Kimberley Aboriginal People Have Say on Constitutional Reform

KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL

No. 1 APRIL 2017

• GETTING BACK COUNTRY • CARING FOR COUNTRY • SECURING THE FUTURE

PO Box 2145 | Broome WA 6725 | Ph: (08) 9194 0100 | Fax: (08) 9193 6279 | www.klc.org.au

BILBY NEWS RANGERS TACKLE BILBY CONSERVATION FULL STORY PAGE 16

Kimberley Aboriginal people have say on Constitutional reform KimberleyKimberley and and Pilbara Pilbara Aboriginal Aboriginal people people came came together together in Broome in Broome over the on weekend the 10th, for 11than and important12th of February meeting discussingfor an important Constitutional meeting reform. discussing Constitutional reform.

Co-convenedHosted by the byKimberley the Kimberley Land Council, Land the Council, meeting the was meeting the second is the of second 12 First Nations in 12 First Regional Nations Dialogues Regionalbeing held Dialogues around the being country held to around help Referendum the country Council to help members Referendum hear Indigenous Council membersviews on changing hear Indigenousthe Australian views Constitution. on changing Read the more Australian on page Constitution. 6. Read more on page 6. NEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 1 Looking back on the KLC

2007 - 10 YEARS AGO Noonkanbah native title recognised After nine years of proceedings, native title was recognised for Noonkanbah on 27 April 2007.

The decision gave Indigenous people rights over 1,811 square kilometres.

The decision was handed down on country in the bush setting of the Yungngora community, on Noonkanbah Station.

2002 - 15 YEARS AGO Karajarri determination Karajarri people marked the 15th anniversary of their native title determination on March 12.

The Karajarri consent determination was the second to be recognised in the Kimberley with native title granted across 24, 275 square kilometers of country.

The Federal Court determination recognised the Karajarri people as the rightful owners of their traditional lands. The remainder of the Karajarri native title claim was determined in 2004.

2 APRIL 2017 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL Message from the Chairman

Welcome to the first Kimberley Land Council state, national and international levels, and how newsletter for the year. It is amazing to think PBCs and the Kimberley Indigenous community that we are a quarter of the way through 2017, can benefit from this advocacy. with many exciting projects and developments already underway. I was happy to join friends from across the Kimberley and the Pilbara at the Referendum As you will be aware Western Australia held its Council’s Broome dialogue held in February. State Election on Saturday, 11 March 2017. The Almost 100 people attended the meeting which Labor Party won enough votes to take power, was about changing the Australian Constitution so we now have a new government in place. to better reflect modern day Aboriginal people. Congratulations to our own Josie Farrer who The gathering showed just what can be possible was re-elected to Parliament and also to Ben when we all come together for a common Wyatt who has been appointed Minister for goal, just like when the State Government was Aboriginal Affairs, Treasurer, and the Minister for threatening to close our communities. Finance and Energy. The Referendum Council is continuing to The Labor Party made some strong consult with Indigenous people around the commitments to the people of the Kimberley in country before a big meeting in Uluru in May. the lead up to the election. As the Aboriginal The Kimberley will be well represented at this representative body for the Kimberley, the KLC meeting, ensuring our voice on Constitutional will continue to monitor new policies closely to reform is heard. ensure they are in the best interests of our mob. We know that changes to the Heritage Act, Looking ahead, we have a busy few months funding for remote communities and regional with the National Native Title Conference projects like Water for Food will continue to be coming up in Townsville in June as well as our issues and we will keep you updated with any own preparations for a big ranger forum and developments. the annual KLC AGM, with 2017 also being a Festival year. The start of the year has already been very busy at the KLC with a big focus on building the I hope that all KLC members have been able to capacity of Kimberley Aboriginal organisations. enjoy the fantastic wet season. It is wonderful The KLC has an important role to play in helping to see country transform with the rain and PBC directors gain new skills and manage although it can make it tough to get around, business as their organisations continue on their it is wonderful to get out on country and journey to independence. We see the KLC as experience the beauty of our region. an organisation that can provide support and leadership to PBCs so that we can all work together to overcome common issues. We have also been sharing with PBCs what the KLC has been doing to advocate for our region at local, ANTHONY WATSON

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 3 Developing PBC capacity

Working together, sharing learnings, discussing issues of common interest and developing capacity were some of the key themes to come out of a regional meeting of PBC directors in Broome in February.

