Newsletter : 2025 It’s a wrap
Message from the CEO
Dear Members,
As we close out another standout year for YSRC, I want to thank our members, partners, and community for your continued support and trust. Together, we’ve strengthened our programs, grown our impact, and delivered real outcomes for the Yamatji Nation.
A special acknowledgement to our Yamatji Rangers, your growth, training achievements, and commitment to caring for Country have been exceptional. You continue to make us proud and show what strong cultural leadership looks like.
I would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to our hardworking Directors, Cultural Committees and Elders. Your knowledge, guidance, and unwavering commitment keep us grounded, united, and focused on a strong future for the Yamatji Nation. Your leadership is at the heart of everything we do.
Looking ahead to 2026, we remain focused on building opportunities, delivering sustainable benefits, and driving our vision forward with confidence and purpose.
Wishing you and your families a safe, joyful Christmas and New Year. Our offices are now closed for the holidays and will reopen 9 January 2026.
Thank you for being part of the YSRC journey. May the holiday season bring you connection, peace, and pride in all we have achieved as a Nation.
Warm regards,
Luka Gray
CEO, YSRC
YSRC Board Appointments Update!
We are pleased to share several important governance updates as we continue strengthening our leadership and building a strong, sustainable future for the Yamatji Nation.
We begin by expressing our heartfelt thanks to Lorraine Whitby, Glenis Little, and Raylene Bellottie for their outstanding service on the YSRC Group Board. Their leadership, cultural guidance, and dedication have played a significant role in shaping the Corporation’s strategic direction and supporting positive outcomes for our Members.
Introducing Our Newly Elected Member Representative Directors
At the Annual General Meeting held on 23 November 2025, Members elected two new Directors to the YSRC Group Board:
Sheree Strauss is a proud Nanda woman with strong family ties to Murchison House Station and broad experience across land management, cultural heritage, governance, community development, and legal support. She lives and works on Nanda Country and brings deep commitment to cultural integrity and positive outcomes for her community.
Sheree is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership Manager at Bush Heritage Australia, leading partnerships with Traditional Custodians and supporting conservation and heritage projects across the Midwest and South West. Her previous roles with the Queensland Parliamentary Service and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service earned her the Lisa Watson Memorial Award for social justice.
Rod Little is a respected Wilunyu and Whadjuk man with more than 30 years’ experience in governance, policy, cultural representation, and First Nations advocacy. Raised in Geraldton, he holds deep cultural knowledge and has played key roles in the Southern Yamatji ILUA and the Amangu Native Title Claimant Group.
His career includes senior leadership roles such as Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, Chair of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, and CEO of the ACT Aboriginal Justice Centre. As Chair of Burbangana Group, he continues to lead strong governance and culturally informed engagement. Rod is also an AICD member, a certified organisational coach, and a Hall of Fame recipient at the World Indigenous Forum.
New Appointments to Yamatji Funds Management Limited (YFML)
We also welcome two new Directors to Yamatji Funds Management Limited, bringing further strength to our governance framework:
Terry Hill AM is a highly experienced leader with more than 30 years in executive, non-executive, and chair roles across government, industry, and the not-for-profit sector. He is deeply committed to community progress, regional development, and creating strong economic opportunities.
Terry currently serves as Chair of the Pilbara Development Commission and holds board roles across Aboriginal justice, agriculture, clean energy and economic development. An MBA graduate, AICD Fellow, and Member of the Order of Australia, he brings strong governance, strategic insight, and collaborative leadership to Yamatji Funds Management Limited.
Peter Harris is a highly experienced Yamatji executive with a strong background in governance, Indigenous business, and organisational leadership. He has held senior roles across government, corporate, and community sectors, bringing deep knowledge of economic development and culturally informed decision-making.
Peter has led major programs supporting Aboriginal employment, capability building, and strategic partnerships across Western Australia. Known for his operational leadership and commitment to strengthening outcomes for First Nations communities, he brings valuable expertise and steady governance to Yamatji Funds Management Limited.
These appointments reflect our continued commitment to strong, transparent governance and ensuring the Yamatji Trust is managed in a way that delivers long-term benefits for Members.
