Kimberley Land Council opens new Kununurra office

Around 100 Traditional Owners, community members and partners gathered on Mirriwoong Country this week to celebrate the opening of the Birch-Gordon Building, the new east Kimberley office for the Kimberley Land Council.

The opening marks 40 years since the first KLC office was established in Kununurra in 1986 and strengthens the organisation’s presence in the east Kimberley.

The building honours two respected Kimberley leaders, Mr Birch and Ms Gordon, whose leadership and advocacy helped shape the growth of the KLC and the broader movement for the rights of Kimberley Aboriginal people.

Long journey

Divina D’Anna – Member for Kimberley officially opened the building and cut the ribbon alongside KLC Chairman Anthony Watson.

KLC Chair Anthony Watson said the opening recognised the long journey taken by Kimberley communities working together to protect their Country and shape their future.

“Kununurra holds many early memories for me as a child, meeting with strong elders from this region. Their leadership and wisdom laid the foundation for the work we continue today. They are the giants on whose shoulders we stand.”

KLC Chief Executive Officer Tyronne Garstone said the moment reflected both the organisation’s history and its future.

Investment in the future

“Opening this new office is about more than a building. It represents an investment in the future, in the communities and Traditional Owners of the east Kimberley and in the role KLC will continue to play supporting Kimberley Aboriginal people,” Mr Garstone said.

Member for the Kimberley Divina D’Anna MLA said the KLC has played an important role in supporting Kimberley Aboriginal people for decades.

“From the first gathering of the KLC, leaders recognised the importance of speaking with a united voice for Aboriginal people across the Kimberley,” Ms D’Anna said.

“While the organisation has grown over the years, its purpose remains the same as it was nearly 50 years ago — to support Kimberley Aboriginal people to get back their Country, look after their Country and take control of the future.”
“Having a strong presence in Kununurra strengthens the ability of the KLC to work closely with communities in the east and central Kimberley.”

Thank you to Mirriwoong Elder David Newry for greeting all the visitors to Country, and to all those who attended and shared their stories and memories of the KLC.

• The new KLC office is located at 39 Bandicoot Drive, Kununurra.