Country, Culture, People, Future

2026

National Threatened Species Day 2026: Celebrating conservation and community

Posted: September 3rd, 2026

This National Threatened Species Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible work being undertaken to protect some of Australia’s most vulnerable wildlife, while also joining a national celebration through our own Threatened Species Bake Off competition.

Protecting threatened species on Nyangumarta Country

The Nyangumarta Rangers are leading an important conservation initiative across Nyangumarta Country in northwest Australia, which stretches from Eighty Mile Beach into the Great Sandy Desert and spans the ecologically significant Pilbara and Kimberley regions.

Working in partnership with scientists and other Ranger groups, the Nyangumarta Rangers are focused on protecting four threatened and culturally important species:

  • Northern quoll
  • Northern brush-tail possum
  • Greater bilby
  • Black-flanked rock wallaby

Recent surveys have highlighted the national significance of these populations. Northern quolls, northern brush-tail possums and black-flanked rock wallabies have been rediscovered in the region, while surveys have identified what may be Western Australia’s largest wild bilby population within the Eighty Mile Beach dune system.

To protect these species, Rangers are implementing a large-scale conservation program that combines traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary conservation science.

Activities include:

  • Feral cat and fox control using Felixers, trapping and targeted shooting
  • Right-way cultural burning to reduce wildfire risk and predator impacts
  • Monitoring and adaptive management informed by ecological, spatial and biocultural knowledge
  • Knowledge sharing, training and capacity building with Indigenous Ranger groups and conservation partners

The project reflects the strength of Indigenous-led land and sea management and the importance of caring for Country the right way.

Celebrating conservation together

National Threatened Species Day reminds us that protecting Australia’s unique plants and animals requires collaboration, innovation and ongoing commitment.

Whether it’s through on-ground conservation work, sharing knowledge, supporting Indigenous-led Ranger programs or simply participating in a bake-off, every contribution helps raise awareness of the importance of protecting our threatened species for future generations.

This September, let’s celebrate the incredible work happening on-Country and get behind the National Threatened Species Bake Off as we come together in support of Australia’s remarkable wildlife.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EOIs open for the Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Water Interests

Posted: August 31st, 2026

The Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Water Interests (CAWI) is seeking Expressions of Interest for new members. The CAWA contributes to national water reform and help ensure First Nations voices shape policies, programs and legislation affecting inland waters across Australia, and provides high-level policy advice and engagement with governments and key stakeholders on Australia’s inland waters.

CAWI are looking for people with experience in cultural and western water rights and interests; water science management or policy; leadership and governance; advocacy and working with government; strategic communications; and policy development and planning.

Sitting and reading fees, as well as travel, accommodation, and allowances are paid.

Applications close on Sunday 20 September 2026, 9.59pm AWST.

For more information and to apply, visit the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website.

Healing for you and your mob after road trauma

Posted: August 25th, 2026

Road trauma can have a deep and lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities — especially for First Nations people, where wellbeing, culture, and connection to Country are central to healing.

Healing for You and Your Mob After Road Trauma is a resource offering culturally informed guidance, practical support, and pathways to care for anyone affected by a crash. It encourages reaching out to trusted people, community supports, or health professionals, reminding readers that it’s never too late to seek help.

Road trauma affects more than just the people involved in a crash — it impacts families, friends, and communities, as well as witnesses and first responders. First Nations people may experience additional layers of impact, including cultural and community disruption. Everyone’s healing journey is different, and it takes time.

Support from family, community, and trusted people can make a big difference in coping after a crash. It’s okay to ask for help — speaking with a GP, counsellor, psychologist, or other health worker can support healing.

It’s never too late to seek support, no matter when the crash happened.

To learn more and access the full resource, visit the Road Trauma Support WA website.

Further resources:

 

PBC Strategic Projects Grants

Posted: August 7th, 2026

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) ‘Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC) Strategic Projects Grants’ is intended to provide funding to deliver strategic and economic development activities, work with government and industry, undertake planning, and establish partnerships and business enterprises which generate long-term economic opportunities.

The program, which is accepting applications until Saturday, 30 June 2029, aims to support PBCs to take advantage of strategic and economic opportunities, as well as effective native title agreement-making and partnerships with government and industry.

Grant opportunities are expected to range between $50,000 and $750,000, covering a period of up to three years.