We look forward to the leadership, stability, and vision each Director brings to the YSRC Group as we continue building
a strong future for the Yamatji Nation.
🔗 Learn more about our Board of Directors and Executive Team:
World Indigenous Business Forum
YSRC was proud to be represented at the 16th World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF 2025), held in Melbourne from 28–30 October. Attending on behalf of the Yamatji Nation were YEL Chair Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, former YFML Chair Raylene Belottie, Travis McNaught (Chief Commercial Officer), and Jai Chandler (Commercial Manager).
WIBF brings together Indigenous business leaders from across the globe, and this year welcomed delegates from more than a dozen countries. The Forum offered a powerful platform to connect, learn and explore how Indigenous business leadership, culture and innovation are shaping economic futures worldwide.
Two sessions strongly aligned with YSRC’s current strategic focus:
Indigenous Tourism, presented by Tourism Australia, emphasised the rising demand for culturally authentic, Indigenous-led visitor experiences.
Artificial Intelligence and Indigenous Languages showcased how emerging technologies can support the preservation and revitalisation of traditional languages for generations to come.
The Forum provided fresh ideas, global learnings and meaningful new connections that YSRC looks forward to applying across our cultural tourism, language revitalisation and Indigenous-led business initiatives.
GROH Housing Update
YSRC is pleased to share that the transfer of the 10 Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) properties is now in its final stages.
The Transfer Deed has been fully executed by YSRC, YFML (as Bare Trustee), and the Department of Housing and Works, formally outlining the arrangements for the transfer and ongoing leasing of the homes to support essential workers across the region.
In line with ILUA commitments, these properties will continue to be used for Government Regional Officer Housing for as long as the State elects to retain them for that purpose.
The Offers to Lease have now been finalised, and property management arrangements are prepared to commence pending final internal compliance steps.
Over recent months, YSRC has worked closely with the Department of Housing and Works to coordinate tenancy movements and ensure a smooth transition. While complex and detailed, the process is nearing completion.
Once transferred, these homes will form part of the Yamatji Estate, delivering a stable, long-term revenue stream to support Yamatji economic development and cultural priorities. Members will be kept informed as the final handover is completed.
Yamatji Rangers - Year in Review
2025 has been a landmark year for the Yamatji Rangers, marked by significant growth, new skills, and an enormous amount of work across both Country and Sea Country. From science and restoration to cultural learning and community support, the team has demonstrated commitment, resilience, and genuine pride in caring for Yamatji lands and waters.
Abrolhos Islands – Marine Monitoring & Restoration
In partnership with BCMI, Rangers undertook important marine science activities across the Abrolhos Islands. Using GPS mapping, they assisted DPIRD in locating long-established dive trail concrete markers, many of which were obscured by years of biofouling and difficult sea conditions.
The data collected will help inform future tourism management and ensure the dive trails remain safe, accessible, and sustainably maintained.
Rangers also visited five Abrolhos Islands to collect cuttings of Nitraria billardierei (nitre bush), a key species that provides shelter for vulnerable Australian sea lion pups. This revegetation work directly contributes to improving long-term survival rates and strengthening colony health.
Seal Monitoring & Cultural Learning On Country
Throughout the year, Rangers continued seal population monitoring and coastal condition assessments, contributing valuable environmental data across Sea Country.
They also strengthened cultural knowledge through time spent with Yamatji Cultural Committees and Elders — learning about seasonal cycles, language, and the responsibilities involved in protecting Country.
Chapman River Fires – Supporting Community Recovery
When fires impacted Geraldton right before Christmas, Rangers stepped up.
Working with the City of Greater Geraldton, they helped clear loop trails along Chapman River so the community could safely access the area again.
The fires were a sobering reminder of how fragile and unique our biodiversity is with some species lost. The Rangers’ efforts helped reopen Country while respecting what was damaged and what survived.
Cultural Site Care
This year included targeted clean-up and protection of culturally significant areas, including work at Willy Gully, Alice Nannup site management, scared sites protection management to name a few. These activities reflect the Yamatji Rangers’ broader role in safeguarding important places for current and future generations.
