If you haven't already seen it, Jarlmadangah Community has put together a creation story about the main Nyikina ancestor, Woonyoomboo. Keen to check it out? It's available for sale here.
What do virtual reality and healthy country have in common?
Imagine exploring Nyikina Mangala country from the comfort of a lounge room in Broome, or in Perth, or even in Paris … Discussions are currently underway between The Nature Conservancy, Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) and the Kimberley Land Council, around the development of a virtual reality (VR) project. The idea is to make people aware that Traditional Owners have a complex and sophisticated relationship with country, and to change the narrative around indigenous land management so there’s a focus on the criticality of our role in achieving sustainable solutions. VR might be a good way to do this, as an immersive video platform can evoke greater empathy and connection with the subject of the film.
But this isn’t all … WAC have received funding from the Nature Conservancy to develop a Healthy Country Plan, which will provide a blueprint for the conservation and management of Nyikina Mangala country. Additionally, The Nature Conservancy are working with us on developing a world-first variation on the ‘Development by Design’ tool. Generally, ‘Development by Design’ assesses the impacts of future developments on natural systems, and offers solutions for ensuring their health over the long-term. Walalakoo are working with the Nature Conservancy to add an additional function to the tool—the ability to measure the impacts of development on cultural values. This project is happening in tangent with the Healthy Country Plan. We’ll be back in touch soon with more details!
Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation General Meeting 27th April 2016
The members of Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation resolve to accept the record of the minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation on the 18th November 2015.
The results of the election are as follows:
Derby and Other NM Communities:
· Wayne Bergman- Chairman
· Cyril Archer- Deputy Chairman
Jarlmadangah:
· Anthony Watson- Director
· Linda Nardea- Director
Pandanus Park and Bidun:
· Tina McMahon- Director
· Rona Charles- Director
Looma and Mowla Bluff:
· Theresa Henry- Director
· Joseph Milgin- Director
Balginjurr and Udialla:
· Anne Poelina- Director
· Robert Watson- Director
Cultural Advisers:
· Johnny Watson – Director
· Roger Green
· Harry Watson
· Rosita Shaw - Director
· Kimberley Watson
· Jeanie Warbie
· Annie Narda
· Annie Milgin
The members of Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation resolve that the persons named above are appointed to the Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation Board of Directors and Cultural Advisory Committee.
Introducing Damien Parriman, our new CEO for WAC!
At the end of last year, Walalakoo's Media and Communications Officer Ann-Janette interviewed Damien about the new job and this is what she found out ...
Damien is a Yawuru and Jabirr Jabirr man who has lived in Broome for most of his life. He has also spent some time in Perth on a scholarship to complete a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Western Australia.
Employed by the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) in 2003, Damien was the Senior Business Manager of the Land and Sea Management Unit before becoming the CEO of WAC. He has years of experience in the native title field and understand processes such as litigation, negotiating consent determinations, negotiation of land use agreements, cultural heritage and environmental surveys, co-ordinating large scale events, stakeholder engagement, developing PBC governance structures and providing a range of support services to PBCs.
Damien says he’s excited about the challenge ahead.
“It is a step up for me but the issues and challenges facing WAC are not dissimilar to what I have been dealing with on a larger scale with the KLC in a pre-PBC context. Almost my entire working career I have been with the KLC. During that time I worked with many inspirational elders from across the Kimberley whose vision and aspirations have shaped the way I view the world. I believe it is important to listen to what the people want and deliver outcomes that best encompass the visions and aspirations of the people.”
He says he has found a common theme across the Kimberley when it comes to key issues of importance.
“The common theme is strong culture, healthy country, control of country and determining our own future. PBCs have an important role to play in achieving all of these aspirations. I believe in building a strong, sustainable and independent PBC with a strong economic foundation to achieve these aspirations for Nyikina Mangala people.”
Looking ahead to 2016, this is the message Damien would like to give Walalakoo's members ...
2016 for Nyikina Mangala People, community and Country is looking very positive. With solid governance structures in place WAC can now look to really capitalise on and engage with opportunities that are out there.
There are opportunities through land management and commercial projects which, once finalised, should provide ample opportunities for Nyikina Mangala people through employment, training and other engagement mechanisms.
One of the key projects in 2016 will be the cultural mapping and associated consultations. This will form the basis of settling the membership issues that have been the cause of frustration for many Nyikina Mangala people. Once these issues have been dealt with, the organisation can move forward collectively with our members and continue to build.
The decision to invest and provide initial funds to Kimberley Agricultural and Pastoral Company (KAPCO) has paid off, with the stations and Indigenous investors due to sign off on subleases and shareholders agreements at the end of February. This will allow KAPCO to commence full time operations and provide employment and contract opportunities for members.
The Nature Conservancy has provided WAC with funds to develop a Healthy Country Plan. The HCP will provide Nyikina Mangala people with the framework to promote their aspirations for looking after country in a way that is sustainable and practical.
There are many other exciting opportunities that have been presented to WAC which have to be followed up and teased out. All are in very early stages but as they progress updates will follow. It’s exciting times for WAC and its members and with our solid corporate governance model the time is right to really build on the solid foundation of the organisation.
As with all organisations, WAC is not immune to challenges and difficulties. The key to working through these challenges is how we respond to them when they arise. There will be times when tough decisions need to be made where we need to maintain our solid governance.
The downturn in the resource industry has seen Buru Energy suspend its operations at Ungani. The organisation is now in the difficult position of building wealth and reducing costs to ensure its sustainability. This is something I am confident in achieving with solid direction from the Board of Director’s.
Communication to members has been very minimal in the establishment of the organisation. More regular updates are required and this is something I will be working on in the near future through WAC’s website.
Notice of Members' Meeting April 2016
A big shout out to all Walalakoo members! We have a members meeting coming up on Wednesday 27th of April. For the full meeting notice and information about proxy voting, please click here.