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Future unveiled: NLE launches new website and strategic plan

By SHANNON BEATTIE The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has marked a major milestone in its journey of growth and self-determination, officially launching its new website and five-year strategic plan at a special event held on Friday, October 3. More than 70 people attended in person and another 50 joined online, coming together to celebrate how far the organisation has come and to look ahead to what lies ahead. The event began with a Welcome to Country from John McGuire, followed by a keynote address from Gordon Cole, Chair of the Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) whose reflections on leadership, opportunity and cultural strength set an inspiring tone for the afternoon. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the launch represented an important next step in how the organisation shares its story and connects with its community. “The new website and strategic plan capture who we are today and where we’re heading,” Mr Beattie said.  “They tell the story of an organisation that’s built on culture and collaboration, with a clear focus on creating sustainable, Aboriginal-led enterprises that care for Country.” Developed in partnership with Humaan, and with copywriting by Bush and Beyond Media, the new NLE website showcases the breadth of the organisation’s work - from land restoration and native seedling production to emerging enterprises in honey and bushfoods.  The project was made possible through funding from the Export Readiness Pilot for First Nations Agriculture, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). The NLE Strategic Plan 2024–2029, created in collaboration with Impact Seed, sets out a bold vision for the next five years, outlining the group’s priorities for economic growth, environmental stewardship and community wellbeing. “Our strategic plan gives us a roadmap for the future,” Mr Beattie said.  “It reflects the hard work of our team, the wisdom of our Elders and the trust of our partners.” “Most importantly, it keeps us accountable to our vision of Noongar-led enterprise and looking after Country.” Two new videos premiered at the launch - the NLE Brand Video and the Boola Boornap Video — produced by Hypnosis Creative Agency, capturing the spirit of NLE’s people and projects.  Guests also enjoyed catering by Il Paiolo, photography by Yoshi Muroi, and the welcoming atmosphere of Spacecubed, which hosted the event. Mr Beattie said the strong turnout, both in person and online, showed how much momentum was building behind NLE’s vision. “There was a real sense of pride and excitement in the room,” he said.  “We’ve come a long way, but we know there’s still so much more to do - and it’s wonderful to be on this journey together.” As the event drew to a close, Mr Beattie thanked the many partners and supporters who have contributed to NLE’s journey so far, and those who continue to walk alongside the organisation in its next chapter.  With a new digital home and five-year roadmap now in place, NLE is ready to take the next step in expanding Aboriginal-led enterprise across Noongar Boodja - grounded in culture, community, and care for Country.

