Summer 2015-16

Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara Summer 2015-16

R A E B T I L N STRONG COUNTRY STRONG PEOPLE E G C 50th

B AW NRM o g a n r t i d M e e

02 AW NRM Board Celebrates 04 Mamungari Co-management 05 Healthy Country Planning 08 APY Lands’ Feral Horses 14 New species on Tallaringa Palya, Strong Country, Strong People

FromWhat’s the happening Regional Manager, Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara y Welcome to the Coinciding with the 50th meeting of the y The initiation and delivery of the important track rationalisation project summer edition of Board, I have written an article inside the newsletter which briefly summarises across the Nullarbor Regional Reserve Palya, Strong Country, where the Board has come from and some in consultation with Traditional Strong People, the of its future strategic directions. (page 2) Owners and in partnership with local newsletter of the Aboriginal businesses. Alinytjara Wilurara 2015 itself has again been a successful Natural Resources year, despite the challenges of declining A particular highlight for me has been the rolling out of co-management in the Far Management Board. resources. Some key achievements for 2015 include: West Coast, including the Nullarbor Parks INVITATION Advisory Committee and the Yumbarra yy Seeing the Whale sculpture from the Co-management Board. Working with The Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Marine Debris Surveys being exhibited these Native Title holders in the early across the world, now headed for Board invite you to join us on Facebook stages of co-management has been a real Monaco www.facebook.com/awnrm privilege along with many of the support y AW weather stations y Ongoing increases in Warru staff from Far West Coast and DEWNR. numbers inside the APY Lands’ Check out data from the weather The Healthy Country Planning process and stations in the AW region at... Warru enclosure, getting ready for reintroduction into the wild alignment to the regional Board plans will aws.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/ be very powerful into the future as well as alinytjara-wilurara yy A comprehensive review and refinement the parks contribution to the wellbeing of of the Board’s policy statements local people and the local economy. Next AW NRM Board meeting: yy Working in close partnership with Thank you to you and all our partners for March 2016, Ceduna APY in developing sub-regional fire a successful year, and we wish you a safe management plans Next Mamungari Board meeting: and enjoyable summer and look forward February 2016, on country yy Another 20% increase in Aboriginal to continuing work with you in 2016. employment in NRM – seeing a 40% Next Yumbarra Co-management increase since 2012-2013 Palya, Board/Nullarbor Advisory Committee yy Development and strengthening of meeting: the APY Pastoral Working Group to see March 2016, Ceduna strategic and sound management of the pastoral activities in the APY Lands Visit Ceduna Arts and Cultural Centre Matt Ward Features genuine Aboriginal art yy Our first school-based traineeship Regional Manager, 2 Eyre Highway, Ceduna based in Ceduna Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara

Where we are and what we do The Alinytjara Wilurara Natural Resources Management Region covers the northwest quarter of South Australia. In Pitjantjatjara, alinytjara means ‘north’ and wilurara means ‘west’. The AW NRM Region spans more than a quarter of a million square kilometres, and has a population of approximately 2000 people, many of whom identify with the Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, Ngaanyatjarra, Kokatha, Mirning or Wirangu peoples. Natural Resources Management (NRM) is an approach to protecting land for the mutual benefit of people and the environment. The AW NRM Board is the only all Aboriginal NRM Board in Australia.

Title page: Nightfall at Koonalda Homestead camp, Nullarbor Advisory Committee’s Healthy Country Planning workshop Photo by Robbie Sleep AW NRM Board

From the Presiding Member Welcome to the Summer edition of Palya 2015-16. This year has, once again, proven to be both successful as Kanpi Nyapari ladies learn welding skills well as at times challenging. Our board however 02 AW NRM Board celebrates 12 Nullarbor visitor management continues to meet these challenges with constructive and creative Ten years of resilience. success and We have had some significant “wins” progress in the this year with a 40% increase in AW Region New signs and track management Aboriginal employment in NRM, 03 Mamungari Co-management Board building important and effective 13 Warru rebound in the APY Lands relationships with the region’s Managing the Park for the future Black-footed rock newly established co-management boards and advisory committees, 04 Nullarbor Advisory Committee Wallaby breeding well in APY enclosure and supporting the APY Lands in On country workshops great success developing a viable and sustainable 14 New species found on Tallaringa Cattle Business. 06 Yumbarra Co-management Board Bio-survey on Park with TO’s A number of our key strategic priorities will be focussed on Healthy Country 15 Caring for country and tourism through 2015-2018. These include: Planning continued implementation of the workshops Regional NRM Plan; investigating and building platforms for diversification 08 Feral horses in the APY Lands of funding streams and; extending the Board’s role in the region in 16 Right whales pass on knowledge leadership and governance. Migratory routes We are also keen to support passed on across natural and cultural based tourism generations Protecting Community and in the region, and have endorsed environment development of a Tourism Policy to 17 2016 Whale of a Day guide the development of a Regional 09 On country - Kanpi and Nyapari Tourism Strategy, in collaboration 18 Yalata beach shore bird survey with key partners. Land and Culture Program on APY Looking out for The board will continue to look at 10 Revitalising APY’s Cattle Business Threatened its representation in order to best species reflect the views of its communities, Improved stakeholders and government, as communications 20 School-based Trainee going well help support well as to be a leader and important backbone for the region. positive change 21 AW’s comings and goings Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season and new year.

Parry Agius Presiding Member

Members of Yumbarra Co-management Alinytjara Wilurara Natural Resources Board heading across country in convoy Management Board People: working together

Celebrating the success and progress of the AW NRM Board

Above: Yalata School, planting trees, 2009 Below: Feral animal yards installed in APY Lands, 2005