Training and Capacity Building
The year has been equally strong in professional development, with Rangers completing a diverse range of training, including:
Advanced diving
Fauna handling
4WD operations
Drone flight training
Coral restoration
Shark tagging
Environmental DNA and microplastics sampling
Abrolhos seal count methodologies
These opportunities continue to build a highly skilled Ranger team ready to take on expanded responsibilities across Yamatji land and sea management and ready for contracting work.
Looking Ahead
It has been an exceptional year of activity, learning, and contribution. The Yamatji Rangers have shown strong dedication to environmental protection, cultural care, and community service, and we look forward to supporting their continued development and impact in the year ahead.
Lands Team
Lands Team is responsible for the delivery and management of the Yamatji Land Estate (YLE), a key component of the Yamatji Nation Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA). Over the past six months, the team has focused on progressing land transfers, building capacity in land management and governance, and identifying economic opportunities across the estate.
Yamatji Land Estate & Transfer Process
The Yamatji Land Estate covers around 140,000 hectares across 1,386 land parcels. We’re excited to share that all eligible land has now been accepted and is moving through the final steps for official transfer.
While the State prepares each site, our Lands Team is doing detailed checks to make sure we fully understand the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities that come with managing each parcel of Country. This work helps us set strong foundations for future economic, cultural, and environmental outcomes.
Land Management
Ten reserves have now formally transferred to Yamatji ownership which is a huge milestone.
Our team has been out on Country inspecting sites, mapping weeds, cleaning up rubbish, and planning future revegetation. Being physically on the land helps us understand what’s needed and strengthens our discussions with government around lowering long-term management risks and costs.
One of our main focus areas has been the Irwin River reserve, an important Southern Yamatji site. With funding from the DPLH “Preserve, Promote, Protect Our Aboriginal Sites” program, our Lands Team and Yamatji Rangers have worked closely with Southern Yamatji representatives on clean-ups, hazard removal, and culturally informed land care.
Across 2025, YSRC secured around $150,000 to support the protection and enhancement of key heritage areas like this one.
Cultural Awareness Training
YSRC has partnered with Yamagigu to design a new interactive cultural awareness program for the Yamatji Nation. This work will be guided by representatives selected by the Cultural Authority to ensure the content is culturally strong and locally grounded.
The program is scheduled to roll out in early 2026 and will support our community, partners, and stakeholders in building deeper understanding of Yamatji culture and Country.
Pink Lake & Lucky Bay Tourism Opportunities
Tourism planning is also moving ahead. YSRC engaged UDLA to help map and analyse the Pink Lake and Lucky Bay areas, working closely with the Hutt River Cultural Committee to identify what’s possible and what needs protecting.
We’re now in the final stages of this project. The findings will help shape detailed planning and support future funding applications for tourism infrastructure and business case development at both sites.
Pictured above: Back row - Travis McNaught, Clive Nutter, Adam Murszewski, Irene Kelly, Stephen Kelly. Middle Row - Dion Harris, Nicole Nelson, Ruby Coombes, Rachel Mallard. Front Row - Khegan Brockman.
💦 Yamatji Water – Project Updates
Throughout 2025, Yamatji Water has continued to bring cultural knowledge and water science together to protect our water places, build future opportunities, and support strong decision-making for generations to come. Here’s what the team has been working on over the past six months.
Integrated Water Study – Phase Two Progressing Well
Yamatji Water has been busy progressing Phase Two of the Yamatji Nation Integrated Water Study. This project maps and documents key water sites across Yamatji Country, guided by Cultural Authority representatives from the Yamatji Southern, Hutt River, Mullewa Wadjari and Widi groups.
Our team spent 2–3 days with each group, starting with an overview of our work and the findings from Phase One. From there, we headed out on Country to visit priority water sites. Elders and Cultural Authority members shared their knowledge, stories, and cultural significance of each place. With permission, we recorded stories and captured photos and drone footage to ensure this important knowledge is preserved respectfully.
With the fieldwork done, Yamatji Water is now preparing the first draft of the Phase Two Reports. These will be shared with Cultural Authority members over the coming months for feedback and cultural guidance. Work has also begun on action lists for each language group, outlining future management needs in partnership with YSRC and the Cultural Committees.
