Newsletter : May - June 2026
Message from the CEO
As we reach the halfway point of the year, I continue to be encouraged by the passion, commitment and collaboration demonstrated across our organisation and the broader Yamatji Nation community.
The past two months have been another busy and productive period for YSRC, with significant progress being made across many areas of the organisation. From caring for Country and protecting our cultural heritage to supporting Yamatji businesses, advancing clean energy opportunities and investing in our people, every achievement reflects our commitment to creating lasting outcomes for our Members.
One of the highlights has been seeing our teams working together on Country and in the community. Whether through environmental projects at Ellendale Pool, Sea Country consultations, water monitoring, or planning for future opportunities, our staff continue to demonstrate professionalism, respect and a genuine commitment to serving our Members.
It has also been wonderful to see the continued growth of Yamatji Business Support, with more Yamatji-owned businesses stepping forward to build sustainable enterprises and create employment opportunities across the region. Supporting economic development remains a key priority as we work towards creating stronger futures for our communities.
I would also like to congratulate our staff on the many achievements highlighted throughout this edition, including securing important grant funding, representing YSRC at industry conferences, and continuing to build strong partnerships that create opportunities for Yamatji Nation.
This edition also marks the beginning of preparations for our 2026 YSRC NAIDOC Celebration. We are excited to once again bring our community together to celebrate culture, Country and community, while showcasing the incredible talent, businesses and achievements of Yamatji people. I encourage everyone to save the date Saturday October 24th and keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved.
Finally, I would like to thank our Members, Board, Cultural Committees, partners and dedicated staff for their continued support. Everything we achieve is made possible through working together with a shared vision for a stronger future.
I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the newsletter and learning more about the exciting work taking place across YSRC.
Kind regards,
Luka Gray
CEO, YSRC
Get to Know Your YSRC Board
The YSRC Board plays an important role in leading the organisation and making strategic decisions that support the long-term interests of Yamatji Nation Members.
The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Corporation, overseeing governance, ensuring accountability, and supporting the delivery of programs and services across YSRC and its Group entities.
Made up of Member Representative Directors, Member Expert Directors and Independent Expert Directors, the Board brings together a diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience to guide YSRC into the future.
Board members work closely with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure decisions are aligned with the aspirations of Members while supporting good governance, transparency and sustainable outcomes for future generations.
Want to know more?
Visit the YSRC website to learn more about your Board, including Director profiles and their role in leading the Corporation.
Photo L-R - Our Leadership Team I Michael Paarup, Gareth Ogilvie, Jarrad Oakley Nicholls, Rod Little, Travis McNaught, Luka Gray, Sheree Strauss, Tony Cull and Ross Councillor
Get to Know Your Cultural Committees
Cultural Committees play a vital role in ensuring Traditional Owner knowledge, cultural values and community voices help shape decisions affecting Yamatji Country.
Representing the Hutt River, Mullewa Wadjari, Southern Yamatji and Widi Mob Native Title Claim Groups, Cultural Committee members provide advice on matters relating to culture, heritage, land management and community priorities.
They work alongside YSRC on a wide range of initiatives, helping ensure cultural knowledge and Traditional Owner perspectives remain at the heart of planning and decision-making.
Whether contributing to heritage projects, land and sea management, consultation activities or cultural programs, Cultural Committees continue to play an important leadership role in protecting culture and supporting future generations.
Want to know who represents your area?
Visit the YSRC website to view your Cultural Committee representatives and learn more about the important work they do.
L-R Theona Councillor, Stephen Kelly, Cleave Narkle, Kathleen Pinkerton, Snr Leedham Papertalk, Petula Watson (proxy Nichole Councillor), Irene Kelly, Michael Flanagan, Edward Collins, Donna Atkins, Julie Lewis, Anita Farrell, David Ronan, Melanie Warner, Denice Cotterill, Clive Nutter, Glenda Jackamarra - Dann, Patrick Papertalk - Absent Rachel Mallard, Barry Dodd, Dale Forsyth, Beverley Slater, Darryl Fogarty, Lenny Papertalk.
Yamatji Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area (SCIPA) Consultations
Yamatji Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area Consultations
During June, Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation hosted a series of Cultural Committee meetings as part of ongoing consultations for the proposed Yamatji Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area (SCIPA).
Representatives from the Hutt River, Mullewa Wadjari, Southern Yamatji and Widi Mob Cultural Committees came together to discuss how Traditional Owners want to care for and manage Yamatji Sea Country now and into the future.
The workshops focused on developing a shared vision for Sea Country, with participants identifying the cultural, environmental and heritage values that are most important to protect, maintain and strengthen for future generations.
Discussions highlighted the deep connections Yamatji people have with Saltwater Country and the responsibilities Traditional Owners continue to hold in caring for Country, culture and community.
The valuable knowledge, ideas and priorities shared throughout the workshops will help guide future consultation and planning activities as YSRC continues working with Members and Traditional Owners to explore the potential establishment of a Yamatji Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area.
