Aboriginal NRM
The Aboriginal NRM program work in close collaboration with the Noongar Ballardong people to ensure that the organisation respects and honours culture and Boodjar (country). With longstanding history of connection between Wheatbelt NRM and the Noongar Ballardong people, the Aboriginal NRM team continues to further develop connection to Boodjar that has been fundamental for the Noongar people since the time of dreaming. This is achieved through employing the Noongar Boodja Ranger Team, engaging a Noongar Elders Advisory Group and providing resources to our community on cultural heritage and Noongar Language.
Current Projects
Noongar Boodja Ranger Team
Video Credit: MainRoads WA
The Noongar Boodja Ranger Team was established in 2014 to provide Aboriginal community members with ongoing work on Boodjar (country). This was identified as a high priority of the Elders Advisory Group, as building a life in the region can be difficult without job opportunities and training. Today, the team has developed into a skilled workforce of locally Noongar men and women that continues to grow their employment base of work on Boodja that adheres to and promotes traditional culture to the community. Rangers are trained across multiple skill sets including safety, operating equipment, native seed collection, weed control and plant identification. This helps Rangers engage in projects that connect them to Boodjar and empowers each of them to carry skillsets and confidence into other areas of their lives. This work has been effective in managing natural resources in the area.
“We are developing a strong group of enthusiastic and capable Ranger team members who are excited to be working ‘on country’ and developing skills that will set them up for more meaningful work in the future.” – Jermaine ‘Bomber’ Davis, Cultural Advisor and Ranger Co-ordinator.
How to engage the Ranger team:
Elders Advisory Group
Elders Advisory Group
The Elders Advisory Group was established in 2013 to provide advice and guidance to Wheatbelt NRM’s Aboriginal NRM team. The primary aim is to provide opinion and cultural guidance on strategic planning and development of programs. This group is made up of 10 respected Wheatbelt community members with substantive traditional knowledge that represent local, traditional Noongar families. This group has been a driving force behind the Aboriginal NRM’s action plans which are the guiding framework to enabling the communities ongoing participation in natural resource management.
To further engage the community, the Mooditj Boodja Environmental Award was developed by the Elders Advisory Group. This award is available to primary and high school students within the Wheatbelt NRM catchment area. These are presented at end of year school presentation ceremonies to a student who demonstrates participation in Noongar language, care for the environment and culture matters or a combination of the three.
Schools in the catchment area are contacted at the beginning of Term 4 each year.
The current action plan in place is the Koort Boodjar – Mia Boodjar (My Heartland – My Homeland). This action plan touches on five key areas.
Recording traditional kaatdijin (knowledge) for natural resource management.
Traditional kaatdijin is recorded for future generations and is shared with the whole community to celebrate Noongar culture.Use of Noongar language
Sharing Noongar language and stories to create greater awareness of Noongar culture and spirituality while creating a broader understanding of the traditional and contemporary history of the area.Access to significant sites
Appropriate access to significant sites enables Noongar people to reconnect spiritually to sites of cultural significance and delivers successful action to heal Boodjar.Economic opportunities in natural resource management.
The creation of economic opportunities in natural resource management for Noongar people is gaining momentum. Provide opportunities for developing Aboriginal livelihoods through work on Country.Meaningful discussion
Effective management for improved environmental health depends on mutual understanding of its environmental, scientific and cultural uses as seen from a range of perspectives and based on mutual trust and respect.
This is a five year action plan to be reviewed in 2026.
Mooditj Boodja
Image Credit here.
The Mooditj Boodja website is a resource available to the community that gives knowledge about cultural heritage, native flora and fauna as well as engages stories from the Noongar community.
Please note that the site may include images and video of deceased community members.
Other Resources
Image Credit here.
Description here.