Insights from a Master’s study on Indigenous-led ecological restoration

By SHANNON BEATTIE The ecological restoration industry is grappling with how to engage Indigenous organisations and communities in ways that are genuine, respectful and effective, rather than tokenistic or performative.  Across initiatives globally, there is increasing recognition that Indigenous leadership delivers stronger cultural, social and environmental outcomes - but also an urgent need to understand what conditions make this engagement work. This was the focus of a Master’s thesis in Indigenous Cultural Studies completed by Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) employee Sol Slattery, who set out to review international examples and draw lessons that can improve professional practice.  By comparing approaches across different settler-colonial contexts, his aim was to highlight both the barriers that undermine collaboration and the methods that succeed in creating lasting, respectful partnerships. “The aim of my master’s thesis was to take a strengths-based position to show what works and what is good engagement,” Mr Slattery said.  “That can be built upon, strengthened,  learned from.” His decision to take this approach was rooted in the reality he has seen play out time and again in the sector.  “A constant mistake made in the industry is inappropriate engagement of Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Australian organisations,” Mr Slattery said.  “It’s others trying to do it for their own agenda rather than actually support self-determination.” This notion is backed up by the interim report from the independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act in Australia, which clearly states that from its findings there is “an overall culture of tokenism and symbolism, rather than one of genuine inclusion of Indigenous Australians”. For Mr Slattery, the motivation for his research cannot be separated from his personal story.  He spent his earliest years in Papua New Guinea, where his surroundings instilled both a deep appreciation for natural environments and an early awareness of cultural difference. Returning to Australia as a child, he found that his fascination with landscapes and people only deepened. This dual interest in people and place carried through into his education.  He pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Social Justice and International Relations, before undertaking an internship with Commonland in Amsterdam, an organisation working globally to restore degraded landscapes through projects that combine ecology, economy and community. “My interest and passion is more where people and their surrounding environments intersect,” Mr Slattery said.  “There’s not really a separation of the two because social systems and environmental systems are naturally connected.” That understanding became the foundation of his Master’s research.  Ecological restoration as a field has evolved significantly over the past several decades.  Once defined narrowly as repairing ecosystems through technical intervention, it has increasingly shifted towards holistic approaches that acknowledge the interconnectedness of human societies and the natural world. Indigenous knowledge systems - built on reciprocity and stewardship of land and sea over thousands of years - are integral to this shift.  They offer not just local ecological insight but also an alternative worldview, one where the wellbeing of people and the wellbeing of Country are inseparable. By reviewing projects across four countries, Mr Slattery found restoration efforts succeed most when Indigenous organisations are not just consulted but empowered to lead.  “In Australia’s Arnhem Land, for example, Indigenous fire management has reduced carbon emissions, protected biodiversity, and supported cultural continuity,” he said.  “In Canada and the United States, co-managed restoration projects showed how outcomes improved when Indigenous voices were central rather than peripheral.” But his research also underscored how often engagement falls short.  Indigenous ecological knowledge is sometimes reduced to data to be slotted into scientific models, rather than respected as a system in its own right.  Concerns about intellectual property remain acute, with many Elders cautious about sharing cultural knowledge in case it is misused.  These tensions reflect the continuing legacies of colonisation, where even well-meaning restoration projects can unintentionally reproduce extractive relationships. At NLE, Mr Slattery sees daily how Indigenous-led approaches can reshape land management and enterprise.  Australia’s first Aboriginal grower group, NLE is built on principles of self-determination and leadership, showing in practice the kind of authentic engagement his Master’s thesis called for. “I’m pretty privileged at my age to be working in the space that I am, and with the people that I do, at NLE and also at Commonland,” he said.  “It’s definitely not something I take for granted either, and I really enjoy it.” The connection between his academic research and his professional role makes his contribution especially valuable.  For NLE, the insights he has drawn from international literature reinforce the importance of staying true to Indigenous leadership and resisting tokenism.  For the wider ecological restoration industry, they serve as a reminder that genuine partnership is not an optional extra but a necessary condition for success. Despite his achievements, Mr Slattery is cautious about tying his identity too tightly to professional titles.  “As long as I’m doing work that I enjoy and that challenges me - and I think is supporting healthy people and healthy Country - then I’m going to be happy,” he said.  “As long as I can keep doing that, I guess that’s my ambition, wherever that leads.” What is clear is that whether at NLE, through international projects, or in future opportunities yet to come, his focus will remain on the intersection of people and place.  From his childhood among the reefs of Papua New Guinea to his research across four continents, Mr Slattery’s journey has reinforced a simple but powerful truth -  ecological restoration is about relationships as much as it is about landscapes. In bringing together international examples, his Master’s adds to the growing call for ecological restoration that is grounded in respect, authenticity and Indigenous self-determination.  For organisations like NLE, it provides both affirmation and encouragement that Indigenous-led approaches are the path forward.  For the industry more broadly, it offers something too often missing - not just critique of what has gone wrong, but clear evidence of what works, and why.