The move to establish a Kimberley PBC Alliance also gained support among the more than 25 attendees from the same issues and challenges, people. The KLC will continue 12 PBCs in the region. so that is why we are bringing to support meetings that allow Kimberley Land Council Deputy people together so we can people to come together and Chief Executive Officer Tyronne all learn from each other,” Mr share ideas.” Garstone said a key focus area Garstone said. for the KLC is to help grow PBC Many directors voiced support “Sharing learnings and having capability and assist PBCs to a unified voice will enable for a PBC Alliance and will be tackle regional issues. Kimberley PBCs to continue to discussing the idea further at “We know that PBCs often face develop and look after their their PBC meetings.

4 APRIL 2017 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL Why is the Native Title Act changing?

The Australian Government However, in February 2017 the new legislation to change the is moving to pass changes to full bench of the Federal Court Native Title Act to remove the the Native Title Act, following decided that the signing of the uncertainty created about a Federal Court ruling ILUAs was ineffective and the previous agreements by the affecting Indigenous Land Use ILUAs could not be registered by decision. Agreements (ILUAs) across the the Native Title Registrar. country. Kimberley Land Council Chief In each case, the ILUAs were not Executive Officer Nolan Hunter On 2 February 2017, the Full signed by all the members of the said the KLC had be involved Federal Court of Australia Applicant. The Applicant in each in providing feedback on the delivered what is now known as native title claim is the person or proposed changes. the “McGlade” decision, relating persons whose names appear in to the signing of six ILUAs by the the title to the claim. “We are very keen to have our Noongar people in south-west say on what changes are made Western Australia. The decision overruled a to the Act as they will have an previous decision of a single impact for all Indigenous people The ILUAs had been under Federal Court judge in 2010 across Australia,” Mr Hunter said. negotiation with the State that ILUAs could be effective Government and Traditional and valid if signed by only “We are working closely with Owners for many years. The one member of a native title the National Native Title Council settlement that was reached Applicant. on this matter and will keep the meant that the native title Kimberley mob updated with parties would have received The decision puts into doubt any future developments.” $1.3 billion for surrendering any the validity of 126 ILUAs across right to claim native title in the Australia that have relied on that The South West Native Title south-west of WA. decision and been registered. Settlement is the largest native This includes four ILUAs in WA but title settlement in Australia to The ILUAs cover 200,000 square currently none relating to land or date and affects an estimated kilometres of land stretching waters in the Kimberley. 30,000 Noongar people. across from Jurien Bay to Ravensthorpe, including the The Australian Government is Perth metropolitan area. now attempting to introduce

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 5 Kimberley Aboriginal people have say on Constitutional reform Kimberley and Pilbara Aboriginal people came “Our people need to see the opportunity that together in Broome on the 10th, 11th and 12th is before us. This is about achieving a successful of February for an important meeting discussing Referendum for something meaningful that will Constitutional reform. actually make a difference in our lives.

Hosted by the Kimberley Land Council, the “The Constitution should respect our human rights meeting was the second of 12 First Nations and our rights as Indigenous peoples. The right to Regional Dialogues being held around the self-determination and the right to choose our own country to help Referendum Council members destinies. It means participation and consultation. hear Indigenous views on changing the Australian Constitution. “Our human rights should be protected through proper processes and procedures. Throughout the three-day event the group By guaranteeing us a say in our affairs and by heard from Referendum Council members Pat negotiating fairly when decisions are made.“ Anderson (Co-chair), Megan Davis and Noel Pearson who discussed the main questions relating The dialogues will culminate in the National to Constitutional reform that people need to Indigenous Constitutional Convention in Uluru later consider. this year.

Kimberley Land Council Chief Executive Officer Mr Hunter will lead a delegation of 10 leaders Nolan Hunter co-convened the event together from the north WA region to the event, including with Jodie Bell of Goolarri Media Enterprises. He Peter Yu, Irene Davey, Anthony McLarty, Cherie said there were many diverse opinions throughout Sibosado and Wayne Bergmann from the the weekend, but recognising and empowering Kimberley and Patrick Churnside, Lorraine Injie, first nations people was the clear theme that Evelyn Krockez, Jahna Cedar and Peter Windie emerged. from the Pilbara.

