The Aboriginal Water and Environmental Advisory group (AWEAG) convened for its 24th meeting with a two-day regional gathering at the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s Goomburrup (Bunbury) Regional Office on Wardandi Boodjar, continuing its tradition of annual regional visits to strengthen connections across the state.
The visit was a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and shape the future of water and environmental management in Western Australia.
The meeting was Co-Chaired by Director General Alistair Jones and Anthony Bellottie, a Nhanda and Malgana man from Shark Bay in the Yamatji Region and opened with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by local Elder Charmaine Williams, setting a respectful and reflective tone for the discussions ahead.
A key highlight was a meaningful conversation with The Hon. Don Punch MLA, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; and the South West.
The Minister spoke about the deep interconnections across his portfolios and the importance of exploring alternative options to better support the health of Country.
The Minister described Country as a collective infrastructure for all that sustains life, highlighting the importance of recognising Aboriginal worldviews. Country holds deep cultural and spiritual significance and bringing together cultural knowledge and Western science can support approaches that respect cultural values while considering economic needs. He welcomed AWEAG’s continued support in progressing collaborative, cross-portfolio work.
AWEAG reaffirmed its commitment to shaping the Department’s 10-Year Roadmap (the Roadmap), a strategic initiative aligned with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy.
Currently in its early stages, the Roadmap is focused on identifying gaps and priorities through inclusive engagement, with AWEAG ensuring Aboriginal voices are central to this long-term transformation.
The Aboriginal Engagement and Partnership team provided updates on AWEAG’s membership recruitment, with a focus on increasing regional diversity and strengthening engagement in areas currently without member representation.
Members also discussed challenges around access to land for water monitoring, particularly on pastoral and mining tenures. Solutions such as adapting Indigenous Land Use Agreements and exploring third-party arrangements, were considered to support more inclusive monitoring practices.
Concerns were raised about the limitations of current water legislation in managing Western Australia’s water. Key priorities included improving transparency in water usage data, enhancing monitoring systems, and strengthening sustainable water management that respects and protects Country.
AWEAG also received an update on the Closing the Gap Inland Waters Target project, including recent engagement with the National Native Title Council. The project will be developed in stages, with AWEAG playing a key role in setting direction and guiding community engagement.
On the second day, AWEAG spent time on Country with Troy Bennell from Ngalang Wongi Aboriginal Cultural Tours. The group visited a freshwater hole in Treendale, the Collie River, and the Bunbury Estuary where they were lucky enough to spot a pod of dolphins. They also visited Wyalup Rocky Point to hear local history and finished the tour at Big Swamp Parkland.
The visit concluded with an opportunity to meet Bunbury-based DWER staff, hear about regional projects, and visit sites such as the Maidens Reserve infrastructure development.
The two-day gathering was a powerful reminder of the importance of place-based engagement and the value of walking together to care for Country.
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