AWEAG - History and what we do

The Aboriginal Water and Environmental Advisory Group (AWEAG) plays a critical role in ensuring that Aboriginal knowledge, values and needs are considered and appropriately addressed across the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s (the department) strategies, policies, programs and planning for the management and regulation of the State's environment and water resources. 

This work directly supports Priority Reform One of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap – Formal Partnerships and Shared Decision Making. AWEAG fosters strong relationships between the department, its members and the communities they represent, enabling culturally informed input from the earliest stages of planning and decision making. 

AWEAG was established in 2019 by former Director General Mike Rowe, to address a significant gap in the department’s engagement with Aboriginal knowledge, values and needs. In 2021, under the leadership of Director General Michelle Andrews, a comprehensive review of the AWEAG was undertaken to strengthen its governance, cultural integrity, and strategic influence. These strategic enhancements positioned AWEAG to more effectively support Aboriginal-led decision-making and partnership in environmental and water governance.

In February 2025, Director General Alistair Jones, alongside Co-Chair Anthony Bellottie and the AWEAG Board, endorsed revised governance documents—including the Terms of Reference, Charter, and Code of Conduct. These updates reaffirm AWEAG’s strategic commitment to culturally safe, accountable, and impactful partnerships, aligned with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The strengthened governance framework positions AWEAG to lead with integrity and influence in strengthening Aboriginal engagement and self-determination in environmental and water policy.