Boola Boornap officially opens — a place of many trees and new beginnings

The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has officially opened its native tree farm, Boola Boornap (Place of Many Trees), marking a major milestone in the organisation’s growth and in Aboriginal-led enterprise across Western Australia. The opening ceremony was held on Wednesday 7 April 2021, with the Governor of Western Australia, Kim Beazley, joining Ballardong Elder Deborah Moody and NLE Elder Maude Bonshore to cut the ribbon on the site, located on Great Eastern Highway near Northam. Boola Boornap represents the culmination of a vision that began in late 2020, when NLE purchased the former WA Farm Trees nursery with support from philanthropic partners Commonland, COmON Foundation both located in the Netherlands. The purchase and early operations were made possible through a combination of philanthropy and impact investment - a model that reflects NLE’s commitment to long-term, sustainable growth grounded in cultural and environmental values. NLE chairperson Oral McGuire said the opening was a proud day not only for the organisation but for the wider Noongar community. “Boola Boornap is far more than a business,” Mr McGuire said.  “It’s a place where caring for Country, cultural connection and economic opportunity come together.  “While we are on a pathway to economic development, it is the environmental, cultural and social aspirations which provide the motivation and inspiration for our business aspirations.” Since acquiring the property, NLE has already planted over half a million seedlings, representing more than 100 species, using a predominantly local Noongar workforce.  The nursery currently has the capacity to produce 1.5 million seedlings per year, with plans to expand as operations grow.  Customers include landholders and organisations working in carbon farming and land restoration, sectors that align closely with NLE’s regenerative approach to agriculture. The Governor of Western Australia, Kim Beazley, commended NLE for its leadership and vision.  He praised the organisation’s role as the first Aboriginal grower group in Australia and its contribution to both the regenerative agriculture industry and Aboriginal employment. “I have so much hope attached to this nursery and the regenerative healing it will bring to our people and our land,” Mr Beazley said.  “I hope the beneficiaries feel an incredible sense of fulfilment when they look at the evolution of this tree nursery and the opportunities it will create.” NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the purchase of Boola Boornap, together with NLE’s broader initiatives, would set the organisation on a pathway to self-sufficiency within a few years. “Without the support of our funding partners, this would not have been possible,” Mr Beattie said.  “We’re now focused on working with industry and government to restore Noongar Boodjar and, in doing so, grow Boola Boornap and create lasting employment opportunities for Noongar people.” The official opening marked the beginning of a new chapter for NLE, one defined by self-determination, environmental stewardship and cultural renewal.  Boola Boornap now stands as a living example of how Aboriginal-led enterprise can heal Country, create opportunity, and nurture pride across generations.

Growing capacity and opportunity at Boola Boornap

The Boola Boornap Native Tree Nursery has taken a major step forward following the completion of a significant upgrade and expansion, made possible through $100,000 in State Government funding from the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program. The project has strengthened the nursery’s ability to grow native seedlings for land restoration across Noongar Boodja and beyond, while creating new opportunities for Aboriginal employment and enterprise. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the funding came at the perfect time, as demand for native seedlings continues to rise. “Boola Boornap is growing rapidly, both in what it produces and the role it plays in supporting land restoration across the South West,” Mr Beattie said.  “This grant has allowed us to make important upgrades that set the nursery up for the future.” Since purchasing WA Farm Trees in 2020, the Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has developed Boola Boornap into a thriving enterprise producing an ever-expanding range of native species for ecological restoration and cultural land management.  The RED Grant provided an opportunity to build on this success by expanding facilities, improving infrastructure, and preparing the nursery for future accreditation to sell directly to the public. Upgrades across the site have delivered lasting improvements to productivity, efficiency and safety.  The office underwent roof repairs, air conditioning installation, new benches and sinks, and improved security.  The shed received upgraded lighting and security systems, while the growing area was revitalised with new shade cloth, blue metal groundcover, reticulation repairs and extensions, and updated piping.  A major focus was the expansion area, developed with raised seedling beds, benches, additional reticulation, and upgrades to water catchment and storage capacity. “These kinds of improvements make a big difference to how we operate day-to-day,” Mr Beattie said.  “They’ve given us a safer, more efficient workplace and the ability to scale up as demand grows.” With the project now complete, Boola Boornap is well-positioned to meet increasing demand for native seedlings and restoration projects across Western Australia.  The upgrades have already begun to support new employment opportunities for Aboriginal people, as higher production levels create the need for more hands on deck. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see how investment in infrastructure can directly create pathways for Noongar employment and enterprise,” Mr Beattie said.  “Boola Boornap is more than a nursery, it’s a platform for cultural and environmental restoration led by Noongar people.”

ILSC - Boola Boornap native tree farm funding

Boola Boornap native tree farm grant - ILSC funding Through funding support from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), the Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) strengthened the capacity and efficiency of its Boola Boornap native tree farm. The grant from ILSC provided more than $270,000 to purchase essential plant and equipment for the development and expansion of NLE’s native tree nursery operations. This included an Urbinati drum seeder imported from Italy, a truck fitted with a custom seedling carrier, a tractor with blade, fork lift and bucket attachments, and a dual-cab 4WD utility. These assets improved on-ground capability across the enterprise. The tractor allowed for better maintenance of roads and infrastructure, while the utility enabled seed collection activities and supported delivery of NLE’s maintenance contract with Main Roads WA. The impact of this investment was realised during the 2022 propagation season, when the new equipment increased efficiency, expanded production, and contributed to the long-term sustainability of NLE’s native tree nursery enterprise.

