The town of Derby in Western Australia is coming together for a day of celebration to commemorate the new home of the Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation (WAC).
WAC moved into their headquarters near the traditional lands of the Ngarinyin people just over 12 months ago, but today it welcomed project partners, directors, and community members to its new home to celebrate the success of the project.
The new headquarters has been vital for WAC to assist in the delivery of their organisational objectives, enhancing their capabilities to care for Country now and into the future.
Although WAC have been operational at their HQ for some time, today’s celebration recognises the enduring knowledge of the Ngarinyin people and the crucial work of WAC. The facility provides much-needed space for the organisation’s future growth, offering a fit-for-purpose environment for its 24 staff members, 18 of whom are Indigenous.
Today’s celebration – attended by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation’s (ILSC’s) GCEO, Joe Morrison – featured a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, and kind words shared by those who made the acquisition of the HQ possible.
The ILSC is proud to have been involved, contributing $1 million in funding for the acquisition of the building, which will support WAC to further its mission to preserve and restore cultural heritage.
Joe Morrison, ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the importance of this achievement.
“At the ILSC, we are driven by the fundamental importance of supporting Indigenous communities in their efforts to preserve culture, manage Country, and ensure the sustainability of their traditions,” said Mr Morrison.
“Seeing WAC’s new headquarters in the flesh gives you an understanding that this is not just about the building itself, but about what it represents to the Ngarinyin people in their journey towards self-determination.”
Wilinggin Country spans more than 63,000 sq km in the eastern Kimberley region of Western Australia. WAC works tirelessly to support the Ngarinyin people in managing and protecting their Country.
WAC Board Chair, Nelson O’Reeri, shared his thoughts on this milestone.
“Our new headquarters represents more than just a building for us – it is a place where our community can come together, a foundation for our future growth, and a testament to our enduring connection to our land and culture.”
With such an extensive area of Country to care for, the acquisition of the fit-for-purpose headquarters provides certainty for WAC to continue preserving Ngarinyin cultural heritage and knowledge for future generations.
