$140,000 grant for Aboriginal community

The Ngaanyatjarra community and the environment in the State’s far north are big winners, thanks to a $140,000 grant from Lotterywest.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Michelle Roberts today presented a $140,474 cheque to the Ngaanyatjarra Council(Aboriginal Corporation), to purchase two four-wheel drive vehicles to be used for environmental services to the Ngaanyatjarra lands.

“The vehicles are necessary for indigenous rangers to go into the field and work to protect endangered species, clean and maintain water supplies for native fauna and reduce the impact of feral pests,” Mrs Roberts said.

The Minister said the Ngaanyatjara lands covered an area of 98,000sq.km and the council would employ five indigenous people to participate in the Working on Country Program.

The Working on Country Program was a State and Commonwealth-funded program that engages community members in the preservation of native plants and animals on their land.

Mrs Roberts said the Ngaanyatjarra Council included communities in Warburton, Parnamaru, Papulankutja, Irrunytju, Warrakurna, Wanarn, Blackstone, Jameson, Wingellina, Cosmo Newberry, Tjukurla, Tjirrkarli, Patjarr and Kiwirrikurra.

The Ngaanyatjarra Council (Aboriginal Corporation) was established and incorporated in 1981, with the objective to improve the lives of Aboriginal people living on the Ngaanyatjarra lands.

“The Ngaanyatjarra Council should be commended for its commitment to preserving their precious land, and for their work to improve the lives of people living in the communities,” the Minister said.