Funds to aid heritage protection

Several Aboriginal not-for-profit groups in the Pilbara have received State Government funding to help preserve and promote heritage sites in the region.

The Pilbara is known for heritage sites such as Murujuga National Park, Millstream-Chichester National Park and the Wanna Munna rock carvings.

The Budadee Aboriginal Corporation, Jidi Jidi Aboriginal Corporation, Malgana Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, were among 13 groups to be awarded part of the McGowan Government’s $250,000 Preserving our Aboriginal Sites grants. Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation and Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation also received funding.

The grants aim to protect ancient rock art, remove graffiti and share stories through interpretive signs made by Aboriginal artists, and installed at walk trails.

The funding will be used to carry out site restorations, protect Aboriginal graves and deliver on-the-ground land management and maintenance.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt said the McGowan Government was committed to supporting the economic and cultural development of Aboriginal people, and ensuring their stories were shared and sacred sites protected.

I congratulate all 13 Aboriginal organisations which have identified projects that need protection, restoration and also promotion for wider community appreciation and interest,” he said.

“These grants will enable Aboriginal people to protect and honour their cultural heritage, and preserve their history for future generations, and provide new opportunities for visitors and the Western Australian community to connect with Aboriginal culture.”