Written by Matthew Ward This December the Alinytjara Wilurara policies around community-based the bottom up through a process of Natural Resources Management Board NRM delivery, water, economic Healthy Country Planning, ensuring is celebrating its 50th Board meeting development and employment strong community ownership and and ten years of service to the people and yy Adopting an Education, Training, drive for the future of NRM in the lands of the Alinytjara Wilurara Region. Employment and Procurement region and inexorable links with business planning and operations Established in 2004, the inaugural Board Strategy and achieving significant meeting was held in July 2005 and Aboriginal employment outcomes yy Strong support for co-management was presided over by Mr Charles in the region, with a 40% increase of public lands in the region and (Charlie) Jackson. Mrs Marilyn Achee between 2012/13 and 2014/15 alignment with regional scale further advanced the board’s objectives yy Ensuring sustainable water use, and social, environment and economic becoming Presiding Member In 2006. She protection of water for natural and aspirations and plans was proceeded by Mr Parry Agius in 2010 cultural heritage values, through a Since its establishment, the Board has who remains an insightful and influential new Regional Water Plan achieved many significant outcomes leader as the Presiding Member today. yy A region-wide Fire Management Plan and has matured into a strong, well Initially made up of Aboriginal leaders aligned to DEWNR fire management governed and strategic Board with from across the state, the current yy Support of the long-term Warru long-term and ambitious visions. Board now has strong and well Recovery Project with key delivery Through the continued support of the connected regional representation. partners APY Land Management, AW community, the state and federal The present Board has leadership Zoos SA and others (see page 12) governments and the network of other representation from: yy A strong coastal conservation and partnering bodies the future of NRM in yy Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara management program with strong the AW Region looks bright. yy Maralinga Tjarutja links to local communities and yy Antakarinja Mantuntjara Ceduna Arts programs Yankunytjatjara (Coober Pedy) yy A long-term Yalata Beach management yy Yalata program including recreational fishing yy Tjuntjuntjara, WA surveys and support of long-term yy Far West Coast and Ceduna scientific Mulloway tagging and Some key outcomes achieved by the monitoring program Board and its partners over the past yy A large biological survey of the 10 years include: Nullarbor in 2011-2012, repeating yy Delivery of the first Regional NRM the first ever comprehensive Plan that defined visions for the regional Bio-survey conducted by Board, People, Country and Water the Department in 1980 Top left: Painting created by attendees of 1st AW NRM yy Board members generating a yy Adoption of a bold agenda to see our sponsored Women’s Conference held in Pt Augusta 2010 strong policy agenda, with key next Regional NRM plan built from Above: Community meeting to discuss NRM, 2005

02 Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara People: working together

Mamungari Conservation Park Photos courtesy of Belinda Margan

Mamungari Co-management Board Managing the Park’s future

The Maralinga Lands Unnamed John Mungee, the Presiding Member There were 102 campsites mapped Conservation Park Co-management and Board members Dora Queama, within the Park, 11 campsites in Board was the first South Australian Keith Peters, Bruce Hogan, Josie areas where no is camping allowed. statutory Co-management Board, McArthur, Mark Anderson (NR Proposed future actions considered composed of Traditional Owners EP), Justine Graham (Ministerial include: continue big camp sites every and representatives of the State representative) and Bruce Macpherson 50 kms with shed tanks, choose some Government. (NR AW) were joined by Deputy other sites in between to make smaller Members: Marjorie Kugena, Cindy official camp sites, rehabilitate other It defined a framework for building Watson, Parka Hogan, Debbie Hansen camp areas, put simple maps on signs long term ongoing relationships and Mima Smart who interpreted. at Park entrances and on Park Permits between the Traditional Owners and indicating where camping sites are. the State Government. The Board was Sam Doudle, Manager Co-management established by the SA Government and Public Lands,Natural Resources The MLUCP Board agreed to develop to administer the Unnamed Alinytjara Wilurara (NR AW) provided an a Working Group to carry out the Conservation Park (proclaimed as the overview of the activities that had been Camping and Signage Strategy. Mamungari Conservation Park), on 24 conducted on Park (with the support The MLUCP Board also agreed to August 2004. of the compliance staff from NR EP) appoint a full time Executive Officer/ since the last meeting, including Ranger The 25th meeting of the Board was Coordinator and Trainee for a period Compliance Training, Professional of two years. held in September this year at the Witness Course and Do it Together Oak Valley Training Centre. - OV / Spinifex / Yalata. A Warden’s Various logo designs were viewed Course is being considered for Rangers and after voting, one (shown above) in the future. Buffel grass mapping was selected to represent the Board. and treatment of infestations is being NR AW will manage the application to managed by NR AW and Oak Valley signage and other materials. Rangers. Future activities considered were annual management checks Board member Bruce Hogan cooks his breakfast at Oak Valley before the meeting of previous infestation sites and all park tracks and talking to people in communities (and the grader driver) about ways to minimise spread of seed. Above: Taking a lunch break at Oak Valley Store Below: Deputy Board member Debbie Hansen Signage within the Park was audited ready to hit the road back to Tjuntjuntjara in WA earlier in the year and recommended changes noted.

Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara 03 People: working together

Members of the Nullarbor Advisory Committee at Koonalda Homestead, happy with the outcomes from the Healthy Country Planning workshops

They talked about the need to protect the plants and animals that live on the Nullarbor including threatened species such as gibra (bush turkey) and other native species such as wadu (wombat). They also discussed the various landscapes across the region from the coastal areas to the distant plains, the different challenges each presents and ways they might best be managed. The group spoke about the significance of keeping their culture alive. It is important that Traditional Owners get out on-country as often as possible so that they can care for cultural sites and Photos courtesy of Robbie Sleep share the stories inter-generationally. Nullarbor Parks Advisory Committee “We want to take care of the parks, not just for Aboriginal people but for On-Country Healthy Country Planning workshop all people so they can understand and appreciate the land and our culture” said Committee member and Mirning In mid August a group of Mirning Holding discussions on-country to talk Elder Dorcas Miller. People, DEWNR staff and Healthy about their vision and what’s important Country Planning facilitator, Stuart to protect in the parks allowed those The group considered ways that Cowell braved the elements to camp who attended to better focus on the they might encourage the sharing of at the old Koonalda Homestead in the land surrounding them. cultural knowledge as well as ecological Nullarbor Wilderness Protection Area information with all visitors to the region. for their planning workshop. Over 20 Traditional Owners attended Having simple interpretive signage ranging from teenagers to grandparents. throughout the Nullarbor region and Members of the Nullarbor Parks perhaps establishing guided cultural Advisory Committee took this “It wasn’t until we got out here that we tours were two options discussed. opportunity to look closely and realised what a significant event it was The workshop was undertaken over carefully consider, management plans going to be... this is a historic milestone gathering, 30 years in the making” said three days and included a visit to the for the ongoing health of the Far West spectacular coastal regions along the Coast parks. Mirning woman April Lawrie. Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula Project Officer Stuart Cowell talks to the group about the Heathy Planning methodology Tammy Cox takes on board Stuart’s guidance

04 Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara People: working together

