Ngurrara Rangers snag Lotterywest grant for Unimog

We’re pleased to announce that we recently won a Lotterywest grant, which has allowed us to acquire some much needed assets, including a UNIMOG TRUCK! This truck will go anywhere and will help us deposit fuel for our cool season burning programs and support our return to country trips. The Lotterywest grant also helped us get new weather stations and new water monitoring gear so we can better understand the impact of climate change on Ngurrara Country and Jila sites. It’s great to have such supportive partners like Lotterywest.

Job Opportunity - Indigenous Protected Area Manager

The Ngurrara Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) Manager works together with the Ngurrara Ranger Team and the Ngurrara Traditional Owner group to ensure Ngurrara country is managed consistent with customary law and the Ngurrara Healthy Country Plan.

The Ngurrara IPA Manager will enhance community ownership, involvement and capacity to support the management of Ngurrara country through employment, skills development, governance, consultation, promotion and pride. This position will coordinate the implementation of the Ngurrara  Healthy Country Plan through supporting the Ngurrara IPA Steering Committee, Ngurrara Rangers and project partners.

The position reports to the Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and core responsibilities include: 

• Coordinating the Ngurrara Land Management program; 

• Directing and supporting activities of the Men's and Women's Ranger programs; 

• Providing on the ground support and coordination of activities in the annual work plan; 

• Overseeing the collection and secure storage of traditional knowledge; 

• Ensuring financial management and oversight of budgets and submission of program reports.

The position is an exciting opportunity to support the Ngurrara Ranger Program - renowned in the desert for its strong Cultural Governance and established fire and Jila (freshwater) management.

To apple, head to: https://www.seek.com.au/job/73761130?ref=search-standalone&type=standard#sol=1b33cacd1f2838049c6fa74e1cc6cad61b03c725

NOTICE OF PBC DIRECTORS' MEETING

📢 NOTICE OF YANUNIJARRA PBC DIRECTORS MEETING 📅

Directors: Ronnie Jimbidie, Marmingee Hand, Sarah Muller, Irene Jimbidie, Kaye Cox, Buggura Woia, Caston Chunchu, Dunbar Nunju, Claude Forrest, James Berringal, Gary Clancy, Polly Juboy

Cultural Advisors: Percy Brown, Stanley Thirkall, Ruth Pindan, Amy Nuggett, Edgar Pike, Sally Gunyan, Frank Smiler

🏠 Venue: Marra Worra Worra – Fitzroy Crossing 📅 Date: Wednesday 28th February, 2024 ⏰ Time: 9.00am – 4.30pm

This is a meeting for Yanunijarra Directors and Cultural Advisors. 🌟

Peter Murray steps down from YAC after ten years at the helm; fifteen years looking after country

It is with mixed emotions that I’m standing down as Chief Executive of Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation after 15 years of dedicated service. I started my journey with Ngurrara as the Working on Country Coordinator, employed through the Kimberley Land Council. I loved the opportunity to learn from the old people and to work on our land as a ranger. I did this for about three years, before taking on the Indigenous Protected Area Land Manager’s position, and then finally transitioning to Chief Executive Officer.

This was a role I held for ten years.

One of the highlights of my time as CEO was working to build the capabilities of the organisation and the capacity of the staff, especially through mentoring our men’s and women’s ranger coordinators, Chantelle Murray and Frankie McCarthy. I am grateful to my elders who accepted me in this leadership role and continued to teach and to guide me on a traditional level. For ten years I was able to fulfil my passion to be out on my country, to look after my country, and to create opportunities for other Ngurrara people to do the same. My elders lifted me up to the level where I could do this. Managing Yanunijarra presented many challenges, which have helped to shape the leader I am today. I am very grateful for this.

I stayed with Yanunijarra for fifteen years—a long time to serve in any organisation—because of my love and passion for managing our native title lands. I saw the number of rangers grow and the number of Traditional Owners getting back out onto country increase every year. I’ve seen our organisation spread its wings and become self-reliant and sustainable. I’ve seen traditional knowledge passed on to our young people.

This is where the future of our organisation lies.

It’s now time to step back. There are many young people coming up with views on how our land can be best managed and I encourage them to come forward and to put their hands up for the CEO position. It’s a really good opportunity for members interested in the kinds of projects Yanunijarra delivers to grow their leadership and their capacity.