For more information, contact your local NIAA Regional Office on 1800 079 098, or search the NIAA website.

Fulfilling the Promise of Mabo: ALRC recommendations to Future Acts reform

Posted: August 7th, 2026

The Mabo Centre is hosting a symposium addressing and responding to the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) Report, Fulfilling the Promise of Mabo: Reforming the Future Acts Regime. It will be held on Monday, 17 August – Tuesday, 18 August, in Naarm (Melbourne) on Wurundjeri Country.

The symposium will explore the practical implications of proposed changes, identify pathways for implementation, and foster discussion on creating a fairer and more efficient future acts regime.

The Mabo Centre is also offering travel support, including flights and up to two nights’ accommodation, for Traditional Owners who have been endorsed from an invited corporation (i.e. a PBC) to attend on their behalf.

For more information, visit the symposium’s event page, and to discuss potential travel support, email info@mabocentre.com with the travel request and endorsement documentation.

NAIDOC Week 2026: 50 Years of Deadly

Posted: July 3rd, 2026

NAIDOC Week begins this Sunday, 5 July – a time to come together in recognition and celebration of the rich history, diverse cultures, and remarkable achievements of our First Nations peoples. 

This year marks an important milestone: 50 years of NAIDOC Week. That’s five decades of honouring and amplifying the voices, resilience, and cultural strength of First Nations people. 

The 2026 theme, “50 Years of Deadly”, invites us not only to reflect on the past but also to look ahead with hope and pride. It celebrates the strength of all First Nations people, the vision of their communities, and the enduring legacy that their ancestors have passed down to today’s young leaders. 

NAIDOC Week is a meaningful opportunity to honour First Nations peoples and to recognise the importance of celebrating culture and supporting self-determination.  

Be sure to follow our YMAC LinkedIn page throughout NAIDOC Week as we highlight the journey so far, celebrating the leadership of today, and looking to the future being shaped by community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply now to join the EDO First Nations Strategic Advisory Committee

Posted: July 2nd, 2026

The Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from First Nations people to join the First Nations Strategic Advisory Committee (FNSAC).

The FNSAC provides First Nations cultural advice to the EDO to strengthen outcomes for First Nations people. It will also support the development of a First Nations Program, including a First Nations Strategy and input into work areas such as climate justice, cultural heritage, and advocacy.

Applications are encouraged from people with community and grassroots experience, cultural knowledge and connection to Country, and expertise across areas including policy, climate or environmental work, cultural heritage, law, governance, and advocacy. This includes First Nations Elders and those with cultural authorities, emerging First Nations leaders, First Nations people from remote and regional areas, and First Nations people with diverse lived experience and perspectives.

Remuneration and travel support will be provided, with members contributing to about five meetings per year. Applications can be submitted in written, audio, or video form, with the EOI process closing on Friday 7 August 2026.

Apply via this EOI online form, or email Jonathon.captainwebb@edo.org.au for more information.

Stay protected this Winter

Posted: July 1st, 2026

Protect yourself and your mob against common viruses by getting vaccinated this Winter.

With viruses constantly changing, it is important to keep up to date with vaccinations – especially as we start getting older.

If you fall into one of the below categories, you are eligible for free vaccination:

  • Influenza (the flu): All First Nations people in Australia over 6 months old, once every 12 months.
  • COVID-19: Everyone over the age of 65, once every 12 months.
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): All First Nations people over the age of 60, one dose.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released a series of resources for sharing among First Nations communities to encourage people to vaccinate against the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. These resources include a fact sheet, a poster, social media tiles, a printable eligibility card, and videos – including an advert featuring Troy Cassar-Daley.

Find out more and download the resources on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

 

Certificate III in On Country Management

Posted: June 19th, 2026

North Metropolitan TAFE is offering a Certificate III in On Country Management at their Midland Campus, with a Semester 2 2026 intake.

The course is designed for First Nations people who want to work on Country, following cultural protocols and combining traditional knowledge with modern land management practices. It is delivered through classroom learning as well as hands-on, field-based training.

First Nations people aiming towards being an Indigenous Ranger, tour guide, cultural interpreter, council or government worker, land management employee, bushland officer, or cultural heritage officer will benefit from this course.

For more information, download this flyer or visit the North Metropolitan TAFE website.

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, 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.

This will close in 15 seconds