On Tuesday, 13 and Wednesday, 14 September 2022, YMAC hosted the ‘Joint Management Forum’.
This free, online event was targeted towards Western Australian Traditional Owners (and their representative organisations) who have experienced joint management firsthand, as well as those starting to negotiate similar arrangements. It provided a platform for presenters and attendees alike to share their experiences in an effort to identify what works, challenges, and strategies to reduce risk and grow strong partnerships for the benefit of everyone.
Presentations and panel discussions focused on Western Australian-specific experiences (Day One), as well as other examples from across Australia (Day Two). (See the daily agendas below.)
Topics and issues addressed throughout the forum included:
· overviews of processes undertaken to-date;
· highlights experienced;
· challenges faced;
· lessons learnt;
· how those involved would do things differently in hindsight; and
· possible future opportunities and aspirations.
Presenting organisations included:
· the Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions,
· Yawuru Aboriginal Corporation (Kimberley, WA),
· Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation (Pilbara, WA),
· Tarlka Matuwa Piarku Aboriginal Corporation – Mantjiljarra Yulparirra (Western Desert, WA),
· Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (South Coast, WA),
· Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation (Queensland), and
· Gunaikurnai Land & Waters Aboriginal Corporation (Victoria),
as well as joint management experts Dr José Kalpers (WA), Dr Bill Kruse (WA), Peter Donohoe (Northern Territory), and Dr Dermot Smyth (Queensland).
(Unfortunately, neither Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation from the Gascoyne, WA, nor Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council from the Jervis Bay Territory – due to scheduling conflicts and technical issues, respectively – were able to present as planned.)
Recordings from the forum are available via YMAC’s YouTube.
A report summarising the discussions and outcomes of the forum is in development and will be shared on our website once finalised.
Agendas:
Should you have any questions about the forum, please contact Projects Coordinator Teri O’Neill (E: toneill@ymac.org.au; P: 0418 115 908).