WA yarning circle recognised nationally
A WA government Government initiative bringing together Traditional Owners to support a culturally grounded approach to caring for one of the State’s waterways and Country has won a national award.
The Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle received the 2026 Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Summit Award for Excellence in Sustainability and Sustainable Futures.
Key points
- Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle wins national award
- Yarning circle embeds cultural governance in estuary management
- Part of WA Government’s commitment to protect and restore our environment
This national recognition highlights the strength of Aboriginal-led initiatives that uphold cultural governance and deliver lasting outcomes for community and Country.
The yarning circle brings together Bindjareb Noongar Elders and emerging leaders to shape the care of the waterways and Country of the Bindjareb Djilba (Peel-Harvey estuary).
Working in partnership with local Aboriginal corporations, Winjan, Waroona, and Harvey, the group supports delivery of Bindjareb-led actions under the Government’s 2020 Bindjareb Djilba Protection Plan. It plays a key role in embedding Traditional Owner knowledge and leadership into estuary management.
Through the Healthy Estuaries WA program and the Protection Plan, the WA Government is partnering with Aboriginal organisations to support initiatives led by culture and community.
This approach delivers long-term benefits for both people and the environment, helping to restore waterways and protect the estuary for future generations.
This collaborative model also demonstrates how strong partnerships and cultural knowledge can work together to heal Country and secure sustainable futures.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch congratulated the yarning circle on the award, recognising the strength of cultural governance and Aboriginal leadership in caring for Country.
Impact of local leadership
“The Government is proud to support initiatives built on genuine partnership with Aboriginal people,” he said.
“Embedding Traditional Owner knowledge is helping protect our waterways and deliver lasting social, cultural, and environmental outcomes for Western Australia.”
Peel Minister Jessica Stojkovski said the award highlighted the real impact of local leadership, with Bindjareb communities driving practical actions to protect and restore the Peel-Harvey estuary.
“It’s fantastic to see regional partnerships delivering on-the-ground results, strengthening waterways while supporting communities and cultural knowledge across the Peel region,” she said.