Jasmin Kerdel talks about the coastal landscape

Jasmin Kerdel and her mother Kaylene standing either side of Elma Lawrie (Clem Lawrie in background) Bunda Cliffs where current facilities and Association who took care of the visitor safety issues were discussed such catering were fabulous, the fire was as track rationalisation, construction of always kept burning, the billy boiled barriers and camp area definition. and the food was delicious” said Saras. The group visited the world renowned Overall the workshop was a great Koonalda Cave famous for the ancient success. “It’s about managing the parks Aboriginal fluting patterns that scar the for all to appreciate and enjoy” said the cave walls. They also visited Murrawijinie Nullarbor Parks Advisory Committee Richard Peel and James Peel Jnr inside Murraeijinie Cave Caves near the Nullarbor Roadhouse, Deputy Chair, Clem Lawrie. where a number of them ventured down into the eerie, cool chambers below. “I look forward to what we can achieve from working together in an enduring The logistics of the trip, including setting partnership between the Mirning up the big marquee, organising vehicles Traditional Owners and Department and catering etc were kindly managed of Environment, Water and Natural by Robbie Sleep (NR AW/EP), Tammy Resources.” Cox (NR EP) and Saras Kumar (DEWNR, This process will see an important Far West Coast Policy and Planning). alignment with the future AW NRM “The ladies (and their husbands) Plan, connecting people and country Taking stock of the day, NR EP staff and Committee members Mark Anderson and Sophie Keen from the Far West Coast Women’s across the region. Convoy of members with Stuart look at various features of the land Neville Miller by the fire at sunset

Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara 05 People: Working together

Yumbarra Conservation Park Co-management Board On-Country Healthy Country Planning workshops

Photos courtesy of Robbie Sleep

Yumbarra Co-management Board met Leonard Miller Senior, Deputy Chair of Back L-R Edward Roberts, Kenny Roberts, Matt Ward, Kelly Miller, Wanda Miller, Ollanta Lipcer, at Scotdesco Community following the the Yumbarra Co-management Board Tammy Cox, Sophie Keen, Aaron Binell, Kirsty Nullarbor workshop to discuss Healthy explained that co-management was Sansbury, Wayne Haseldine, Randy Gray, Stuart Country Plans for the Greater Yellabinna about, “shared learning and sharing Cowell, Hayden Coleman, Leonard Miller Senior, Marks Anderson Parks (including Yumbarra Conservation knowledge”. Middle L-R: Justine Graham (seated), Georgina Park and Yellabinna Wilderness Stockfish, Ester Miller, Marcina Richards, Sue Protection Area) and the Wanna Munda Like the Nullarbor workshop, they Haseldine, Wendy Ware, William Newchurch, Parks. This includes all the conservation talked about the plants and animals Sam Doudle Front L-R Robbie Sleep, Saras Kumar, Belinda parks along the coastline from that needed protecting, as well as the Margan, Estelle Miller Wahgunyah (south of Yalata) to Acraman cultural sites like soaks, rockholes and Creek (just south of Smoky Bay.) salt lakes. They talked about the need places, for all Australians, we don’t to protect European heritage like the want to stop people enjoying this They were the first group to use the whaling station ruins at Fowlers Bay. beautiful place but we do want them brand new accommodation facilities to respect the country and respect our with the final coat of varnish was being Kokatha woman and board member, culture”. put on the deck railings as they arrived! Sue Haseldine explained that for Scotdesco was a gracious host to the Aboriginal People, “The land around is The information provided at these workshop participants and it proved school, church, pharmacy, supermarket, workshops will also be used to to be an excellent base to visit nearby butchers and cemetery”. Wanda Miller inform the next Alinytjara Wilurara parks to look at the important sites and spoke of the importance of working and Eyre Peninsula Natural Resource issues affecting them. together. “We need to look after these Management plans. This process will Marcina Richards Ester Miller Randy Gray

06 Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara People: working together

Above: Spending time on country is important to insightful planning - convoy of members visit the coast see an important alignment with the future AW NRM Plan, connecting people and country across the region. The group visited the nearby Tuckamore Beach and travelled down to Fowlers Bay to discuss track rationalisation and camping facilities. The Nullarbor Parks Advisory Left: Saras Kumar facilitates a break out group Committee and Yumbarra Conservation Top: Sue Haseldine takes a tea break Park Co-management Board invite Above: Leonard Miller Senior, Deputy Chair of the Yumbarra Co-management Board members of the public to provide Bottom left: the group workshop at Scotdesco information for the development of the meeting rooms park management plans by emailing Bottom left: William Newchurch discusses some of [email protected]. the points recorded during the workshop

With an increase in visitors to the region, the management of effluent at Keeping it Clean Gilgerabbie hut and Koonalda as well as at a number of other sites is an ongoing issue. Currently a local effluent contractor drives out to the sites from Ceduna to pump the toilets at those sites. Future management of visitor facilities including toilets is something that has been discussed during the recent Healthy Country Planning workshops. Options around the installation of larger capacity, more suitable toilets placed in a couple of high-use locations through the southern AW and western EP regions is being explored. The installation, and possible locations of new toilets will be guided by the appropriate boards and advisory committees and Koonalda Homestead will be subject to native title clearance.

Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara 07 Country: Feral animals and community

Feral horses removed from APY Lands Written by Tim Moore Photography by Mark Piovesan When the AW NRM Board’s Anangu were seen to negatively impact on the Above: Feral horses congregating in the community public areas looking for water present a real danger Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) region’s biodiversity and sustainability. (horses fighting in background) as well as spoiling the Lands’ representatives were alerted Horses coming into the Community grounds with faeces. to problems caused by increasing every day searching for water during Horses also present an issue on the numbers of feral horses around the drier months deposited faeces local roads where it was reported APY communities, a management throughout common areas as well as that at least 1 fatality was caused by plan was developed in consultation in private yards presenting serious crashing into horses at night and that with Traditional Owners and later public health concerns. Flies drawn horse collisions had caused numerous undertaken in collusion with APY to the faeces were seen to contribute other serious road injuries over the past Pastoral Management. to eye infections such as conjunctivitis few years. particularly amongst the children. The decision to target the rapidly A horses needs at least 45 litres of expanding herd of over 500 horses Additionally, the very real risk of being trampled threatens vulnerable water per day to survive (4 Olympic that frequented the remote Indulkana swimming pools per year). With the Community and surrounds was members of the community (young and old). The deep concerns about personal only water available being in the primarily based on the significant community this large herd were a drain dangers they presented to the health health and safety felt by community members, manifested as a drain on on water for human consumption. On and safety of community members. the lands they also compete with stock Additionally their prolific numbers local health services and dissuaded children from attending school. for water. Feral animals wandering along the roads are a serious safety concern Feral animal carcasses attract scavengers to the roads Where horses cannot access water from towns or pastoral assets (tanks/ bores/troughs) they take or degrade important and transient surface waters. Many of these surface waters are of special cultural and spiritual significance to the Traditional Owners. When horses develop an expectation of surface waters being at particular locations, they often do not move on in dry times and perish in their thousands of thirst, their carcasses fouling these sacred sites. Supported by the Federal Government’s National Landcare Programme, Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara, under the direction of the AW NRM Board,

