The Noongar Elders Advisory Group is made up of ten Wheatbelt community members who represent many of the traditional Noongar families. They are the driving force behind our Aboriginal NRM Action Plans which are the guiding frameworks for enabling the community’s ongoing participation in natural resource management work.

Their role is to provide advice and guidance to Wheatbelt NRM for the development of work that increases opportunities for aboriginal participation. This includes providing opinions and cultural insights on all aspects of our regional strategy and action.

The third iteration of the Aboriginal NRM Action Plan is Koort Boodjar – Mia Boodjar (My Heartland – My Homeland). It presents a solid strategy for the aspirations of the Wheatbelt aboriginal community and provides a guiding framework for enabling the Noongar community to benefit from the region’s traditional natural resources – now and into the future. This document is a five-year action plan with a review date of 2026.

The five key action areas are:

• Recording traditional Kaatdijin (knowledge) for NRM
  Traditional kaatdijin is recorded for future generations and is shared with the whole community, growing the celebration of Noongar culture. 
• Use of Noongar language
  Sharing of Noongar language and stories deepens the respect for Noongar culture and spirituality while creating a greater awareness of the traditional and contemporary history of the area.

• Access to significant sites
  Appropriate access to significant sites enables Noongar people to reconnect spiritually to sites of cultural significance and delivers successful action to heal Boodjar.
• Economic opportunities in NRM
  The creation of economic opportunities in natural resource management for Noongar people is gaining momentum. Provide opportunities for developing Aboriginal livelihoods through work on Country.
• Meaningful discussion
  Effective management for improved environmental health depends on mutual understanding of its environmental, scientific and cultural uses as seen from a range of perspectives and based on mutual trust and respect.