To help share the work more broadly, a local media company is producing a series of videos — one overall summary and four language-group-specific films — due to be completed in mid-December.
Pictured above: Hutt River Cultural Committee Engagement Group L-R: Sarah Mallard, Breanna Mead, Vilma Hodder, Sharon Oxenham, Kirrili Weightman, Paul Eley, Mike Hollett, Daniel Shiosaki, Barbara Stoeckel Clayton, Selva Marimuthu.
Pictured above: Mullewa Wadjari Cultural Committee Engagement Group L-R: Leedham Papertalk Senior, Jonathan Cotterill, Mike Hollett, Selva Marimuthu, Sharon Oxenham (DWER), Vilma Hodder, Lenelle Papertalk, Breanna Mead, Patrick Papertalk, Daniel Shiosaki, Glenda Jackamarra, Kirrili Weightman and Michael Flanagan.
Pictured above: Southern Yamatji Cultural Committee Engagement Group L-R: Kirrili Weightman, Sharon Oxenham (DWER), Barry Dodd, Mike Hollett, Melanie Alone, Norman Little, Deborah Robinson, Garry Ronan, Daniel Shiosaki, Lee-Anne Taylor, Selva Marimuthu and Laurie Barlow.
Pictured above: Widi Mob Cultural Committee Engagement Group L-R: Breanna Mead, Kirrili Weightman, Donna Atkins, Darryl Fogarty, Kimberley Lewis, Julie Lewis, Daniel Shiosaki and Mike Hollet.
Site assessment drill location targets at Twin Hills & Eneabba, marking the commencement of groundwater investigations.
Groundwater investigations begin in
Twin Hills and Eneabba
New groundwater investigations have started in the Twin Hills and Eneabba areas to better understand long-term water supply options for our region. Our Principal Hydrogeologist and the Yamatji Water team have been on site assessing suitable drilling locations and completing early technical checks.
These investigations, delivered in partnership with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, will involve drilling deep bores to understand both the quality and sustainable availability of groundwater. This work will support future regional development while ensuring water use remains guided by Yamatji values and care for Country.
Ongoing Water Monitoring & Commercial Water Sales
Our Water Monitoring team has had another full and productive six months, carrying out routine monitoring programs and supporting clients right across Yamatji Country.
Yamatji Water has also continued to support regional projects through responsible commercial water sales. These agreements allow proponents to access part of Yamatji’s allocated water while ensuring any use aligns with the long-term interests of the Yamatji Nation and protects our water resources for future generations.
Recruiting Two Yamatji Trainee Roles
As part of our Training & Development Program, we are currently recruiting two Yamatji trainee positions. These roles offer hands-on experience in water monitoring, hydrogeology, and environmental fieldwork, supported by experienced mentors.
Creating real career pathways is a key priority for Yamatji Water, and these trainee roles will help build strong local skills in the water and environmental sectors. We look forward to welcoming our new trainees soon.
Photo: Vilma Hodder, carrying out water monitoring on client sites.
Yamatji Business Support
Yamatji Business Support is closing out the year with a huge sense of pride, energy, and momentum. Over the past six months we have welcomed a diverse range of new and interesting businesses, each bringing fresh ideas and new opportunities into the region. At the same time, several of our longer-term clients are now experiencing solid periods of business growth and expansion, securing new work, building stronger systems, and stepping confidently into the next stage of their development. Reaching 97 supported businesses is an incredible milestone, and we are excited to hit 100 businesses supported by early next year. This will represent more than two million dollars of grants delivered back to Yamatji members through guidance, capability building and hands-on business support.
We also want to acknowledge and sincerely thank our partner agencies for their commitment throughout the year. Their support has played a vital role in helping our members build their skills, develop stronger capabilities, and position their businesses for long-term success. This collaborative effort has made a real difference on the ground and has strengthened the wider Yamatji business ecosystem.
As we wrap up an outstanding year, we thank every member who has engaged with YBS, shared their ideas, attended sessions and taken brave steps in their business journey. Your drive and determination continue to shape a stronger economic future for Yamatji people. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, filled with rest, family time and renewed energy for the year ahead.