08 Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara Country: Community work on Country worked with the APY Lands Pastoral Manager and Traditional Owners on a Property Development Plan for ongoing management of feral horses. Various infrastructure options were considered within the plan, however the construction of permanent watered yards and mobile trap yards were considered the best solution. As a first step after construction was completed, Kanpi and Nyapari the APY Pastoral Manager and the Indulkana community mustered 200 Land and Culture Program Written by and photos courtesy of Laura Mitchell horses. These were later trucked to an abattoir. The permanent infrastructure The last few months has seen work Traditional Owners Keith Stevens and Ricky Kemp, Anthony Windy, Shaun Kemp and Carl and yards will allow for ongoing pick-up again for the Murputja Warren at Piltarti rock hole opportunistic trapping as the need to rangers. In May this year, Shane Over the coming months work will be manage feral herbivore populations Doudle, who had been working on focused on a significant rock hole near continues to arise. the project over the last year took up a new job in Tjuntjuntjara WA with Nyapari community called Piltarti. Maintaining such programs is vital, not their ranger team. Everyone was sad There have been multiple trips to the only to the health of the country and to see Shane leave, he made a great area with Traditional Owner Keith the biodiversity it supports but to the contribution to the program! Stevens to talk about work. It is planned health, cultural and economic well- for the road to be re-graded, as it is Will Powrie has now joined the currently only accessible by 4WD. They being of the community members. team for a few months and work has would like the site accessible to 2WD as it The condition of feral horses deteriorates drastically commenced on further developing is regularly visited by families. when food and water become scarce the AW NRM ranger work shed Keith Stevens also talked about other located next to the school. In May it work for the rangers including was built by Wiltja Constructions, an building a shade shelter, placing bins Anangu owned business operating on and erecting a sign that explains the the APY Lands. The shed will be used significance of the area. Keith hopes for training and storing of equipment. that in the future tourists may be able to Currently, the rangers are working on visit guided by the rangers. Additionally, welding benches for the shed. the rock hole needs to be cleaned and We also have ladies from Kanpi strategies for minimizing the impacts of community learning to weld, maybe camels could be implemented. in the future these ladies will be We also revisited sites of historical building the fences and camel yards malleefowl recordings. There are four on APY... go girls! Feral horses wandering on the roads around the sites in the area where malleefowl communities present a serious traffic hazard From left: tracks, mounds or sightings have been Justine Mitchell, Edna Ingangka Yaltjangki, Regina recorded over the years. These areas Baker and Barbara Baker were surveyed in 2013, however the ladies wanted to check these areas again. Two days was spent checking for recent tracks, however unfortunately no tracks were recorded. Country: Sustainability and Viability

Revitalising APY’s Cattle Business Photography by Mark Piovesan Plans to reform the Cattle Business Current members include: APY Pastoral’s newsletter in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Milyika Paddy (Chair), Rex Tjami, Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands into a BULLOCK, Anangu in the Saddle: Managing our own Business Tapaya Edwards, Arnie Franks, Gordon viable and sustainable enterprise Inkatji and Richard King as well as is being produced on behalf of are off to a good start with the representatives from Natural Resources APY Pastoral, with the support development of new communications Alinytjara Wilurara (NR AW), Primary of Natural Resources Alinytjara written in both English and Pitjantjatjara. Industry and Regions SA (PIRSA) and Wilurara (NR AW). It will provide the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC). The APY beef cattle grazing operation relevant and timely information covers about 2 million hectares in the to support the development and APY Pastoral Partners north and east of APY Lands. Currently ongoing viability of a successful Aside from Natural Resources Alinytjara the APY Pastoral team oversees a herd and environmentally sustainable Wilurara, partnering groups helping to of between 10,000 and 13,000 head of cattle industry in the APY Lands. agistment cattle. support the Cattle Business reforms include the Indigenous Land Council and The APY Executive agreed that profit PIRSA. NR AW provides technical and from Cattle Business should not benefit scientific expertise such as planning, just the few who held PDLs but should mapping and research. Indigenous Land benefit tjuta (many) Anangu. In order Corporation are partnering with NR AW to achieve this, it was decided that and APY to create a Sustainable Pastoral all agistment agreements would go Development Plan (SPDP). through APY Pastoral (Cattle Business) who would use agistment fee money Purpose of the Sustainable Pastoral to maintain infrastructure (eg bores, Development Plan fences) on each licence area, pay PDL The SPDP will provide a 10 year strategy holders and employ local Anangu allowing money to flow back into the for the holistic development of Anangu APY community. Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) cattle business that takes into consideration A working group was formed to assist sustainable management principles for APY Executive to make decisions around people, land and livestock. The SPDP will cattle management. clearly describe a new way to run the cattle business that will avoid past problems.

10 Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara Country: Sustainability and Viability

McCaul’s bore with solar power

McCaul’s bore with solar power Amata south loading ramp and stock yards Some factors to be considered as money and increase its capacity to of previous data collected in the area. part of developing the SPDP include: employ Anangu from the region. APY Anthropologists have identified who availability of water; availability of feed; the right people are to be involved in the seasonal condition of the land; Natural Resources Audit mapping sites of cultural significance in access and; maintenance requirements the various grazing areas. for infrastructure. The purpose of developing a Natural Resources Audit (NRA) is to ensure the The environmental impacts of cattle on sustainable long-term use of natural the land will also be considered in the resources does not negatively impact planning stage including the possible on environmental, social or economic effects that cattle business may have on conditions of the APY grazing lands. threatened and/or feral species. The NRA uses a scientific approach Mapping infrastructure and to examine the natural resources of important places areas that currently allow pastoral The first major activity will be visits enterprise and considers areas that to each licenced site to gather may, in the future, carry a pastoral current information about existing opportunity, potentially including areas infrastructure and land condition. This that are currently under the Indigenous information will be recorded and used ot Protected Areas management program. develop a series of reference maps. In the early stages, the NRA will be used Maps of water assets, fences and to collate existing data on the natural pastoral resources, including existing resources of the area, and compile lease boundaries will help inform information on the current condition Interested in working in the APY Cattle development plans for new waters and and composition of pastures in all land Business? Drop by the Pastoral Office or fencing and help business make more types present including and analysis call on (08) 8954 8111.