“This is a nation building exercise. Constitutional The latest push for Constitutional reform comes reform is no magic bullet; but it’s about compelling on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the 1967 government to act so we can rebuild our Nations,” Referendum. Mr Hunter said. For more information about the Referendum “This is about more than just words, this is about Council and the dialogues please visit ‘doing’. It goes further, for example, than the www.referendumcouncil.org.au Apology because ‘sorry’ is not a doing word.

6 APRIL 2017 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL REFERENDUM COUNCIL DIALOGUE: Broome, February 2017

8 Indigenous members 8 non-Indigenous members

Timeline - Key events since the 1967 Referendum 16 DARWIN TORRES STRAIT REFERENDUM COUNCIL BROOME MEMBERS CAIRNS 1971: Land rights activists set up the 1993: The Native Title Act is passed. ROSS RIVER Aboriginal Tent Embassy opposite BRISBANE Parliament House in Canberra. 1996: Wik people are successful in

PERTH DUBBO a High Court case to establish that SYDNEY ADELAIDE 1973: The Department of Aboriginal native title and pastoral leases could Affairs is created as the agency with co-exist. responsibility for Aboriginal affairs HOBART policy. 1997: Bringing Them Home is published, revealing the firsthand DISCUSSION: 1976: The Aboriginal Land Rights stories of children taken from their CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM (Northern Territory) Act is passed, families. the first attempt by the Australian Government to legally recognise the 2005: ATSIC, the peak Aboriginal and BROOME Aboriginal system of land ownership. Torres Strait Islander representative 100 delegates from body, is abolished and closes at the Kimberley 1978: The KLC is formed. midnight on 24 March. and the Pilbara meet for 3 days. 1985: Ayers Rock/Uluru is handed 2007: The Australian Government back to Traditional Owners and is stages the NT intervention and REFORM IDEAS: subsequently leased back to the suspends the Racial Discrimination Indigenous voice to the Parliament, government as the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Act. acknowledgement, a non-discrimination clause, amending the race power, removing National Park. section 25 and agreement-making. 2008: The Australian Government 1988: Survival Day is marked by apologises to the Stolen DIVERSE VIEWS, ONE THEME Aboriginal people while mainstream Generations. Australian society celebrates the WE WANT: bicentenary of the arrival of the First 2013: The Australian Parliament Empowerment and recognition of Fleet on 26 January. passes the Aboriginal and Torres First Nations Strait Islander Peoples Recognition 1989: ATSIC, the Aboriginal and Act 2013 to affirm its support for “This is a nation building exercise . Torres Strait Islander Commission, Constitutional recognition. Constitutional reform is no magic bullet; but starts operations after more than it’s about compelling government to act so we can rebuild our Nations. two years of hotly contested debate. 2015: The Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of “This is about more than just words, this is 1991: The Council for Aboriginal about ‘doing’. It goes further, for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander than the Apology because ‘sorry’ is not a doing Reconciliation is established. Peoples tables its Final Report. word.

1992: ‘Terra nullius’ — the doctrine “Change is not in the saying, it is in the doing 2016: Referendum Council that Australia was ‘no man’s land’ and that is the opportunity we have now.” consultation begins. - Nolan Hunter, KLC CEO — is overturned by the High Court, because of the Mabo land rights Recommendations and big meeting: Uluru, case. May 2017

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 7 Referendum Council Broome dialogue

8 APRIL 2017 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL NEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 9 End in sight for Bindunbur trial

The Bindunbur trial, the first native title claim the “Native title court cases are a challenging process Kimberley Land Council has been forced to take for everyone involved,” Mr Garstone said. to court in more than a decade, is reaching its final stages. “People have been fighting for rights to their land for more than 15 years. All evidence has now been presented and handed in, with the next step being the delivery of final oral “Australian law means people must prove their submissions on native title connection by lawyers to connection to their land and this can often be a Justice North in Perth this April. taxing and emotional process.

To ensure people don’t miss out on this final part “It could still be a year or more until the Judge of the court process, the KLC will be playing the makes his decision following these final submissions, audio of the court proceedings live at Notre Dame but knowing that this trial process is almost finished is University. good news and a positive step forward.”

Kimberley Land Council Deputy Chief Executive While the Judge makes his decision, KLC will be Officer Tyronne Garstone said the final submissions facilitating meetings so that Bindunbur claimants mark an important milestone for Bindunbur can start discussing what kind of PBC should be set claimants. up and how this can be done.

For more information about the trial or the live audio of the Court proceedings in April, please contact the KLC on 08 9194 0100.