Boola Boornap native tree farm upgrade - RED grant

Boola Boornap native tree farm upgrade - Wheatbelt Development Commission RED grant The Boola Boornap Native Tree Nursery, operated by Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE), received $100,000 in State Government funding through the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program to support major upgrades and expansion of its nursery facilities. Since purchasing WA Farm Trees in 2020, NLE has established commercial operations producing native seedlings for land restoration projects across the state. The RED Grant enabled a series of improvements designed to increase production capacity and achieve accreditation for direct sales to the public. Upgrades included repairs and enhancements to office spaces, sheds and growing areas, as well as the construction of a new expansion zone to accommodate future growth. The office underwent roof repairs, installation of air conditioning, new benches and sinks, and improved security. The shed received upgraded lighting and security measures, while the growing area benefited from reticulation repairs and extensions, new shade cloth, blue metal groundcover, and updated piping. The expansion area was developed with raised seedling beds, benches, additional reticulation, groundcover, piping and earthworks, alongside upgrades to water catchment and storage capacity. These improvements positioned Boola Boornap to significantly increase its production of native seedlings, creating new opportunities for Aboriginal employment and enterprise growth. As demand for native plants continues to increase, the expanded nursery has enabled NLE to meet future orders and deliver greater environmental and economic outcomes for Noongar communities.

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Services Healing Country, creating meaningful employment, and building thriving Noongar-led businesses At the heart of Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) is a shared commitment to healing Country, creating meaningful employment, and building thriving Noongar-led businesses across Noongar Boodja. NLE and its member enterprises offer a diverse and growing range of services that support cultural, environmental, and economic outcomes. Whether you’re looking for native seedlings, land management expertise, or pathways to partner in regenerative agriculture, NLE offers opportunities to collaborate with First Nations people in culturally respectful, impactful ways. NLE Services Boola Boornap – Native Tree Farm / Nursery Boola Boornap, meaning Place of Many Trees, is NLE’s flagship enterprise and a growing hub for native revegetation efforts across Noongar Boodja. Since opening in late 2020, the nursery has provided employment for more than 30 staff (60 per cent of whom are First Nations) and has the capacity to grow 1.5 million Noongar native seedlings each year. More than 150 different species have been successfully propagated to date, supporting a wide variety of restoration, carbon, and biodiversity projects. Species are available in: Seedlings in 64 cell trays Tube stock 140ml 220ml pots A standard species list can be provided, and custom propagation of Noongar native species is available on request. Whether you're restoring Country, establishing a carbon project, or designing a native garden, Boola Boornap can help. Land Conservation and Restoration. NLE offers a range of land restoration and fee-for-service land care solutions, delivered by our central team and member organisations located throughout Noongar Boodja. Services include: Seed collection Native plant propagation Seedling / tree planting Cultural burning Weed control and slashing Fire mitigation Tree watering Brush cutting Where appropriate, NLE will connect you with local providers best positioned to deliver your project. First Nations Primary Production (Bush Foods) NLE is actively developing a range of bushfood enterprises focused initially on high-quality, locally sourced honey and wattle seed. An online store will soon be available to purchase these products directly and support First Nations supply chains. NLE’s bush foods work also forms part of our Export Readiness Project and WIPO collaboration to support Indigenous IP and global market access. Regenerative Agriculture NLE and its members are building regenerative farming systems rooted in cultural knowledge and sustainable land use practices. Examples include Beemurra’s regenerative cattle backgrounding enterprise, which blends low-input grazing with native pasture management and cultural land care. Building Natural Capital NLE supports carbon and biodiversity project developers with culturally appropriate advice and native plant supply services. Our team provides: Species identification and site-specific consultation to ensure the right Noongar native species are selected based on ecology and Country Seedling supply for carbon and biodiversity projects through our Boola Boornap nursery See our full Boola Boornap offering for more details or reach out to discuss your project. Agri-Cultural Tourism Together with its members, NLE is developing a range of Agri-Cultural Tourism experiences that bring together land, culture, and community. These include immersive cultural activities, tours, and on-Country camping opportunities.  A highlight is Camping with Custodians which includes a new campsite at Yallalie Downs in WA’s Wheatbelt region with the Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation, where visitors can learn about culture and Country directly from local custodians.

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