How cattle Cattle Advises Directs APY Pastoral $$ to business Working installation and maintenance might work Group of infrastructure (fences, in the APY APY Executive bores etc.) Pty Ltd taking care of culture cattle agistment Agreements APY Pastoral Development Licence Holders $$ to Licence holders are responsible for ensuring cattle are kept healthy Agistment payments made to APY Pastoral

$$ to Community through employment

Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara 11 Country: NRM on the Nullarbor

Nullarbor Visitor Management Photos and Report by Yasmin Wolf The Nullarbor is a vast and fragile The visitor management upgrade and The area had been mapped in 2007 landscape steeped in the history and repair project works included signage by the Department of Environment culture of the Traditional Owners and upgrades, rubbish removal, fencing and and Heritage staff and NR AW. It had home to an array of uniquely adapted barrier repairs. originally been planned to refer to this plants and animals. mapping data to inform the Nullarbor Damaged warning signs replace at cave Plain access management works. Supported through the Federal Government’s Coastal Fund, Natural However on re-evaluation of the Resources Alinytjara Wilurara, along mapping data set and after discussions with the Nullarbor Advisory Committee, with members of the Nullarbor maintain the Nullarbor Conservation Advisory Committee (Park co- Park and its surrounds. management arrangement) it was decided that further mapping of the With an ever increasing number of area was required before planned visitors travelling through this remote works could begin. arid region there are certain risks and Warning signs along Eyre Highway environmental impacts that must be The previous mapping data had not taken into consideration. captured cultural site information and risk assessments had not been Earlier in the year, five Aboriginal undertaken. contractors spent four days working with Natural Resources Alinytjara An experienced GIS mapping expert was Wilurara’s Yasmin Wolf to undertake contracted to undertake mapping and works in response to public safety risk identification of the entire Nullarbor issues and to protect sensitive species Protecting damage to fragile vegetated areas National Park zone in the coastal section and their habitats. These included: South of the Eyre Highway. containment of vehicle traffic with This mapping was followed up by fencing barriers, measures to reduce trained DEWNR risk assessment staff off-road vehicle and pedestrian who undertook risk assessments at damage, and the provision of public each of the 55 risk sites identified education information about the along the 200 km section to determine regional and its cultural heritage. appropriate risk mitigation actions. The

12 Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara Country: Growing numbers of rare species risk sites were classified into a high, medium or low category. The Nullarbor Advisory Committee was heavily Warru population on the involved in planning the overall project and facilitated the transfer of cultural re-bound in the APY Lands information between Traditional Owners and Natural Resources AW staff. On a recent radio interview, Ethan Cultural Site Advisors Dagg, Anangu Field Officer with the Three local Traditional Owners were Warru recovery project, (APY Land employed for four days to provide Management) explained: cultural advice and to help NR AW “We use padded Soft Traps to catch identify significant cultural sites within warru (inside the enclosure). We put the project area. The cultural site food, like apples and oats with peanut mapping will be used with the track butter in the back of the trap, then mapping data to inform works. when they go in, a door falls down By undertaking cultural site mapping behind them. with Traditional Owners of the area, Recovering the black-footed rock “Anangu don’t eat warru now Natural Resources staff are ensuring wallaby (warru) population in the days. My mother told me that my that impacts to cultural sites from the APY Lands is tricky work. Eighty years grandparents saw lots of warru but I’d project is minimised and that planned ago their numbers were plentiful, never seen one until I started doing works will not cause damage to any now this threatened species resides Land Management work. significant cultural areas. Cultural site in two small local populations in the access restrictions have also been APY Lands and in one predator free “They’re breeding well now – they’re rationalised for implementation in the enclosure near Ernabella. good and healthy.” near future. Supported by the Warru Recovery Part of Ethan’s job is to check for On the advise of Nullarbor Advisory Team since 2007 (APY Land tracks and signs of predators in and Committee, quotes will be requested Management, Australian Government, around the enclosure. He also makes from all Aboriginal organisations within DEWNR and the AW NRM Board, sure the water points are filled up. the local area to undertake the labour ZoosSA and scientists John Read and component of the works. “We track them to their dens using Rebecca West), indigenous rangers radio tracking and use mortality working for APY Land Management collars that give off signals. are working together to recover Warru numbers. When asked what it was like to hold a warru, Ethan said “a warru is like In 2011, around 6 Warru were a teddy bear to hold, but some are released into the Warru fence, free feisty especially those that might be of predators, to provide an area protecting little ones, they do bite but where captive bred Warru could the little ones are really cute and we learn to live in local conditions. In a don’t want to let them go”. recent trapping trip in the APY Lands Cleaning up around Koonalda Homestead at the Warru fence, there were 11 The Warru Recovery Team is now new wallabies and probably over 40 planning to take some of the Warru Warru now living in the important out of the fenced area and into the safe haven. A large team of Anangu wild. This exciting next development rangers are employed in Ernabella is in line with the Warru Recovery and in the west near Kalka and Plan 2010-2020 adopted by the team, Pipalyatjara to implement the Warru DEWNR, AW NRM Board and APY Recovery project. Land Management.

To learn more visit: www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/alinytjara.../warru-recovery-program

Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara 13 Country: NRM on Tallaringa Conservation Park

New Species found on Tallaringa On the western side of Mabel Creek ‘We were really happy to find there L-R Setting small animal traps were no weeds where we surveyed. We Barney Lennon constructing a line of pitfall traps Station, about 100km from Coober Joseph Lennon setting a funnel trap Pedy lies Tallaringa Conservation Park. didn’t do the central part of the park Andrew Dingaman constructing a pitfall fence This vast wilderness of vegetated dunes though, along the Ann Beadell Highway. Joash (Paul) Dingamen preparing a fly-wire drift and gibber rises is home to an incredible We’ll have to keep an eye around there fence, part of a pitfall trap line array of wildlife species uniquely to make sure Buffel grass and other ‘We were excited to discover that adapted to their arid environment. weeds don’t spread into the park’ said we had found seven bird species and Joseph Lennon. Local Antakirinja Matuntjara at least four reptiles not previously Yankunytjatjara, Barney and Joseph The survey was also practical and recorded in Tallaringa. This included Lennon, and Andrew and Joash (Paul) beneficial for the Traditional Owners the rare Chestnut-breasted Whiteface Dingaman recently spent five days who were undertaking a Certificate II in which is seldom observed and one of working with Dave Armstrong from the Conservation and Land Management. only two bird species endemic to South Department of Environment, Water and Australia,’ said Steve. ‘The Traditional Owners were able to Natural Resources (DEWNR) and Steve use the survey to complete some of ‘Although some of the flora specimens Eldridge and Andrew Schubert (Desert their course requirements including are still to be identified, it appears that Wildlife Services) on a biodiversity establishing the pitfall trap lines a number of them had not previously survey in the northern part of Tallaringa and setting Elliot and Funnel traps, been found on Tallaringa. There were also Conservation Park. Janet Walton (Arid as well as handling captive animals at least seven species of mulga found Lands, DEWNR), Shontelle Lennon and and rehabilitating the survey site co-existing in the park… diversity in one Connie Taylor also spent some time on afterwards. We really appreciated how area like this is very rare’, Steve said. Park helping out. keen, enthusiastic and conscientious The project was funded by Australian The Biodiversity survey is part of the they all were’ Steve said. Government’s National Landcare healthy country planning process that The DEWNR team went on to spend Program and delivered in partnership the AW NRM Board is rolling out across another five days in the southern part with the AW NRM Board, the Tallaringa the region which incorporates TO of Tallaringa where heavy rains had fallen Advisory Committee and Antakirinja engagement into long term planning in late May. This produced an abundance of Matu Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal and ownership of implementation. bird-attracting flowering annual plants. Corporation.