10 APRIL 2017 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL Warrwa research update

In March 2017, the Kimberley Land Council conducted field work over Meda Station with Warrwa claimants, as well as with Bunuba, Dambimangari, Willingin and Walmajarri native title holders.

The focus of the fieldwork was to travel to the far northern and eastern parts of the claim to talk about where Warrwa country borders the country of other groups.

Due to the big wet this year it was decided to charter a helicopter to ensure that the key places that were the focus of the research could be reached. native title holders. Derby is presently not a focus for research. Several places were visited including locations on the mud flats south of the Yampi training There are two Warrwa claims - Mawadjala area (towards Oobagooma), on the Meda Gadjidgar, which covers Point Torment, and River, in the Napier Range, and east of the Warrwa Combined, which covers Derby, Meda Napier Range. The middle section of Meda Station, and parts of Kimberley Downs and Station north of the river country was also flown Napier Downs. The claim group is the same for over. both claims.

A meeting was also held in Fitzroy Crossing The KLC is expecting to provide the State with Bunuba people and further meetings are Government with a Warrwa Connection Report planned with Dambimangari and Willingin in mid-2017.

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 11 Timber Creek Compensation case explained

The Kimberley Land Council is The Court also provided “This is a very important test closely watching the ongoing direction on the monetary value case that could set a precedent developments in the historic of those native title rights. It for future claims, including for Timber Creek compensation considered exclusive possession people of the Kimberley,” Mr case. native title to be equivalent in Watson said. value to freehold tenure. The “We will be watching the appeal In August 2016, the Federal Court Court considered the value of process closely and any other handed down a decision about non-exclusive native title would developments that could have compensation in relation to 23 depend on the circumstances significance for our people. square kilometres of land in and of each area. In this case it was around the small town of Timber deemed to be 80 per cent of “Most importantly this finding Creek in the Northern Territory. freehold value. backs up what we have been saying for years – that native title The compensation awarded The decision has now been rights are valuable and should to the native title holders, the appealed by the Northern be recognised as being equal Ngaliwurru and Nungali peoples, Territory Government as it is a to the property rights of other was approximately $3.3 million, test case being the first decision Australians. including $512,000 awarded for of its kind. The appeal is not economic loss, $1.5 million in about whether compensation “This case makes clear that interest and $1.3 million for non- should be paid, but concerns Aboriginal people should be economic loss, such as cultural how the Court decided the rightfully compensated for their rights, and pain and loss. amount of compensation. dispossession and the loss of their lands.” The ruling is important because Kimberley Land Council it is the first time that the Chairman Anthony Watson said The appeal will be heard by a Court has made a decision the landmark case could lead full bench of the Federal Court on compensation for the loss, to similar claims in states across later this year and there may extinguishment or suppression of Australia, including Western be a further appeal to the High native title rights. Australia. Court.

12 APRIL 2017 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL UN Special Rapporteur visits the Kimberley

United Nations Special Rapporteur, Victoria Tauli- Corpuz, visited the Kimberley in March.

Ms Tauli-Corpuz was in Australia to examine the human rights situation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as part of her mandate working with the administration of justice and detention Indigenous people across the world. conditions, land rights and native title, prevention of violence against women and the rate of children As Special Rapporteur, Ms Tauli-Corpuz regularly removed from their homes by officials. conducts fact finding missions where she reports on the human rights situation in specific countries and Kimberley Land Council Chief Executive Officer addresses cases of alleged violations of the rights of Nolan Hunter said native title rights and their strong Indigenous people through communications with connection to the human rights of Aboriginal people governments and others. were a key area for investigation.

She also promotes good practices including new “People are most concerned about looking after laws, government programs, and constructive their country and the legal rights that people have agreements between Indigenous peoples and states to do that are delivered through native title,” Mr to implement international standards and conducts Hunter said. thematic studies on topics of special importance to the promotion and protection of human rights. Ms Tauli-Corpuz will prepare a report with recommendations to the Australian Government The key focus areas for Ms Tauli-Corpuz during her following the visit. visit included looking at Indigenous disadvantage,