In the short term, Kevin Tromp will be interim General Manager, working closely with our Ngurrara Men and Women’s ranger coordinators. Over the next 3—6 months Kevin will be responsible for recruiting a new Ngurrara Healthy Country Manager and new Chief Executive; he’ll also ensure our compliance is up to scratch and the day-to-day operations continue smoothly.

While I am sad to be leaving Yanunijarra I’m excited about the opportunity ahead—I’ve been asked to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC).

This is a great privilege, and I am eager to throw myself into the challenge ahead.

I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to my elders, community, family, colleagues and friends who have supported me, believed in me and stood by me through thick and thin on this long journey.

— Peter Murray, Former Yanunijarra CEO

Annual General Meeting Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation

Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (ICN 7478)
NOTICE OF 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
Who: Members of the Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC
Where: Ngurtawarta Community
When: Wednesday 22 November 2023
Time: 8:30am start

Please note, the AGM will no longer be held at Djugarari and the date has been changed out of respect for Sorry Business.

AGENDA

1.         Introduction, quorum and Welcome

2.         Code of conduct, apologies and proxies

3.         Checking Register of Members

4.         Passing of minutes from previous AGM

5.         Presentation of reports general, financial and audit

6.         Appointments and Remuneration of Auditor

7.         Appointment of Directors

8.         Other business including questions

DEADLINE FOR TRAVEL ASSISTANCE REQUESTS IS FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER 2023
For travel arrangements fuel orders please contact Scott Cox at the Kimberley Land Council on 9194 0100 by no later than Friday 20 October 2023. For all other questions about the meeting please contact Peter Murray on 0418 961 951.

DIRECTOR APPOINTMENTS
The Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (ICN 7478) (YAC) Rule Book has the rules for appointing directors. YAC must have at least 3 directors (rule 7.1.1) and must not have more than 12 directors (rule 7.1.2). Directors of YAC must be selected on the basis that there will be an equal number of male and female directors (rule 7.1.2)

To be a director of YAC, you have to be a member of the YAC, not have been disqualified from managing Aboriginal corporations and not be a director of another registered native title body corporate (rule 7.2.1).

YAC appoints directors by resolution at a general meeting or an AGM (rule 7.3.1). Directors are appointed on rotation for a 2 year term, so that the appointment of half of the directors expires each year (rule 7.4).

Directors must give their consent in writing to act as a director (rule 7.2.3), using the form at Schedule 6 of the YAC Rule Book, before the appointment takes effect.

Directors must meet a certain number of times each year and govern the operations of the PBC. Directors have legal duties they have to follow, like declaring conflicts of interest and not using their position improperly.

Should you wish to be considered for appointment as a director of Yanunijarra PBC you must attend the 2023 AGM in person to give your consent in writing for the appointment to take effect.

Before being appointed, any new YAC director will need to apply for a Director Identification Number. Information on how to apply for a Director Identification Number is attached to this Notice.

Information about Proxies

• Members are entitled to appoint a person as proxy to attend and vote for them at the AGM

• A person appointed as a proxy has the same rights as the member for who they are acting as a proxy

• A proxy appointment is valid if the member making the appointment provides a signed proxy form to the Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC ICN 7478

• Proxy documents must be received by the Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC ICN 7478 at least 48 hours before the AGM for the appointment to be effective

• The proxy form is attached to this notice. If you intend to appoint a proxy to represent you as a member at the AGM please complete the form and return it to 8 Flynn Drive, Fitzroy Crossing, WA 6765

Schedule 3 • Proxy form
APPOINTMENT OF PROXY: Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006
Please download proxy form by clicking here.

Do you love drawing and graphic design? Would you be up for designing us a new logo?

📢 COMPETITION TIME!! 📢 Do you want to be in the running to WIN a swag (1st prize), tent (2nd prize), or camp chair (third prize)? Do you love drawing, art and logo design? The Ngurrara Rangers need your help! We want a new logo that incorporates:

💦 Land: the Great Sandy Desert( Ngurrara) and the Fitzroy River( Yi-Martuwarta)
🐟 Animals and fish
🌿 Native plants from the desert and river areas
🌔 Dreamtime story from the Walmajarri Group.
👣 Working together as one

Please send your submissions to: peter@yanunijarra.org.au.
Your logo be hand drawn, photographed and sent through as a high res JPG, OR it can be designed on the computer and emailed through as a PDF or JPG that way. Make sure you include your name, age, contact number and email address in your submission.