14 Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara Far West Coast: Maintaining Tourist Areas

Caring for Country and Nature-based Tourism

Photos and report by Paul Gregory In mid-August this year, Paul Gregory, had been at decreasing erosion and the including members of the West Mallee Ceduna-based Project Officer with destruction of fragile vegetation caused Protection Group and other community Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara by visitors. members, who camped out together (NR AW) partnered with Traditional for 5 days in 2014 and again in 2015 did “With the expectation of an increase in Owner Dennis Hocking from the West an incredible job of transforming this nature-based tourism, it was rewarding Mallee Protection Group (WMPG) to area. Their help was invaluable. monitor and maintain various sites within to find that the work we had carried the Yellabinna and Yumbarra parks. out appeared to have been respected “On this trip however, we were by visitors to the area. Instances of disappointed to find that about 300m The spread of Buffel grass into the driving off track and informal camping of track leading to a revegetated area pristine AW landscapes requires had significantly decreased. that had previously been closed off, constant monitoring and treatment, Above: One of a number of established revegetaion appeared to have been re-opened and particularly after winter rains. Trains sites under threat around Goog’s Lake used with some frequency. Without travelling through Buffel grass Below: Dennis Hocking digging a trench across the heavy equipment on hand, all we could infested areas inadvertently spread track to discourage entry to revegetated areas do was dig a deep trench across it to the seed across along the East-West deter visitors from continuing to use rail corridor. Funded through the this route and from destroying the 200 Australian Government’s National ha of revegetation work” said Paul. Landcare Program, NR AW monitor the line and destroy outbreaks before any In 2013, 600 native trees were planted infestations become unmanageable and to promote re-vegetation in the Googs cause irreversible ecological damage. Lake area.

“It was good to see some real progress “Given the harshness of the conditions from our treatment programs, we and the failure of some visitors to found there was hardly any mature Buffel respect the revegetation areas, it was grass compared to past inspections at pleasing to find that about 20% of the this time of year” said Paul. trees planted had survived.” In May last year, Paul worked with a The team also visited areas around team of Traditional Owners and other volunteers and staff establishing camp “At Googs Lake, over the past few years Nalara and Lois granite out-crops sites and access roads around the various groups of volunteers joined NR where they mapped existing tracks popular destination of Mount Finke, AW and EP staff in establishing camp and noted their condition. This will be within the Yellabinna Regional Reserve. sites, disguising unnecessary tracks used to inform plans for future access Together with Dennis he revisited the and clearly identifying access routes. management work and environmental area to assess how effective their work Local farmers, Traditional Owners, preservation.

Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara 15 Right whales pass on knowledge of their migration routes

Australia’s right whales are recovering after whaling bans, but there are still worrying signs

Written by Rob Harcourt, Professor of Marine Ecology, Macquarie University

Every July southern right whales arrive Where do the whales go? This suggests that whales that follow in the sheltered inlets of southern different migration routes belong to Australia to breed. These endangered Southern right whales migrate between different subsets of the population, whales were severely depleted by their breeding grounds off the coast of because if whales were moving whaling, with up to 150,000 killed Australia and New Zealand and feeding between routes we would see more between 1790 and 1980. grounds in the Southern Ocean. genetic mixing. For a long time we have suspected After more than a century of protection Migratory culture they are recovering well in parts of that these whales show fidelity to their range. Off south west Australia their breeding grounds, as individuals Our data suggest that these whales their numbers are increasing at nearly return each year to popular tourist pass on their migration routes culturally 7% each year. The population found sites such as The Head of the Bight in - particularly from mothers to their in the New Zealand sub-Antarctic is South Australia and to Warrnambool in daughters. also looking robust. But the population Victoria. But where exactly they feed Fidelity to migratory routes is found in south east Australia and has remained a mystery. widespread in the animal kingdom, mainland New Zealand does not seem For more than 20 years we have from eels and the Sargasso Sea, to be faring so well. studied these whales using small skin through Pacific Salmon returning to In a study published today in Nature biopsies. We looked at genetic evidence spawn in only a single river catchment, Scientific Reports we looked at the and analysis of stable isotopes of the great migrations of the African migration routes of these whales, which carbon and nitrogen. Carbon isotopes savanna, to the annual migrations of may help explain why they have been provide an indication of where animals the great whales. so slow to recover. are feeding. Combined with genetic In the marine environment returning evidence, this provides clear insights to the place of your birth can have an into who is feeding where, and in part enormous influence on population with whom. structure, and is important for We found evidence of genetic structure assessing stocks of commercial species at both ends of the migratory network such as Pacific Salmon, as well as in of southern right whales. That is conserving endangered species. animals showed high fidelity and bred For long-lived animals, passing on within the same populations returning knowledge of migration routes may be to familiar calving sites in Australia and more successful than leaving offspring New Zealand over many years. These to fend for themselves. If behaviour is animals also showed distinct separation socially transmitted and then shared when feeding in the southern ocean. within subsets of a population, it is called culture.

16 Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara Water: Protecting marine life

Natural Resources Alinytjara 2016 Whale Wilurara has undertaken annual Whale Surveys along of a Day the Nullarbor cliffs near the Head of Bight for over 5 years. The mass migration of Southern Right Whales to the pristine waters of the southern ocean at the base of the Bunda cliffs has occurred since time immemorial. The AW NRM Board will continue to strive to support these precious breeding grounds remaining as a safe, healthy refuge into the future.

