarri Yamatji people as they celebrate the Federal Court’s recognition of their connections to Country as Native Title Holders.

The Wajarri Yamatji people are celebrating Part F of their Native Title Determination, held on Southern Yamatji Country at the Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club on Thursday 13 February. The decision handed down by the Honourable Justice Murphy of the Federal Court of Australia was the sixth and final native title determination for the Wajarri Yamatji people, resolving all their claims.

This important event for the Wajarri Yamatji Native Title Holders is the culmination of a legal process spanning almost 30 years. YMAC is proud to have worked with the Wajarri Yamatji people to provide legal advice and other support for this and previous claims.

The determined area covers around 14,706 square kilometres of land and waters in Wajarri Yamatji Country, with the Wajarri Yamatji people also being recognised as holding exclusive native title over around 3,239 square kilometres.

The day’s proceedings ended with cultural dancing from Wajarri Yamatji people and time shared together over lunch.

Read more about the Wajarri Yamatji Determination in our Media Release, and view more images from the Wajarri Yamatji determination in our photo gallery.

Nanda people celebrate the Federal Court’s recognition of their connection to Country as Native Title Holders

Posted: February 18th, 2025

Last Thursday 13 February, the Honourable Justice Murphy of the Federal Court of Australia delivered the Nanda Part C Native Title Determination on Southern Yamatji Country at the Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club. This is the third successful native title determination for the Nanda people, with all native title claims now resolved.

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) congratulates the Nanda Native Title Holders, and the Nanda Aboriginal Corporation who will be taking on the important responsibilities of managing the rights and interests associated with this claim.

The area of land determined last week covers around 1,831 square kilometres of land and waters, with Nanda being recognised as holding exclusive native title over around 1,104 square kilometres.

YMAC is proud to have provided legal and other advice to the Nanda claims over the almost 30-year process.

Read more about the Nanda Determination in our Media Release.

You can also check out images from the Nanda determination in our photo gallery.

CSIRO internal Indigenous Research Grants opening soon

Posted: February 3rd, 2025

Applications for CSIRO’s internal Indigenous research grants will be opening on 24 February 2025.

There are four grant categories available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities, and organisations, designed to champion Indigenous-led research for the empowerment of community. These categories support a range of projects, from planning to large scale projects, with preference given to medium and large-scale proposals with a 50% co-contribution.

CSIRO research areas and programs include:

• The Living STEM Initiative – connecting Indigenous knowledge to the classroom
• Water – mine-dewater assessment and evaluation for cultural use and benefits
• Addressing the energy transition challenge – overcoming environmental issues such as carbon emission
• Critical minerals – consider historical abandoned mine shafts and mine dumps on Country.

CSIRO also offers research and development support for start-ups and small business, including matched funding of $10,000 – $50,000. Find out more on the CSIRO website.

For more information and to apply, contact Humera Rind at humera.rind@csiro.au or on 0472 793 522.