Together, these conversations are helping shape a future where Yamatji people continue to lead the care and management of Sea Country for generations to come.
Supporting Yamatji Businesses to Grow
Yamatji Business Support (YBS) continues to go from strength to strength, now supporting 116 Yamatji member businesses across the region.
Over May and June, several new businesses joined the YBS program, representing a diverse mix of industries including trades and maintenance services, transport and logistics, creative and cultural enterprises, and a range of professional and service-based businesses.
The growing number and diversity of Yamatji-owned businesses reflects the skills, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Yamatji people. From start-ups taking their first steps into business through to established operators securing contracts and employing staff, it is encouraging to see businesses building strong foundations for long-term success.
YBS continues to provide tailored support to help businesses achieve their goals, including:
Business planning and development
Grant and funding applications
Procurement and contract opportunities
Referrals to specialist business support services
Governance and operational guidance
Demand for YBS services remains strong, with current wait times for a business assessment appointment sitting at approximately 12 weeks. We sincerely thank businesses for their patience and understanding as the team works through a growing pipeline of enquiries.
Looking ahead, YBS is exploring additional training and skill development opportunities to further strengthen business capability and support long-term growth across the region.
Calling all Yamatji Businesses!
Showcase Your Business at the 2026 YSRC NAIDOC Celebration
2026 YSRC NAIDOC Celebration on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
Expressions of Interest are now open for Yamatji businesses wanting to be part of one of the Mid West's biggest community celebrations.
With thousands of people expected to attend, this is an incredible opportunity to showcase your business to a large and diverse audience, increase your brand visibility, connect with potential customers, and celebrate the strength and success of Yamatji enterprise.
From handcrafted products and artwork to professional services, food, fashion, tourism, health, trades and everything in between—we want to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent, innovation and entrepreneurship within our Yamatji Nation community.
Why have a stall?
Reach thousands of community members and visitors.
Promote your products and services to a broad audience.
Generate new sales, enquiries and business opportunities.
Build valuable community and industry connections.
Celebrate and showcase the strength of Yamatji businesses.
The YSRC NAIDOC Celebration is more than an event, it's a vibrant celebration of culture, community and opportunity. We'd love to see Yamatji businesses front and centre, sharing their stories, showcasing their success and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Register your interest today and be part of an unforgettable community celebration!
Rangers Building Digital Skills at Ellendale Pool
The YSRC Yamatji Rangers recently participated in a hands-on training session and field mapping exercise at Ellendale Pool, building skills in digital data collection and environmental monitoring.
Working alongside West GIS, Rangers learnt how to use ArcGIS Field Maps to capture information directly in the field using mobile devices. The training focused on mapping weeds, litter, erosion, tracks and other environmental features across the reserve.
Six Rangers took part in the exercise, gaining practical experience in collecting, recording and synchronising data while working on Country.
The training forms part of the Ellendale Pool Restoration and Preservation Project and aims to build long-term capability within the Ranger team, allowing future surveys and monitoring activities to be undertaken independently.
By combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, Rangers are continuing to strengthen their ability to care for Country and protect important cultural and environmental values.
L-R Andrew Yarran, Aquinas Sibosado, Kyra Lewis, Pierre Louis, Andrew Ronan, Fletcher De Meo and Kyianie Mongoo
First Nations Clean Energy Grant Success
The YSRC Lands Team is proud to congratulate Amarah Treacy, Lands Project Officer, on successfully securing funding through the First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants Program – Round 1.
YSRC was awarded the full grant amount of $80,000, providing an exciting opportunity to continue exploring renewable energy opportunities across Yamatji Country.
The funding will support the next phase of environmental investigations at a potential wind farm site near Eneabba. This work will include detailed flora and vegetation surveys, targeted fauna surveys, and bird and bat monitoring. These important studies build on previous assessments that identified the renewable energy potential across the Yamatji land estate.
The investigations will help determine whether the site is environmentally suitable for future development by identifying any constraints and providing the technical information needed to support informed decision-making.
The grant is part of the Australian Government's First Nations Clean Energy Strategy, which aims to ensure First Nations communities have access to the knowledge, advice and technical support needed to participate in clean energy development on Country. As renewable energy projects continue to expand across the Mid West, this funding represents another important step towards ensuring Yamatji people are well informed, actively involved and able to make decisions about opportunities on their Country.
Congratulations to Amarah on securing this significant funding and for her continued commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for Yamatji Nation.
💦 Yamatji Water Update 💦
Trainees Gain Hands-On Experience On Country
Yamatji Water trainees Shonette and Dakira Mongoo recently spent time On Country at Ellendale Pool, taking part in a water quality assessment as part of the riparian management program.
Working alongside the Yamatji Water team, they collected water samples and recorded field measurements from six locations, including upstream, within the pool and downstream. The information gathered will help establish baseline water quality conditions, identify any potential environmental risks and support the long-term management of Ellendale Pool.