Therefore, in species with long periods Migratory traditions can be a big On a sunny mid-September day the of parental care the transmission of advantage to long-lived animals by children from Yalata School headed parental preferences for breeding or providing young with ready access to down to the Head of Bight for a day feeding grounds to offspring is termed proven feeding areas and safe breeding of fun learning about Whales and migratory culture. habitat. But in a rapidly-changing their marine environment. environment, such as hat we face Threatened by loyalty today, previously productive feeding Organised and run by the Ceduna AW and EP Natural Resources Migratory culture could help explain grounds may become less productive. Centre’s Yasmin Wolf, Tammy Cox why some populations of southern right Loyalty to their migration routes might whales are recovering and others aren’t. and Latisha and Amanda Richards then mean these animals are pushed the 2016 Whale of a Day involved a When animals that show fidelity to a back to the brink of extinction. range of educational activities, whale particular migratory destination are spotting and a barbecue. lost, the “memory” of that migratory Written by Rob Harcourt, Professor of destination is also lost. The effect is Marine Ecology, Macquarie University. The Yalata school children and exacerbated when animals are lost Published in the “Conversation” community members were fortunate across the migratory network, as was November 2015. to see 20 whales frolicking around in the case with whaling. These losses due the waters below the viewing platform. to rapid reductions in populations can Despite being a bit windy the children mean that safe havens may remain lost happily immersed themselves to a population for generations. Nullarbor Cliffs looking south in creating an “Ocean in Jar” (with little fish, seaweed, blue and green colouring, glitter and sea shells in a jar); building window aquariums; learning about the texture and purpose of whale blubber and; playing with bouncy balls.

With a barbecue lunch and prizes for the children the day was a great success both as an opportunity to learn more about coastal NRM and to share in community knowledge.

Thanks for making this annual event so successful once again Yasmin.

Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara 17 Water: Protecting threatened species

Shorebird Survey 2015 Photos courtesy of Andrew Sleep The annual Shorebird Survey Resident Shorebirds Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers (both undertaken in December this year rated as Rare in the NPW Act) numbers once again highlighted the importance The team were pleased to find that the fluctuated a bit more but overall of remaining vigilant in monitoring threatened species Hooded Plovers remain quite steady. these remote coastal locations. (rated Vulnerable in both the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Red-capped Plovers (not listed as Although numbers of threatened bird Conservation Act and the National Parks threatened) have been steadying species numbers have not varied and Wildlife Act) numbers appear to increasing in numbers during the 4 year greatly, there was evidence of an have remained stable and apparently period despite a small drop in 2015. increase in habitat degradation. unaffected by any immediate threats. Refer to (blue) chart on opposite page showing actual figures.

Shorebird Monitoring and Threat Chart illustrating the fluctuations in numbers of rare or threatened species inhabiting the coastal region Assessment In early December 2015, Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara’s Adam Wood, Nathan Williams and Casey Reynolds joined Andrew Sleep and Tayla Bowden (NR EP) and bird experts Christine Taylor and Lachlan Duncan to survey the windswept beaches and dunes along the Yalata coastline. After travelling from Ceduna and establishing a campsite the team spent two days surveying 35.25km of shoreline and dunes (a total of 352 hectares). Data Analysis Threats within 100m of the resident birds have been captured over the 4 year period. The column chart opposite shows the fluctuations of each threat, 2013 showing an abnormal high number of dog prints which have thankfully have subsided. This correlates with anecdotal evidence of dog population explosion in 2013 from locals and staff from Yalata Land Management. Campsite set up in the dunes Bird experts Lachlan Duncan and Christie Taylor

18 Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara Water: Protecting threatened species

on the recommendations for the next stage of monitoring. Many thanks to “Birdy experts” Christine Taylor and Lachlan Duncan for making themselves available for the trip and for providing knowledge and expertise to the monitoring party. Also many thanks to Andrew Sleep from NR EP for taking over as party leader at short notice and for ensuring the trip and objectives were completed in a smooth and safe manner. L-R The Shorebird Team: Casey Reynolds, Christine Taylor, Tayla Bowden, Lachlan Duncan, Adam Wood, Nathan Williams and (behind the camera) Andrew Sleep Australian Bustards on the back dunes Bird species recorded at Yalata Coastal A small number of fox prints have been Beaches in 2010 – 2015 recorded in most years. Vehicles on the beach have steadily increased due the Albatross Nankeen kestrel Australian Raven Oriental Plover growing popularly of ATV vehicles used Australian Shell Duck Osprey by people fishing. Bar-tailed Godwit Pacific Gull Brown Falcon Pelican December 2015 is the last of the Caspian Tern Pied Cormorant annual Shorebird monitoring within the Common Greenshank Pied Oystercatcher Australian Government’s current 3 year Common Sandpiper Red knee Dotterel funding grant. A full analysis of the 4 Common Tern Red-capped Plover years of data in consultation with Birds Crested Tern Red-necked Stint Australia will be done before deciding Curlew Sandpiper Richard's Pipit Chart showing main threats to the shore bird’s habitat Darter Ruddy Turnstone Double-banded Sanderling Plover Sharp-tailed Eastern Reef Egret Sandpiper Fairy Martin Short-tailed

Fairy Penguin Shearwater Fairy Tern Silver Gull Great Cormorant Singing Honeyeater Great Egret Small Waders Great Knot Sooty Oystercatcher Grey Plover Starling Grey Teal Tern Grey Teal (duck) Wedge-tailed eagle Hooded Plover Welcome Swallow Little Black Whiskered Tern Cormorant White bellied- Little Penguin sea eagle Little Pied Cormorant White-faced Heron Little Raven White-winged Major Mitchell’s Fairy-wren Cockatoo Willy Wagtail Crested Tern on Yalata Beach Pacific Gull flying – photo courtesy of Tayla Bowden Year Hooded Red- Pied Sooty Plover Capped Oyster- Oyster- Plover catcher catcher 2010 9 251 40 21

2011 11 295 41 39

2013 12 414 20 17

2014 15 643 37 33

2015 13 523 27 10

Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara 19 Water: one whale’s journey...