NNTC sends Nolan to NY governments implementing policies that are in direct contrast to what this declaration is all about,” Mr Kimberley Land Council Chief Executive Officer Hunter said. Nolan Hunter will travel to New York for the 16th session of the UN Permanent Forum in New York in “In the Kimberley this has been evidenced by April. repeated attempts by the State and others to undermine native title, as well as a general disregard The theme of this year’s event is the Tenth for native title holders as key stakeholders in projects Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on that affect their lands. the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: measures taken to implement the Declaration. “The declaration may have been accepted but it has clearly not been implemented.” Mr Hunter is being sponsored by the National Native Title Council to attend the gathering and will use it Mr Hunter will use the Permanent Forum to highlight as an opportunity to raise concerns about the lack Kimberley issues, including how land tenure reform of implementation of the declaration in Australia. can affect native title, community closures and the continuing problems faced by people living in “While Australia has officially adopted the UN remote areas. The Permanent Forum will run from 24 Indigenous Declaration, we continue to see April to 5 May.

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 13 Fire season starts

The Kimberley Ranger Network began its annual “We also liaise closely with shires, pastoralists and fire management program across the region in other property owners to advise of any planned March. burning activities, and ensure that people, stock and property are protected.” Facilitated by the Kimberley Land Council, the program is undertaken by 13 different ranger Wunggurr ranger Robin Dann said fire groups and is based on the traditional fire methods management is one of the most important tasks of Indigenous people. rangers undertake to look after country.

The program is one of the most effective ways of “With high rainfall occurring across Willinggin reducing the destructive impacts of wildfires late in country, the rangers will be targeting older fuel the dry season. loads early in the dry season, making fire breaks through country as part of the aerial burning Kimberley Land Council Chief Executive Officer operations in 2017,” Mr Dann said. Nolan Hunter said high rainfall over the wet season had led to an increase in fuel loads, creating ideal “Without rangers doing this important work, late conditions for wildfires later in the year. season fires can devastate our country, causing damage to important cultural places and “From March to July Indigenous rangers will be biodiversity.” conducting strategic fire operations in key areas throughout the Kimberley to reduce high fuel Other organisations and government departments loads,” Mr Hunter said. also work on fire management in the Kimberley, including the Department of Parks and Wildlife, “The program involves the use of traditional fire Department of Fire and Emergency Services, methods and knowledge, combined with modern Australian Wildlife Conservancy and pastoralists. science and technology, to create cool burns which leave patches of burnt and unburnt country. Anyone with concerns about a fire in their area should check the www.emergency.wa.gov.au “The burnt patches of land create fire breaks website for more information or in an emergency which prevent the spread of uncontrolled fires and situation call triple zero immediately. can be used to slow down or stop fires that occur late in the dry season. For more information about Indigenous fire management please visit http://www.klc.org.au/ “Kimberley Land Council staff and rangers have land-sea/indigenous-fire-management undergone nationally accredited fire operations training to undertake this work.

14 APRIL 2017 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL Fast facts: INDIGENOUS

• Kimberley Ranger Network rangers manage fire across almost 200,000 FIRE MANAGEMENT square kilometres. This equates to about half the total land mass of the People, property, Kimberley and approximately three times the size of Tasmania. country and cultural sites are • The Karajarri, Gooniyandi and Balanggarra ranger groups will be at risk of wildfire in the first to commence fire operations. the Kimberley. • Rangers conduct more than 80 days Indigenous rangers combine of burning each season. traditional knowledge with modern science and technology • Indigenous fire management is to manage fire and look after crucial in protecting threatened country. At risk from fire

species in the Kimberley, including The rangers light ‘cool’ fires People Gouldian finches, Black Footed between March and July, which Property burn slowly to minimise fuel loads Rock wallabies, the Purple crowned Country and create fire breaks. Cultural Sites fairywren, the Golden bandicoot and bilbies The cool fires significantly reduce the impact of wildfires late in the dry season. Causes of fire Lightning strike The Kimberley Land Council Accidental ignition facilitates Indigenous fire Campfire management in the Kimberley. Arson Fire brochure hits shelves Together with 13 ranger groups we work closely with The KLC has released a new shires, pastoralists and other stakeholders to plan and conduct • Indigenous rangers manage fire Indigenous fire management fire activities. across almost 200,000km brochure for the public. The • Over 80 days of burning each fire season information pamphlet aims to Rangers receive extensive nationally provide Kimberley residents acredited fire training. and people travelling through the region with the facts about Indigenous fire management and why it is so important.

The brochure is just one of the ways the KLC is hoping to increase understanding and public awareness about early season prescribed burning in the Kimberley.

