Empowering First Nations Tourism: A Journey Through Western Australia’s Rich Heritage

The Albanese and Cook Labor administrations are allocating $6 million to enhance First Nations tourism in Western Australia, allowing additional visitors to engage with the vibrant culture and narratives of Aboriginal communities.

The Albanese administration is co-investing $17 million through Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects (SITP) alongside states and territories to foster First Nations tourism nationwide.

In Western Australia, this encompasses backing the well-liked Camping with Custodians (CwC) initiative, which is part of the state’s Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan.

Through the CwC initiative, visitors are provided with greater chances to join local Aboriginal custodians at Indigenous-owned and managed campgrounds and excursions, allowing them to experience the land and culture directly.

The funds will be devoted to:

• A new campsite at Yallalie Downs in WA’s Wheatbelt area in collaboration with the Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation, facilitating visitors to learn about culture and Country straight from local custodians.
• Improvements at the Wuggubun campground in the East Kimberley region, enhancing the visitor experience for those who stay and engage.
• New amenities at Ngula Jar Island off the northern coastline of the Kimberley, in partnership with the Wunambal Gaambera people, to create a distinctive cultural experience for expedition cruise passengers venturing along the remote Kimberley coast, generating more jobs and prospects for locals.

The Albanese and Cook administrations are also assisting local Aboriginal enterprises through grants aimed at essential service infrastructure, including water storage, wastewater systems, and solar energy upgrades, to ensure a welcoming and comfortable experience for all visitors.

This collaboration transcends mere tourism; it aims to forge stronger, more interconnected communities.

By fostering First Nations tourism, we are generating employment and bolstering local communities and economies.

Statements from Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:

“Australia boasts the world’s oldest continuous living culture, and the Albanese Labor administration is dedicated to fostering a deeper appreciation of this culture for visitors both from within the nation and abroad.

“We are excited to join forces with the WA Cook Government in what is an exhilarating array of initiatives aimed at bolstering First Nations tourism through the state’s exceedingly successful Camping with Custodians program.

“First Nations tourism contributes to self-determination and economic empowerment for Aboriginal communities by creating job opportunities, frequently on Country.”

Statements from WA Minister for Tourism, Rita Saffioti:

“We take pride in partnering with the Australian Government to reinforce Western Australia’s Aboriginal tourism sector and to provide even more chances for visitors to partake in an authentic, unique cultural experience.

“Our state’s Camping with Custodians initiative was a pioneer in Australia and has shown remarkable popularity among out-of-state visitors, who are keen to experience and deepen their understanding of Aboriginal culture and traditions directly from Traditional Owners on Country.

“I anticipate witnessing this initiative continue to thrive through the WA Government’s $6 million collaboration with the Australian Government, supported by our Jina WA Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan.”