The fieldwork provided valuable hands-on experience while reinforcing the importance of caring for waterways and protecting Country for future generations.
We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment Shonette and Dakira continue to demonstrate. By embracing every opportunity to learn in the field, they are building the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed for rewarding careers with Yamatji Water and helping care for Country and community.
Left Photo - Dakira Mongoo, Shonette Mongoo, (Trainees) , Kirrili Weightman (Supervisor) , Sharon Oxenham (DWER Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer)
Centre Photo - Selva Marimuthu (Principal Hydrogeologist), Kirrili Weightman
Right Photo - Kirrili Weightman, Shonette Mongoo, Dakira Mongoo,
Twin Hills Groundwater Investigation Reaches New Milestone
The Twin Hills Groundwater Investigation has reached an exciting new stage, with drilling preparations now underway following the appointment of drilling contractor Clear Cut Interventions (CCI).
The project is investigating groundwater resources within the Twin Hills sub-region to better understand future water supply opportunities across the region.
Following the successful completion of cultural heritage surveys earlier this year, exploration drilling is scheduled to begin next month. The drilling program will collect important information about groundwater quality, aquifer characteristics and potential water yields.
The results will help guide future groundwater planning and support sustainable water management across Yamatji Country.
Throughout the project, Yamatji Water continues to work closely with Traditional Owners to ensure cultural and environmental values remain central to every stage of the investigation.
Vilma Inspires at the MidWest Projects Conference
Congratulations to Vilma Hodder for representing Yamatji Water as a guest speaker at the 2026 MidWest Major Projects Conference in Perth.
Vilma shared her inspiring career journey, from joining Yamatji Water as a trainee to becoming a Water Monitoring Technician. She then joined Yamatji Water's General Manager Strategic Projects, Laurie Barlow, and Erica Lampropoulos from Pollination for a panel discussion on opportunities, experiences and the future of the clean energy and water sectors.
Vilma received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback throughout the conference, with many attendees congratulating her on her confidence, professionalism and authentic presentation.
The conference also provided a valuable opportunity for the Yamatji Water team to connect with industry leaders, strengthen partnerships and contribute to important conversations helping shape the future of major projects across the Mid West.
Vilma's journey is a wonderful example of the opportunities available through Yamatji Water and an inspiration for the next generation of Yamatji people pursuing careers in the industry.
Integrated Water Study Continues
Planning is now underway for the next round of cultural engagement activities as part of the Integrated Water Study – Phase two.
Building on earlier engagement with Traditional Owners, Yamatji Water will continue working with Cultural Authority representatives and key stakeholders through a series of on-Country visits and discussions.
These conversations provide an important opportunity to share local knowledge, strengthen partnerships and ensure cultural values continue to guide future water planning and management.
The Integrated Water Study is helping build a better understanding of regional water resources while supporting long-term opportunities for sustainable water management across the Yamatji Nation.
Further on-Country engagement activities are planned for September, continuing this important collaboration with Traditional Owners.
🌿 Honouring Abby at Ellendale Pool
On Friday 15 May, YSRC staff came together On Country at Ellendale Pool to honour and remember our much-loved colleague and friend, Abby Shiosaki.
The day began by acknowledging Yamatji customs with a beautiful Smoking Ceremony creating a meaningful opportunity for staff to reflect, connect and celebrate Abby's life in a place that held a special place in her heart.
Ellendale Pool was somewhere Abby loved, and it felt only fitting that we came together on Country to remember her beautiful spirit, the kindness she shared with everyone around her, and the lasting memories we all hold so dearly.
A huge thank you goes to our incredible YSRC Rangers, who planned, coordinated and managed the entire day with such care and respect. Their dedication created a truly memorable experience for all staff and reflected the importance of caring for both Country and each other.
As part of the day, staff joined together to revegetate the area by planting more than 200 native plants, including:
🌱 River Red Gums I 🌱 York Gums I 🌱 Native Sedges I 🌱 Australian Saltbush I 🌱 Mallee Saltbush I 🌱 Sheoak
Each plant now stands as a living tribute to Abby, a lasting reminder of her connection to Country and the positive impact she had on so many people.
The day concluded with a shared barbecue beneath the trees, where stories, laughter and memories were shared, reminding us that although Abby is no longer with us, her spirit continues to live on in our hearts, in our friendships, and now, in the landscape she loved.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the day so special. Together, we honoured Abby in the most meaningful way, through Country, community, reflection and care.
🩷 Forever remembered. Forever part of the YSRC family x
Yamatji Words of the Week
We love sharing language and helping keep it strong and alive across community.
Our Words of the Week continue to celebrate Yamatji language, culture and identity while encouraging learning and connection for all generations.
Keep an eye on our social media pages with YSRC Instagram page dedicated to language as we continue sharing language from across Country.