Keep an eye out for the brochures at council offices, tourism bureaus and ranger Other organisations that undertake fire management include: the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Department of Fire and Emergency bases. Services, Australian Wildlife Consultancy and pastoralists.

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 15 Rangers tackle bilby conservation

Indigenous rangers from across Land Council and independent information that rangers have the Kimberley have gathered ranger groups collaborating to been gathering and recording is in Fitzroy Crossing in an effort to look after and record data on so important. better understand and protect bilbies. the iconic Australian bilby. The workshop also included The workshop follows the hugely field trips to active bilby sites on Bilbies were once found across successful Ninu (bilby) Festival at Gooniyandi country. 70 per cent of Australia, but their Kiwirrkurra in the Gibson Desert numbers have steadily declined last year. Ngurrara rangers Marika Rogers since colonisation. They are and Kristy Jack look after bilbies now found mainly in the Central Nine ranger groups worked and were excited to learn Desert region of Australia and in with scientists to upskill, more from other rangers at the the Kimberley. share knowledge, develop workshop. conservation plans, discuss data The first of its kind workshop management and undertake “Bilbies plays a big role in the is part of the Kimberley Bilby field training. land,” Marika said. “They move Project – an initiative which around a lot and when they sees WWF-Australia, Environs At present there is very little leave their borrows it becomes Kimberley, the Department of data about Kimberley bilby another animal’s home. Parks and Wildlife, the Kimberley populations and that is why the

16 APRIL 2017 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL Fast facts:

• The bilby is listed as vulnerable in Western Australia and nationally. • The majority of remaining bilby populations occur on Indigenous owned or managed lands, making ranger groups integral to bilby conservation. • Bilby populations in the Kimberley are vital to the species as they are one of the last wild refugia. • Ranger groups who attended the workshop included Ngurrara, Gooniyandi, Nyikina Mangala, Karajarri, Yawuru, Bardi Jawi, Bardi Jawi Oorany, Nyul Nyul and Nyangumarta.

“Our old people used to habitats, and seeing if it’s have bilbies as food to been damaged by cattle give them energy and or pests,” Kristy said. protein to survive in the desert. Bilbies are the last “We will then build a fence of all desert mammals to stop the cattle from and that’s why it’s very hurting the bilbies.” important to protect the bilbies.” A public forum will be held in Broome in the near Kristy said the Ngurrara future and will provide rangers regularly conduct information on research bilby conservation work on and management country. of bilbies across the Kimberley. “We help protect the bilbies by doing two hectare plot searches and locating the bilbies’ active

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 17 Fitzroy River research news

Bidyadanga crocodile warning

Karajarri rangers have deployed a crocodile trap Nyangumarta rangers who also assisted in setting at Nyapuru Creek following reports of a saltie in the trap. the area. “It took two ranger groups to put the croc trap Karajarri ranger Sheen Kitty said it was highly together and it was not an easy job,” he said. unusual for a crocodile to be spotted at the creek, which is a popular fishing and camping “It’s all about team work if you want to deal with spot around five kilometres from Bidyadanga crocs.” community. Signage has been erected in the area to inform “People use this location for fishing, getting the public of the crocodile sighting and the outdoors and taking kids to experience the Karajarri rangers will continue to monitor the area,” Sheen said situation closely together with the Department for Parks and Wildlife. “The crocodile has been disturbing people and we have never had a crocodile that has made Karajarri rangers are part of the Kimberley Land humbug like this, so we are here to get this fishing Council facilitated Kimberley Ranger Network. place back to normal again. The rangers play an integral role in looking after “We’ve set up our first croc trap and it is a country, delivering land and sea outcomes in waiting game now, so hopefully we catch the the southern Kimberley. They also work across crocodile.” the Karajarri Indigenous Protected Area, which covers almost 25,000 square kilometres of Sheen said deploying the crocodile trap was a country. first for the Karajarri team, as well as the nearby

18 APRIL 2017 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL Green Army changes The Kimberley Land Council will continue to fight for KLC Land and Sea Unit Manager Will Durack said the the jobs of 30 Kimberley rangers following the axing KLC is investigating other funding options to keep of the Green Army program late last year. these important jobs.

Green Army currently funds 30 Indigenous “We are looking at every available option because participants working alongside rangers, as well as we know the huge value that these jobs have three ranger development positions in the Kimberley delivered for all the participants involved,” Mr Ranger Network. Durack said.