Thank you, happy creating!

Yanunijarra extends condolences to bereaved family

Yanunijarra and the Ngurrara Rangers were deeply saddened to hear the news that a 76-year-old man passed away while travelling through our country. It’s been reported that the man became bogged between Wells 43 and 44. In attempting to free his car, he became fatally injured.

The Canning Stock Route attracts travelers from all over Australia and the world. As the Traditional Owners for part of the stock route, we recognise our role in ensuring the safety and well-being of all those who venture through it. We take this responsibility seriously, and incidents such as these weigh heavily on our hearts.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased. Yanunijarra and the Ngurrara Rangers extend our deepest condolences and hope they find the strength and support needed to cope with their loss.

As we navigate through the aftermath of this tragic event, we urge all travelers to exercise caution and be mindful of the unique challenges posed by the Canning Stock Route's remote environment.

We're looking for a skilled Governance Officer

JOB TITLE: Ngurrara Governance and Administration Officer
REPORTS TO: Yanunijarra CEO
LOCATION: Kimberley based / remote upon negotiation.
SALARY: $75,000 negotiable
TERMS:  A twelve-month contract with three-month probation
ALLOWANCES: Rental support, district allowance, salary sacrificing options available

ABOUT US: Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation was established in 2007 to manage approximately 77, 595 square kilometers of exclusive possession native title. Since it was first set up, Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation has been striving to develop a range of business initiatives for Ngurrara people. We’re creating opportunities for our people to work on country, look after country and teach about country.

ROLE DESCRIPTION: Under the direction and supervision of the YAC CEO, the Governance and Administration Officer provides high-level governance support to Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation  and administration support to staff, but mainly to the CEO and Ngurrara Country Manager (NCM). This position works closely with the KRED Finance team in Broome to ensure that day-to-day operations can be delivered.

GOVERNANCE DUTIES: 

1.     Provide quality governance and related organisational risk management functions in an efficient, effective and compliant manner that supports the organisation , and represents YAC in a professional manner at all times.

2.     Provide day-to-day governance support to the Yanunijarra PBC including:

·       Develop, review, update and/or maintain organisational policies and procedures;
·       Monitor the organisations compliance with legislative changes including the CATSI Act and the PBC Regulations;
·       Develop and maintain an organisation compliance register to ensure compliance is maintained throughout the year;
·       Undertake an annual reviews of delegations in conjunction with the appropriate staff to ensure staff hold the appropriate authorisations and delegations;
·       Support the development of a governance and risk framework to assist YAC in risk management related processes.
·       Maintain shared electronic and paper filing system to ensure compliance;

3.     Assist the CEO with the governance requirements of the PBC which include:

·       Uploading governance documentation and updating online organisation information with ORIC;
·       Develop and maintain a Director information file;
·       Identify governance requirements and Director training opportunities.
·       Taking minutes and documenting presentations for PBC Board and all sub committee meetings;
·       Ensuring compliance with all organisation policies and procedures: and
·       Developing Board Papers and Board Meeting agenda items.

4.     Contribute to the development, implementation and achievement of YAC’s Strategic Plan as well with any Business Plan in accordance with the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework:

·       Actively contribute to business planning activities with a focus on the principles of continuous improvement in governance and risk management;
·       Develop, maintain and report upon a prioritised improvement plan for governance and risk management that can be provided to the Audit (Finance and Risk) Committee on a regular basis.

ADMINISTRATION DUTIES:

5.     Provide day to day administrative support to the CEO and the Ngurrara Country Manager with the preparation of Board Meetings, staff meetings and committee meetings including:

·       Assisting in the organising of PBC meetings and events as requested; 
·       Bookings for staff, director and committee members travel and accommodation, venue hire and catering;
·       Notifying attendees, scheduling transport & travel, preparing attendance fee documents for payment and distribution of remittances.
·       Organising any additional logistics and liaising with any third parties who might be presenting at the meetings.
·       Maintain supplier lists and place orders/make bookings for supplies and equipment,
·       Facilitate the purchasing of goods, services, and equipment by raising purchase orders;
·       Oversee the care and maintenance of the office and office supplies & equipment in Broome and Fitzroy Crossing.
·       Assist CEO and Healthy Country Manager with credit card reconciliations.

6.     Liaise with the KRED Finance staff in Broome to carry out administrative processing services including purchase orders, travel allowances and other travel booking services, and processing casual payments.

7.     Assist in the organising of ranger meetings, project partner workshops, staff meetings, ranger field trips and Ngurrara Country Advisory Committee meetings.

8.     Assist the NCM with grant management and acquittal, duties include:

·       Maintaining a grant calendar,
·       Support with basic reporting and expenditure of grants,
·       Support with basic grant writing and application.

9.     Assist the Coordinators in maintaining accurate and up-to-date asset registers, ensuring that all information required for insurance and contractual purposes is current and provided to YAC as requested. The officer will also be responsible for arranging any other insurances, should they be instructed to do so. 

10.  Maintain shared Ranger team calendars and information boards to ensure accurate information on team activities and staff movements is available to the team. This may include recording:

·       Times and locations of planned activities,
·       Search and rescue forms,
·       Staff leave and movements,
·       Committee and team meetings,
·       Regional events,
·       Periodic asset checks,
·       Odd jobs and completion of duties checklists.

11.  Assist with media and communications as requested by the coordinators, which may include:

·       A regular ranger or healthy country newsletter,
·       Assistance with printing needs related to YAC publications,
·       Assist the YAC media and communications officer with social media and website updates
·       Providing simple stories & assisting the KRED & KLC Media Coordinator and liaison with YAC Country Manager and Coordinators for the YAC Facebook and website.

1. Any other duties within the scope of this position.

2. Comply with all YAC / Ngurrara policies and procedures.

3. Participate in YAC/Ngurrara Teams planning & activities, including the AGM and SCM.

 
Essential Criteria:
- Experience working with Aboriginal communities or organisations,
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies impacting Aboriginal communities,
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively,
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal,
- Demonstrated experience in managing executive-level calendars, travel arrangements, and meeting coordination,
- Proficient computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and grant management systems,
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain a high level of professionalism,
- Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team,
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure,
- Demonstrated commitment to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.

Desirable Criteria:
- Relevant tertiary qualification in business administration, management, or a related field,
- Familiarity with electronic document management systems and other administrative tools,
- Knowledge of Indigenous governance structures and protocols,
- Experience in organising and coordinating events or community engagement activities,
- Familiarity with social media platforms and online communication tools for promoting organisational activities.

HOW TO APPLY: Please send your CV and a detailed cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria to Peter Murray on peter@yanunijarra.org.au. For further information on the position please contact Kevin Tromp on countrymanager@yanunijarra.org.au.

CANVAS FLOWN TO BROOME FOR WATER DAMAGE INSPECTION

Last Wednesday (11/01) the Ngurrara Canvas was successfully transported from Fitzroy Crossing to the KLC offices in Broome. It was a smooth operation with a great crew on the ground at Karrayili - thank you to the team, who came together with very little notice! In Broome the canvas was placed across tables in the KLC conference rooms to allow air to circulate over the work and to check its condition. It seems that the quick thinking of everyone in Fitzroy has saved the canvas from any lasting water damage. It was managed very well with regular checks done by Amber and others.

A thorough inspection has revealed several areas where very small areas of paint have chipped off. There are also several areas where the thicker paint has cracked but these are barely visible. We have been monitoring these areas and little has changed. They are definitely not the result of the flood event.

Work will begin to prepare the canvas for storage in Broome. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sarah Parriman sarah.parriman@klc.org.au or Karen Dayman on karen.dayman@klc.org.au or on: 0429 502 564 / 0429 915 051.

Precious canvas rescued from rising floodwaters

Photo by Andrea Myers.

Flooding in the remote Kimberley town of Fitzroy Crossing has prompted an emergency rescue effort to save an artwork of immense cultural significance. The 8 x 10m Ngurrara Canvas was painted by Ngurrara Traditional Owners to prove their connection to country when battling for native title. It’s a living document that illustrates all the freshwater jumu (soaks) and jila (springs) across the Great Sandy Desert—the country Ngurrara people call home.

Up until yesterday the painting was safely housed at Mangkaja Arts Resource Agency, a space which serves as an art gallery and studio for local artists. But Traditional Owners became concerned when the floodwaters kept rising. Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation’s Amber McCarthy liaised with other corporation members to lead the rescue effort.

‘There was water all through Mangkaja—it’s affected the paintings of elders and local people. We waded through water above our knees, up to our thighs. It was scary. We were all emotional at the start, really anxious.’

‘The canvas was in a storage box above the flood line, but there was a bit of water in there. A lot of people across town have been flat out dealing with damage to their own places, so we were lucky to have hands on deck to pull the canvas out of the box and carry it to safety,’ Ms McCarthy says.

It’s still too early to tell the full extent of the water’s impact, as the canvas is yet to be assessed by a conservator. Yanunijarra is hopeful it will dry quickly, as the biggest problem will be mould. At this stage there is no indication there will be lasting damage. The quick thinking of community members means the work is now housed in a dry location.

Ngurrara Canvas Committee member Terry Murray says the canvas is ‘a living treasure of native title.’

‘Looking at the canvas makes us strong inside because it’s the journey of our elders, our artists and the land itself.’

Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation has a vision to secure a safe permanent home for the canvas, on country.

For interviews about the rescue please contact:
Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation Administration Officer
Amber McCarthy 0455 538 468

For broader information about the canvas please contact:
Ngurrara Canvas Committee Member
Terry Murray 0460 681 519

Ngurrara Women Rangers craft powerful story with giant puppets

Over the last month or so, our Ngurrara women rangers have been busy crafting a powerful story using giant puppets. The story showcases our on-country fire management work. We’ve had a great time working with the Yakanarra elders, Yakanarra School and Big Country Puppets on seeing the story come to life! There’s a fantastic interview with Goolarri, which you can listen to via the link below, and we’re pleased to share these beautiful photos by Sarah Duguid.

LISTEN HERE

Thank you to Yakanarra School, Goolarri, Big Country Puppets, Theatre Kimberley and National Indigenous Australians Agency.

Workshop Notice - Healthy Country Planning Meeting

Indigenous representatives from Australia, Canada find shared ground through Two Deserts Exchange

Traditional Owners from Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert have just returned from visiting Inuit representatives in Canada, where they developed a deeper understanding of what connects Indigenous peoples together—even those who live halfway across the world.

The trip marked the beginning of the Two Deserts Exchange, a new program that aims to connect Indigenous peoples from either side of the planet who have thrived since time immemorial in extreme temperatures and challenging climates. In this inaugural visit, representatives from the Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation and Ngurrara Rangers travelled to Nunatsiavut, a self-governing Inuit region in northern Labrador. The exchange is creating opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing about best practices in Indigenous-led governance and land management. “We were very pleased to welcome the people of Ngurrara to Nunatsiavut, ‘Our Beautiful Land,’” said Johannes Lampe, president of the Nunatsiavut Government.

Peter Murray, chief executive of Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation, says the trip has been thought-provoking given the many similarities between the issues facing Indigenous peoples in Canada and Australia. “Relationship to the land is central to both our cultures, and the world is now recognizing that Indigenous people have expertly managed country for thousands of years,” Murray says. “So recognizing our rights over that land—and managing it in a way that aligns with our values—is crucial, not only for us but for the future health of the planet.”  

Indigenous groups from both countries have a long history of influencing each other on the path to achieving recognition and support for Indigenous rights, including self-government, the creation of protected areas, and land management. As part of their visit, the Indigenous representatives from Australia also visited Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the national Inuit organization headquartered in Ottawa, where they met ITK president Natan Obed.

Along with their visions for the future, the two groups shared some of the challenges facing Indigenous communities in Inuit Nunangat and Australia. Both are on the frontlines of climate change: rising temperatures are causing sea ice to form later and melt earlier, making travel across the sea ice more difficult for Inuit, while the increasing heat of the Australian desert makes it almost impossible to go out on the land at certain times of year. “As we face these

threats to our livelihoods, it’s good to connect with Inuit leaders so that we can learn from each other and develop strategies to deal with these challenges,” Murray says.

Mr. Murray hopes the relationships developed on this trip will continue. “I’d like more leaders and rangers back home to be able to share this opportunity to meet and exchange knowledge with our new friends in the Arctic. We’d love to welcome a contingent of Inuit representatives to visit the Great Sandy Desert next year, too.”

President Lampe also expressed interest in a future visit. “Labrador Inuit Elders have said that ‘our footprints are everywhere’ across our land. But if we went to Australia, our footprints would truly be everywhere.”  

The exchange was made possible thanks to collaboration and support from Oceans North, the Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) and The Pew Charitable Trusts.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Peter Murray, Chief Executive, Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation
Email: peter@yaninijarra.org.au
+61 0418 961 951

Bert Pomeroy, Director of Communications, Nunatsiavut Government
bert.pomeroy@nunatsiavut.com
1-709-896-8582

Ngurrara Rangers get back to country

The Ngurrara Rangers went on a powerful back to country trip last week with Percy Brown and his family. We visited Yari, Lumpu Jurnjati and Puluwala, and along the way, we undertook burning, went hunting, and collected bush tucker.

The trip was particularly important as Selina was able to bring out Leewayne, Jamahl and Rohanee to country for the first time. It's always great to see people back on country~!

We were accompanied on this trip by Goolarri Media Enterprises, who are helping develop a film featuring our traditional lands ahead of a ranger exchange to Canada with our partners Indigenous Desert Alliance.

All in all, it was a fantastic week. Thanks to the support from State Natural Resource Management Program WA. Here's a couple of lovely photos!

Yanunijarra Prospectus 2022

We're pleased to share with you our 2022 Prospectus. Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation and its team of Ngurrara Rangers are currently accepting expressions of interest for research partnerships. If you’re an academic or researcher interested in establishing projects on our Ngurrara native title area, then we would love to hear from you. Our skilled and highly motivated rangers are also available for a range of fee for service work, including fencing, weeding, burning, and cultural heritage surveys. Finally, we are running cultural awareness packages for people living and working in Ngurrara communities or on Ngurrara land. For more information please contact Yanunijarra’s chief executive Peter Murray on peter@yanunijarra.org.au and / or click here.

Fire Management on the Canning Stock Route

Eighteen people. Five cars. Three trailers. And multiple boggings … The Ngurrara Rangers are cooling their heels after a successful week out on the Canning Stock Route to Kuduarra (Well 46) and surrounds. We undertook some chopper assisted fire walks, as well as some aerial burning runs. We were also lucky to visit an important cultural site / rock hole. Thank you to Tom Montgomery, for the beautiful photos, and to the Kimberley Land Council, Indigenous Desert Alliance, Environs Kimberley and Frontier Helicopters for your support on this trip.

Burning, water monitoring and cultural clearance with Mangala TOs

The Ngurarra Rangers recently completed an important trip with Mangala Traditional Owners. We visited Wuriwilki jila and Pikarangu jila where there was lots of water around, and also plenty of evidence of camels—the water was fouled at both sites. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to find and visit Kumi jila. The aim of our trip was to undertake cultural clearances of country ahead of some fantastic, early-season cool burns. You can see the green leaves in the burning photo. A big thank you to all the Traditional Owners and Rangers involved in making this trip such a success.

Giant heritage grant win

Yanunijarra has just won an Australian Heritage Grant for 2021-2022!! This crucial funding will allow us to undertake a 10 Year Review of our Ngurrarawarnti Wulyu Martarnupurru Healthy Country Plan. As Traditional Owners, we care deeply for our freshwater places on country, and visits to our jila and jumu form a significant part of daily life and our work program. This work is guided by our Healthy Country Plan, which was first developed in 2012. By reviewing the plan, we’ll be able to ensure we can properly look after our water, manage new threats to biodiversity, and maintain the outstanding values which make our country so significant for Traditional Owners and the broader nation. We look forward to updating you on the process.

'I loved every moment of this job'

Chantelle Murray: 'I loved every moment of this job.'

Yanunijarra is so sad to be farewelling an incredible woman from our team. Chantelle Murray has been a powerhouse for the Ngurrara Rangers over the last 12 years! She started as an administrator for the Warlu Jilajaa Jumu IPA rangers, moved up to become a Ngurrara Ranger, and then moved higher to become the Ngurrara Women's Ranger Coordinator.

She says, 'I loved every moment of this job. I enjoyed the company of an amazing team when out on country. The best part of this job was travelling out on country, working with different Traditional Owners and also learning new things every day.’

All the best with your next adventure Chantelle! 💃

WE WISH TO CARE FOR OUR COUNTRY, OUR WAY

Indigenous knowledge can help curb the loss of biodiversity. But for this to happen, we need to change the law so we can manage our country, our way. This is a great article in The Conversation which outlines some of the failings of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act and stars our Ngurrara rangers in some of the pics !! Click here for the full article.