Latisha’s going from strength to strength

About our Whale... an amazing journey

It appears that the spectacular four Year 11 student Latisha Richards has debris will provide the materials for the metre long Southern Right Whale almost completed the first year of her 2016 artworks. sculpture created in Ceduna by School-based Traineeship and what a Latisha has also been given Aboriginal artists through the Marine year it has been. Working at (and often responsibility for co-organising the Debris Sculpture project, will spend out of) the Ceduna Natural Resource 2016 Marine Debris Arts Project along its future with an exotic sea view. Centre (NRC) she has done everything with Minnie Ackland from the Ceduna from counting invasive snail species and The “whale” was recently purchased Arts Centre. In preparation Latisha has cleaning rockholes to writing reports by the prestigious Oceanographic already spoken with Greg Adams from Museum of Monaco, a breathtakingly and articles and roaming beaches the Ghost Nets Arts Project in Cairns beautiful building built on the cliffs recording shorebird data. to request a quote and suitable date. over looking the Mediterranean Sea. She has met with Minnie, the acting Exciting plans for 2nd year Coordinator Ceduna Arts Centre, to It will begin being exhibited at the of School-based Traineeship view the Workshop where construction museum in March 2016. will occur and begun to research the Congratulations to all those involved, To support her Certificate 3 studies in issue of ghost nets and marine debris Conservation and Land Management from concept to the collection of for her major Year 12 Research project. Latisha has selected four Year 12 SACE beach debris, and through to the “Latisha has embraced every subjects which directly relate to her creation of the sculpture itself. opportunity to extend her experience work at the NRC in Ceduna. and capabilities both in the field and It has become a powerful In successfully achieving all the in the office environment. This is a international ambassador for our requirements of Certificate II great credit to her particularly when region, its people and their talent equivalent she will be awarded the considering the demands of staying on and tenacity in caring about the equivalent of 1 Year 12 subject... a great top of her school studies” said Bruce environmental issues that need to be way to maximise her SACE credits. Macpherson NR AW’s Community managed in their country. Engagement Manager. Natural Resources AW have a number of projects planned for 2016 that she “Being involved in the Marine Debris will be involved in delivering. These will Beach Survey at Mexican Hat has involved her undertaking a whole support both her school studies and range of tasks including undertaking her Certificate III in Conservation and risk assessments, vehicle checks, and Land Management. writing project and communications Most recently she has been working on reports” he said. the Mexican Hat Marine Debris Survey The AW NRM Board also extend which, in addition to recording the their congratulations to Latisha on amount and type of debris collected, completing her first year and wish provided her with the opportunity to her the best in undertaking Year 12 discuss the 2016 Marine Debris Arts and her 2nd year of her School-based Project with the women and young Traineeship. people from Yalata who are also Oceanographic Museum of Monaco working on the survey. The collected Well done Latisha!

20 Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara People: AW’s comings and goings

Farewell Lynda Marshall (previously AW’s Welcome Casey.. Buffel Grass Project Officer). Graeme’s Hi my name is Jessica, Penno, Paul, contribution to fire planning and Casey Reynolds I management in the region through his was born in Darwin Sam and Graeme practical and knowledgeable approach NT, my aboriginal was significant. His skills and madcap tribe is Jawoyn Its been a dynamic last 6 months for sense of humour will be greatly missed. from the Kakadu the AW team with a number of our All the best mate! area. I moved to much treasured colleagues moving on Adelaide nine years ago looking for to pastures and loved ones far afield. Adam Pennington new opportunites. I worked in lots of (up until recently, AW’s different manual jobs up until I had to Love takes all... Landscape Ecologist) have knee surgery that restricted my Paul Gregory, who had has followed a different work options. been with NR AW for kind of love. His love of I decided to study full time at Tauondi over 5 years consistently living and working in College. From there I found work proved himself to be an remote Aboriginal Communities. Sadly in the public sector through the invaluable asset to the for us, he and his family have headed Jobs4Youths programme. I completed team. His hard working, to remote Western Australia where he a Certificate III in Government intelligent, hands-on will be taking up a new position. Adam while working and was lucky to approach and his efforts and success displayed exceptional skills in project find a trainee positon with Natural in gaining his Diploma in NRM while management and his knowledge and Resources Alintyjara Wilurara. It’s a working for AW in Ceduna represent understanding, not only of ecological great work environment, everyone is just a modicum of his capabilities. matters but also of the people from the friendly and helpful. I look forward to But Love wins all! He has followed his communities, was outstanding. A nicer completing my next certificate and heart (and an irresistible job offer) to guy you’d be hard pressed to meet. obtaining a full time position. As my Yalata Community where his wife of aboriginal family would say back home All the best Adam, to you and your just over 12 months is working. “mah” which means bye. beautiful family. Good luck Paul, we look forward to continuing working with you in Yalata And last but definitely not least... Welcome little Oliver (albeit in a different capacity) Jessica (Jessi) Koncz Sam Doudle has also Jess started with left to be with her AW as a temp three husband after spending and a half years ago 6 months as AW’s and quickly earned Co-management and follow-up contracts Hooray for Leah! Together with her Public Lands Manager. through her fantastic lovely partner Simon she has managed She did a fantastic job of supporting organisational skills and attention to create a new recruit for the team. the fledgling co-management groups to detail. Always ready to offer her He may be a bit young yet (born 24 in establishing themselves and their support and share her knowledge Nov. 2015) but given his marvellous purpose. With her husband Shane (who she was a valued member of the AW gene pool we are prepared to wait. has also undertaken considerable work Administration team. Her wonderful Leah Kyriacou has worked with AW for AW) taking up a new position in sense of humour and caring nature for over 4 years in various positions, Tjuntjuntjara (just over the WA border) made her a great person to have the most recent of which was as A/ she has decided to join him. All the best around no matter what she was Performance and Innovation Officer. Sam, it was great working with you. working on. Her colleagues (mates) We understand that you may need were very sad to see her go... and have Another casualty of to spend a little time with your had trouble finding anything without love was AW’s Fire beautiful new baby boy Leah, but its Management and her help since she left. terribly quiet around your desk. Planning Officer, Dr Thanks Jess for all you brought to the Congratulations to you both and . Graeme Armstrong team and all the best for a brilliant welcome to the world little Oliver... After 3 years as a valued future in whatever you chose to pursue. we look forward to you sharing your member of our team he has decided to mummy with us sometime in the move to Queensland to join his partner next 12 months.

Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara 21 Parry Agius Presiding Member AW NRM Board

Serving the

Rose Lester Board Member, APY Lands PEOPLE, COUNTRY, WATER of the Alinytjara Wilurara Region

Mima Smart Gary Lewis Board Member, Yalata Board Member, APY Lands

Ian Crombie Mick Haynes Board Member, AMYAC Board Member, West Coast

Adelaide Office

Level 2, 1 Richmond Road KESWICK, SA 5035 GPO Box 1047 Brian Queama ADELAIDE 5001 Tel: 8463 4860 Board Member, Maralinga Tjarutja

Natural Resources Centre

50B McKenzie Street CEDUNA PO Box 569, CEDUNA 5690 Tel: 8625 3144

Debbie Hansen Board Member, Tjuntjuntjara

www.naturalresources.sa.gov. au/alinytjara-wilurara

Helen Donald Communications Coordinator