Please note that YBS will be closed from 20 December to 26 January. If you have registered your interest for an appointment in the new year, we have your details and will contact you to book a meeting once the team returns. We look forward to an exciting 2026 and to supporting even more Yamatji businesses to grow and succeed.
Join the Yamatji Business Register
Are you a Yamatji business owner? We’d love to feature your business on the Yamatji Business Register, a dedicated space on our website that provides free advertising for Yamatji-owned enterprises, with additional opportunities for spotlighting on social media.
The register is actively used by proponents, investment partners, and government agencies looking to engage First Nations businesses for upcoming contracts, services, and collaborative projects.
What’s in it for you?
Free listing on the YSRC website I Increased visibility with industry & government contacts I Marketing Support
If you’re interested, simply fill out the form online.
Check out the live business register below:
YSRC NAIDOC Celebration
YSRC NAIDOC Celebration: Event Wrap-Up Now Live
What an unforgettable night for the Yamatji Nation. The Geraldton Foreshore was filled with thousands of community members coming together to celebrate culture, connection and Yamatji pride at the YSRC NAIDOC Celebration.
From live music, traditional dance and free cultural food tastings, to kids’ activities, family giveaways and a vibrant festival atmosphere, the event was a powerful showcase of our community spirit.
The highlight of the evening was the spectacular First Lights “Bimarra” Dreamtime Drone Show A breathtaking finale that lit up the night sky with story, colour and movement.
Read the full event wrap-up, check our official event video, photos and relive the nights dream time drone show magic finale.
YSRC NAIDOC FIRST LIGHTS “BIMARRA” experience in link below.
Thank You to Our Sponsors, Partners & Community
Our 2025 YSRC NAIDOC Celebration was made possible through the generous support of our major sponsors:
Lotterywest, Mitsui E&P Australia, Empire Metals Australia Pty Ltd, GBSC, Vault Minerals, Neoen, Trina Solar, Synergy, DevelopmentWA, City of Greater Geraldton, AGIG, Beach Energy, YMAC, ILUKA, Coral Insurance, Melissa Price MP, GMA Garnet and Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club.
Your support helps this much-loved cultural celebration grow stronger each year, creating opportunities for the Yamatji community today and for generations to come.
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful service providers, performers, stallholders, volunteers and our incredible community. Your time, talent and energy helped make this event such a proud and powerful moment for the Yamatji Nation.
We are now looking for more traditional stalls and entertainment for 2026 to continue showcasing our talented First Nations people. If you are interested in being involved in future YSRC events, or have any questions or feedback for our events team, we would love to hear from you.
Please reach out and email us with the link below.
🖤💛♥️
Perth Office Officially Opens in the Heart of the City
Our new CBD metropolitan premises at: 101 Edward Street, Perth WA 6000
The official opening of the YSRC Perth Office recently brought together valued partners, stakeholders, Elders, and staff to celebrate this important milestone for the Corporation and the Yamatji Nation.
The event began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony delivered by Elder Daniel and his son, Johnny Garlett. Their powerful words, songs in language, and cultural traditions created a moving experience that beautifully united City and Country, honouring our First Nations heritage and strengthening our shared sense of community.
Held at our new CBD premises, the opening provided a successful and engaging networking opportunity for those in attendance. This metropolitan space significantly enhances YSRC’s ability to connect with government, industry partners, and key stakeholders across Perth. Importantly, it also provides a welcoming hub for Yamatji members living in the Perth and Peel regions, who are encouraged to drop in, have a yarn, and meet with our team.
While our Geraldton office remains our operational base and cultural heart, the establishment of the Perth office represents another key step in expanding our presence and strengthening the voice of the Yamatji Nation across Western Australia.
This new City location will enable us to host community days, gatherings, and opportunities for members to stay informed about the important work undertaken behind the scenes. This includes delivering on ILUA commitments, advancing sustainable future planning, and developing long-term investment portfolios designed to benefit Yamatji members for generations to come.
With accessible on-site parking and a central location, we look forward to welcoming members and partners into this vibrant and culturally grounded space. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact our team.
For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact our team.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
🖤💛♥️