Kimberley Land Council Chief Executive Officer “Our female rangers have clearly shown how Nolan Hunter said Green Army had provided an important their knowledge is to protecting land and important pathway for young people, especially culture and we want these teams to continue to women, into environmental and cultural survive and thrive.” management work. The KLC Land and Sea Management Unit will “The Green Army program currently employs 30 continue to work closely with all staff impacted by Indigenous participants,” Mr Hunter said. ”Half of the funding cuts. these are women and the Green Army program has enabled the development of specific women’s ranger groups.”

Questions remain for “With a new State Government in power, the future direction of this reform agenda remains uncertain.” remote communities A State Government announcement, which Mr Watson said there is important value in Aboriginal outlined funding for 10 priority remote communities people living on country, working on country, and in late 2017, continues to deliver more questions exercising their native title rights. than answers according to Kimberley Land Council Chairman Anthony Watson. “This has been highlighted by the success of the Indigenous Ranger Program, which is delivering Mr Watson said the KLC welcomed investment significant environmental, social and economic in the 10 identified communities, as part of the benefits,” he said. previous State Government’s remote services reform agenda, but said a clearer plan for all communities “We are keen to work with Regional Services Reform Unit was needed. the new State Government to find solutions that will “Last year, I welcomed the State Government’s give remote communities acknowledgement that remote communities require a sustainable future.” investment for upgrades,” Mr Watson said. The 10 communities “Our communities require upgrades to water and identified for investment power, and all communities need access to these include, Ardyaloon, Resilient Families, essential services maintained. Bayulu, Beagle Bay, Strong Communities Bidyadanga, Djarindjin,

“However what remained unclear at the time Lombadina, Mowanjum, A roadmap for regional was what the announcement meant for those Warmun, Wakathuni and and remote Aboriginal communities communities that were left off the list. Yandeyarra. Government of Western Australia July 2016

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 19 Fitzroy River research news

The Fitzroy River is valuable to a lot of people. A 1. Environmental water needs for the Fitzroy number of places have been National Heritage River listed for a mix of special rocks and landforms, 2. Indigenous water needs in the Fitzroy plants and animals and olden days stories from catchment Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. 3. Looking at the whole of the catchment and at all uses of the river and land Some people are getting interested in using 4. Tackling the passionfruit vine in Geikie Gorge more of the land and water for growing grasses National Park for cattle, food for people and for mining. The 5. Bilbies are living along the southern side of Northern Australia Environmental Resources the river Hub (we call it the ‘Northern Hub’) has been set 6. Looking at ways to explain to others how up under the National Environmental Science important Indigenous land management is Program (NESP) to look at the best ways to 7. Looking at the best ways to use Indigenous develop and protect the resources of northern land management (ILM) knowledge rivers. The scientists, who come from universities Speaking with Aboriginal people about water around Australia, are some of the best in the and helping Traditional Owners make good world and they recognise the importance of decisions about managing and developing local knowledge. Their work will help people their land are important parts of this research. who make development decisions to better Researchers will be speaking to relevant understand, use and manage the Fitzroy River PBCs for approval to carry out their work. The water and the surrounding land, plants and Kimberley Land Council is supporting the PBCs animals. The projects will be running over the and Traditional Owners in making agreements next three years so get involved if you are with the researchers. interested in what happens to your river!

There has been work like this before through If anyone has any questions you can call TRaCK, NERP and CSIRO. Seven new projects Michael Douglas at UWA on 0408 467 000 or will build on this past work. These new projects Karen Dayman at the KLC on 0429 502 564. are:

20 APRIL 2017 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL KLC and YAC announce new partnership

Kimberley Land Council a smooth transition and the capacity of PBCs across the and Yanunijarra Aboriginal Ngurrara rangers will continue as Kimberley.” Corporation (YAC) are pleased strong members of the Kimberley to announce a new partnership Ranger Network. YAC CEO Peter Murray has an that will see YAC take on the intricate understanding of the management of its highly “The KLC is very pleased to be complexities of managing a successful Indigenous Ranger supporting YAC to transition to ranger program, having worked Program. full management of the Ngurrara as a ranger, ranger coordinator, ranger team,” Mr Garstone said. Indigenous Protected Area The new contracting coordinator and now the CEO of arrangement means that rather “We have worked with the an Aboriginal corporation. than the Kimberley Land Council Ngurrara people for over two managing and employing the decades, from prior to the YAC Chairperson Marmingee Ngurrara rangers, this will now be recognition of native title, to Hand said the transition of the done by YAC as it continues on the Ngurrara people’s native ranger operations will fulfil the its journey to independence. YAC title claims that were first vision of the old people to take is the Prescribed Body Corporate made in 1996, to their consent control of their future and look (PBC) for the Ngurrara native title determination in 2007, setting up after country. determinations. the fantastic Ngurrara rangers and continuing to provide “The rangers will now be working KLC Deputy Chief Executive assistance to the YAC PBC. for the PBC, showcasing what we Officer Tyronne Garstone said do,” Marmingee said. “We are the contract arrangement “Now we are seeing YAC take embedding our cultural ways with highlights the work KLC has been on the responsibility of the ranger western ideals and transferring undertaking to build capacity in program, which highlights the our cultural knowledge. PBCs to manage business and professionalism and capacity of “We look forward to continuing take control of their futures. the corporation to manage its operations and shape its future. our strong relationship with He said the handover will occur the KLC and supporting one in a staged process to ensure “This is an exciting time for the another.” KLC as we work to build the

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 21 Wet season ranger update

Kimberley Ranger Network rangers have been experiencing a big wet season, but it hasn’t stopped them from looking after country. Here is an update on just some of the work our rangers have been up to over the past few months.

Cane toad control

The Balanggarra rangers have been working hard over the past few months to get their new and improved base in Wyndham ready for a busy year ahead. The new space has extra room for two additional staff who will be coming on board in April, plus its own meeting room and access to TAFE facilities, allowing for a higher output from the team.

Indigenous all-stars

Rangers from across the north-east Kimberley recently came together for weed management training at Warmun community. The rangers gained knowledge in different weed management strategies, and learnt how to safely use weed chemicals and equipment. They also learnt how to capture data on weed distribution and weeding efforts in the field. Kija, Wunggurr and Balanggarra rangers treated around 100 Neem Trees growing in Warmun and hand-pulled around 1,000 Belly Ache Bush plants at Bow River Crossing on the Great Northern Highway as part of the exercise.

22 APRIL 2017 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL New Balanggarra base

Weed Management Rangers from across the north-east Kimberley recently came together for weed management training at Warmun community. The rangers gained knowledge in different weed management strategies, and learnt how to safely use weed chemicals and equipment. They also learnt how to capture data on weed distribution and weeding efforts in the field. Kija, Wunggurr and Balanggarra rangers treated around 100 Neem Trees growing in Warmun and hand-pulled around 1,000 Belly Ache Bush plants at Bow River Crossing on the Great Northern Highway as part of the exercise.

Mapping training

In Fitzroy Crossing, North Regional TAFE, with the help of the KLC, ran a mapping and navigation training block as part of the conservation and land management studies rangers are completing. The training equipped the rangers with navigation using GPS and topographic mapping skills.

Wet season work

The Wunggurr rangers have experienced one of their longest wet seasons in memory. Ongoing rainfall made getting around quite a challenge but the rangers didn’t let that stop them from getting the job done. The team even built a raft to ferry equipment and supplies across some of the water-covered roads.

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2017 23 June's national human rights role

Photo courtesy of Australian Human Rights Commission

Kimberley leader and Bunuba woman June Islander Social Justice Commissioner since Mick Oscar has been announced as the incoming Gooda stepped down in 2016.” Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. Kimberley Land Council Chairman Anthony Watson congratulated June on her appointment Upon announcing the appointment Commission to the national human rights position. President, Professor Gillian Triggs, said it was the first time an Indigenous woman had been officially “We wish June all the best in this very important appointed to the role. position looking after the rights of Indigenous people around the country,” Mr Watson said. “My colleagues and I at the Commission are delighted that, for the first time, an Indigenous “We have many strong and inspirational leaders in woman has been officially appointed to become the Kimberley and it is fantastic to see one of our the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social own recognised in this way.” Justice Commissioner,” Professor Triggs said. June commences her five-year term on April 3, “I would also like to thank the outstanding work 2017. of Robynne Quiggin, who has been Deputy Commissioner to the Acting Aboriginal Torres Strait

ICN 21

The Kimberley Land Council welcomes donations to support our activities – donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. The Kimberley Land Council acknowledges the financial support provided by the Commonwealth of Australia and the Government of Western Australia.

24 APRIL 2017 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL