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- View page: NLE’s Ngooka Honey Featured on ABC Landline
NLE’s Ngooka Honey Featured on ABC Landline
The Noongar Land Enterprise (NLE) Group is proud to share that its Ngooka Honey was featured on the ABC's Landline program (linked below) on 5 July 2026, showcasing it’s premium native honey to audiences across Australia. The feature represents another important milestone for NLE, highlighting the growing recognition of Noongar-led enterprises and the high-quality products being produced on Noongar Boodja. A special congratulations to the NLE Rangers, led by Evelyn Gould and ably supported by Gavin Winmar and Kaitlyn Jones, whose dedication and hard work have grown the Ngooka Honey enterprise from just 10 hives to almost 100 hives over the past year. NLE also extends its appreciation to Liz Barbour and, more recently, Matt Colvin, whose expertise, guidance and ongoing support have been instrumental in making this growth possible. As interest in Ngooka Honey continues to grow, NLE is pleased to offer the product for purchase directly while its online store is being finalised. If you would like to purchase some Ngooka Honey, please email admin@noongarlandenterprise.com.au with your order details and postal address. The NLE team will then be in touch to arrange payment and delivery. Ngooka Honey is available in 330g jars for $30 per jar. NLE's online shopfront will be launching soon. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience while this new platform is completed.
- View page: NLE Celebrates International Research Partnership for Healing Country and Socio-Ecological Resilience
NLE Celebrates International Research Partnership for Healing Country and Socio-Ecological Resilience
Noongar Land Enterprise (NLE) is recognising the contribution of researcher Frederic Loudon, whose Masters research, published this year, was developed in partnership with NLE and its members. You can find the thesis document and video linked below. Mr Loudon, who joined NLE from the Netherlands for three months in 2024, undertook a period of on-ground engagement as part of his thesis exploring “Healing Country” and socio-ecological resilience. During his time with NLE, he worked closely with staff and members, including at the Boola Boornap native tree nursery, and visited several properties across Noongar boodja. NLE CEO Alan Beattie said the partnership provided a valuable opportunity for shared learning and exchange. “Over a 10 week period NLE had the privilege of hosting Freddy Loudon from the Netherlands, with NLE being in essence the case study for his thesis on ‘Healing Country’,” Mr Beattie said. “Freddy pitched in and worked at our Boola Boornap native tree farm, quickly building a bond with the staff and management. He also visited several NLE properties and got to see the vast expanses of Noongar Boodja.” Mr Loudon’s research focused on the interconnected relationship between land, community and knowledge systems, drawing on direct engagement with NLE members and partners. It integrated participant observation, semi-structured interviews, yarning - a culturally embedded narrative exchange - and ethnographic filmmaking. The combination of these methods captures the deep connection between the Noongar community and their ancestral lands. “I am grateful to express my appreciation to the Noongar Land Enterprise Group, and in particular to those individuals at the Boola Boornap Tree Nursery who generously shared their stories, providing me with an exceptional opportunity to conduct research for my Master's thesis,” Mr Loudon said. “This journey has immersed me in the heart of ‘Healing Country’ in Western Australia, delving into socio-ecological resilience.” Through his research, Mr Loudon explored the connections between Boodja (Country), Moort (family), and Kaartdijin (knowledge), highlighting their importance to long-term environmental and community outcomes. “Exploring the intricate connections between Boodja (country), Moort (family), and Kaartdijin (knowledge) has profoundly deepened my understanding, contributing significantly to both my academic and personal growth,” he said. The research also emphasised the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in supporting sustainable futures. “This experience has highlighted the vital importance of collaborative efforts to preserve the knowledge gathered over 60,000 years and to enhance the socio-ecological landscapes crucial for the holistic well-being and resilience of First Nations and broader communities,” Mr Loudon said. Mr Beattie acknowledged the contribution and extended NLE’s appreciation. Through partnerships such as this, NLE continues to support research that is grounded in community, contributes to shared understanding, and reinforces the importance of caring for Country while strengthening opportunities for future generations.
- View page: NLE Welcomes New Member Maaman Marra Boodjar
NLE Welcomes New Member Maaman Marra Boodjar
The Noongar Land Enterprise (NLE) Group is pleased to welcome Maaman Marra Boodjar as its newest member, further strengthening the organisation’s growing network of Noongar-led enterprises committed to caring for Country and creating sustainable outcomes for future generations. Founded in 2021 by Elder and experienced land steward Clint Hansen, Maaman Marra Boodjar was established with a vision of combining the strengths of modern agricultural science with the knowledge and practices developed by Indigenous peoples over thousands of years. Based in the Geraldton region, the business operates across the Mid-West, Wheatbelt and beyond, supporting landholders, communities and enterprises to improve landscape health, drought resilience and sustainable land management outcomes. Through a combination of traditional Aboriginal knowledge systems and contemporary scientific approaches, Maaman Marra Boodjar delivers services focused on drought preparedness, landscape rehydration, carbon farming, soil health, ecosystem restoration and agricultural resilience. Mr Hansen said joining the NLE was an opportunity to contribute to a broader movement of people committed to caring for Country and supporting Indigenous-led outcomes. “I joined the NLE to help broaden the horizon for and help other Indigenous groups,” he said. Drawing on decades of knowledge and practical experience, Maaman Marra Boodjar works to demonstrate how traditional land management practices can contribute to contemporary environmental and agricultural challenges. “Despite being based from knowledge systems over 60,000 years old, our agricultural methods have been dormant for years now and we haven’t been given the opportunity to show their benefits to the rest of society,” Mr Hansen said. The business places a strong emphasis on helping landholders better understand the relationship between healthy landscapes, water management and long-term productivity. Its work includes supporting the preservation and restoration of natural capital, improving drought resilience through soil rehydration, and developing carbon farming opportunities that deliver environmental and economic benefits. Mr Hansen was already familiar with NLE prior to joining, having previously worked with the organisation, its members and partners, including Yaraguia and the Mulloon Institute. “The way I work with and care for Country aligns with the NLE, and I feel privileged to join its membership,” he said. In addition to his work in landscape restoration and regenerative agriculture, Mr Hansen is passionate about community development and creating opportunities for others. He describes his work as being built “from the ground up” and regularly involves family members, schools and local communities in field activities and learning opportunities. He is the Vice Chair of the Morewa Agricultural School and has also worked extensively within the TAFE system, helping community members gain qualifications and employment pathways. NLE Chairperson Madeline Anderson was delighted to welcome the addition of Maaman Marra Boodjar to the organisation's membership. “Mr Hansen has extensive expertise in caring for Noongar Boodja, along with a wide range of other valuable skills.” Ms Anderson said. “The organisation is genuinely thrilled to welcome Clint into a community of like-minded individuals, and we recognise the positive impact this will bring to the collective.” The addition of Maaman Marra Boodjar reflects NLE’s continued growth as a network of enterprises creating positive environmental, cultural and economic outcomes across Noongar Boodja. Through collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to caring for Country, NLE members continue to demonstrate the important role Noongar-led businesses play in shaping sustainable futur Check out Maaman Marra Boodjar and other NLE members' profiles below:
- View page: NLE Facilitates International Learning Exchange
NLE Facilitates International Learning Exchange
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) recently welcomed Raphaela Heitmann from Berlin, Germany, who spent four weeks volunteering across a number of NLE projects as part of a broader journey focused on learning about land restoration, community and reciprocity with nature. During her time with NLE, Raphaela worked alongside staff and members across several enterprises, including Ngooka Honey, the Boola Boornap native tree farm near Northam, and Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation near Dandaragan. Her visit provided an opportunity for cultural exchange, shared learning and connection through on-ground experiences across Noongar Boodja. Reflecting on her time with NLE, Raphaela said the experience had a profound impact. “I have just completed my Australia journey and wanted to reach out with deep gratitude and some reflections from my time with the Commonland partner NLE in Australia,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for the connection with the Noongar Land Enterprise and for this opportunity.” Raphaela spent time working closely with NLE CEO Alan Beattie and visiting a range of projects focused on regeneration, restoration and sustainable enterprise. “In February, I had the privilege of spending four weeks volunteering with three projects within the Noongar Land Enterprise (NLE), and it was such an incredible experience,” she said. “I worked a lot with Alan Beattie, and I am truly so thankful for his time, his generosity, and the care with which he made this such a meaningful experience for me.” At the Boola Boornap tree farm, Raphaela gained insight into native plant propagation and the scale of restoration efforts taking place across Western Australia. “At the Boola Bornap tree farm in Northam, I learned a lot about the native plants and also about how deeply Western Australia has been degraded and how important these restoration projects are,” she said. “It made me understand even more clearly the dangers we are currently facing and how essential reforestation programmes are.” Her time at Beemurra also left a lasting impression, particularly through the connections built with those leading work on Country. “What especially impressed me deeply was Beemurra,” Raphaela said. “I was deeply impressed by their dedication, professionalism, and the profound way they are working on healing both Country and people with their profound wisdom and connection and relationship to Country.” Raphaela also reflected on the relationships formed during her visit and the importance of ongoing connection. “I am truly deeply grateful for this experience and for the beautiful relationships I was able to build with the people and the projects,” she said. “I would be very happy to come back to Australia and visit the NLE again in the future, and I will definitely stay in touch and continue nurturing these connections.” Through exchanges such as this, NLE continues to create opportunities for collaboration, learning and knowledge sharing, strengthening relationships that support caring for Country and community both locally and internationally.
- View page: Partnership with Mulloon Institute Supports Landscape Restoration Initiatives for NLE members
Partnership with Mulloon Institute Supports Landscape Restoration Initiatives for NLE members
Noongar Land Enterprise (NLE) is progressing a series of landscape restoration initiatives in partnership with the Mulloon Institute, supporting community-led land management across Noongar Boodja. NLE has helped deliver initial workshops with NLE members Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) in Gnowangerup and with Yaraguia Inc. at Avondale Park near Beverley as part of Mulloon’s Training, Implementation, Mentoring, Monitoring and Evaluation (TIMME) program. NLE CEO Alan Beattie said the early stages of the program are already building momentum across participating communities. “Over the past few weeks, the Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE), in partnership with the Mulloon Institute, has delivered initial workshops in Gnowangerup and at Avondale Park (Yaraguia Inc.) near Beverley. These workshops form part of the Training, Implementation, Mentoring, Monitoring and Evaluation (TIMME) project,” Mr Beattie said. The TIMME program is a five-year initiative (2025–2030) designed to support communities to improve the health and resilience of their landscapes through collaborative, landscape-scale approaches. “TIMME is a Mulloon Institute five-year initiative (2025–2030) designed to empower six communities of practice located in various parts of Australia to improve the health and resilience of their landscapes. The project supports collaborative, landscape-scale approaches that deliver measurable benefits for land, water, biodiversity, and local communities,” he said. NLE is contributing to two key projects under the program, focused on both catchment-scale restoration and site-based environmental outcomes. “NLE is involved in two key projects with two of our NLE member organisations under this program: • The Gnowangerup Springs site restoration and broader catchment rehydration project, delivered in partnership with Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation • A wetland establishment and creek / landscape restoration project at Avondale Park, in collaboration with Yaraguia Inc.” Both projects are expected to deliver long-term environmental, cultural and community benefits while strengthening local capability. “Both projects represent exciting opportunities to achieve meaningful environmental, social, and cultural outcomes while strengthening community-led land management,” Mr Beattie said. Through this partnership, NLE continues to support its members and the wider community with initiatives that restore landscapes, strengthen knowledge systems, and deliver sustainable outcomes on Country.
- View page: NLE Showcases its Bushfood Products at International Food Conference in Singapore
NLE Showcases its Bushfood Products at International Food Conference in Singapore
Noongar Land Enterprise (NLE) has taken a significant step into international markets, participating in Food & Hospitality Asia 2026 in Singapore—one of the region’s largest global food and beverage trade events. Held from 21–24 April, the event brought together more than 2,700 exhibitors from over 115 countries and attracted tens of thousands of industry professionals, providing a platform for global engagement and trade development. NLE CEO Alan Beattie said the event marked an important milestone for the organisation and its members and NLE’s bushfood enterprise. “The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) is proud to be attending the Singapore Food and Hospitality Expo as part of our first step into international markets,” Mr Beattie said. “Supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Western Australian delegation, this marks a significant milestone as we showcase our premium bushfood range and Ngooka honey to the global food and hospitality sector.” The event provided an opportunity to introduce Noongar products to international buyers, chefs and distributors, while building relationships across the food service industry. “This opportunity allows us to introduce uniquely Noongar products—grounded in culture, sustainability, and provenance—to chefs, distributors, and industry partners across Asia,” he said. “Our focus is on building strong relationships within the food service industry, positioning our products as high-quality, distinctive ingredients for modern cuisine.” Participation in the event reflects NLE’s broader strategy to expand market access and create new pathways for growth. “It’s an exciting time for NLE as we expand beyond Australia and share the richness of Noongar Boodja with the world,” Mr Beattie said. “We look forward to what lies ahead as we continue to grow, connect, and create new opportunities through international trade.” Through international engagement, NLE continues to support its members to access new markets, build partnerships, and showcase the value of Noongar-led enterprise on a global stage.
- View page: Partnership to Deliver Pro Bono Support for Noongar Enterprises
Partnership to Deliver Pro Bono Support for Noongar Enterprises
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has entered into a partnership with Aurecon who will provide up to $100,000 worth of pro bono technical and advisory services to NLE and its member organisations each year for the next two years. The agreement will provide targeted support to help advance projects and initiatives for both NLE and NLE’s member organisations thereby strengthening capability and unlocking new opportunities. NLE CEO Alan Beattie said the partnership represents a significant step forward for both NLE and its members. “NLE is excited and pleased to announce a Partnership Agreement with Aurecon to provide pro bono technical and advisory services to NLE and our member organisations for the next two years,” Mr Beattie said. “The provision of these services to both NLE and our member organisations will see both NLE and our members be able to progress initiatives that otherwise would not be possible.” Aurecon also acknowledged the value of the partnership and its focus on supporting First Nations-led enterprise. “We’re pleased to be providing pro bono technical and advisory services to 100% First Nations owned cooperative grower group Noongar Land Enterprise Group, supporting sustainable productive farming and rehabilitation,” the organisation said. Through this collaboration, NLE continues to build partnerships that support sustainable development, strengthen enterprise capability, and create long-term opportunities for its members on Noongar Boodja.
- View page: Yaraguia Farm’s regenerative story captures national attention
Yaraguia Farm’s regenerative story captures national attention
When SBS journalist Christopher Tan visited Yaraguia Farm, he didn’t just find a property - he found a story of healing, heritage, and hope. His feature, aired nationally on SBS World News, shone a light on how Ballardong Noongar man and Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) vice chairperson Oral McGuire is restoring both Country and community through cultural land management. From the air, Yaraguia looks like a patchwork of green regrowth and ancient red soil. But as Mr Tan reported, it represents far more than that - it’s “a movement to heal Country and community.” Located in the heart of Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, Yaraguia carries the deep scars of 170 years of clearing, cropping and overgrazing. When Mr McGuire and his family began restoring the land in 2008, it was exhausted and lifeless. Yet where others might have seen damage, they saw potential. “For 170 odd years, this land, and the whole landscape through this region, has suffered abuse from settlement and colonisation,” Mr McGuire said. Guided by Noongar cultural law and regenerative practice, Mr McGuire’s vision has been to let the land heal itself. Controlled burns are carried out at the right time of year to recharge the soil and reawaken ecological balance. “We do it to replenish Country,” Mr McGuire said. “Kambarang, the season we’re in now in September, is the right season for us to be doing it.” That cultural understanding of fire, water, and native vegetation is central to the farm’s transformation. More than one million native trees and shrubs have been planted across the property. Bush tucker species like wattle seed and bush honey now thrive where bare paddocks once stood. For Mr McGuire, every returning plant is a sign the soil is recovering, and culture is too. “They’re indicators that the balance and health of the soil is returning because they haven’t been here,” he said. The success of Yaraguia Farm was recognised nationally at the Regenerative Food Systems Conference in Perth on September 17–18, where it was showcased as a model of Indigenous-led land management. Mr McGuire shared the story of Yaraguia alongside farmers, researchers and global experts, demonstrating how traditional knowledge can coexist and collaborate with modern science. Soil health expert Dr Jacob Purnell, who travelled from the United States to attend, told SBS that Indigenous knowledge must be a cornerstone of regenerative agriculture. “Indigenous people were farming for thousands of years,” Dr Purnell said. “We need to go back to understand what they were doing that was right, and how they interacted with the soil.” For NLE, Mr McGuire’s story represents the heart of its mission - empowering Aboriginal landholders to lead sustainable enterprises grounded in cultural values and deep connection to Country. As Christopher Tan concluded in his report, Yaraguia is more than a farm. It’s a living example of how listening to Country can restore both the land and the stories that belong to it, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.
- View page: Healing Country the Noongar way at Yaraguia Farm
Healing Country the Noongar way at Yaraguia Farm
On Ballardong Noongar Country, Yaraguia Farm stands as a living example of what’s possible when culture and ecology work hand in hand. When Oral McGuire, vice chairperson of the Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE), and his family began restoring Yaraguia in 2008, the property was tired and worn. Decades of over-clearing, over-grazing and over-cropping had left deep scars in the landscape. But Mr McGuire saw more than damage - he saw potential. “The land was absolutely scarred and traumatised by the activities of the last 150 years,” Mr McGuire said. “We wanted to heal the land.” That healing began with a bold and simple vision - to plant one million trees across the property. Each tree would play a role in bringing the land back to life - stabilising the soil, supporting wildlife, and restoring the natural water cycles that once sustained the area. Over time, the plan has become both a symbol and a practical pathway toward regeneration. Their approach was guided by traditional Noongar knowledge, a way of working with Country rather than against it. The first step was to stabilise the landscape, slow the movement of water across it, and reintroduce life back into the soil. “The hydrology of this place is an important part of understanding the waterways,” Mr McGuire said. “We knew it was important for us to impact that water flow by slowing it.” Cultural burning became one of the key tools in this restoration. Low-intensity fires encouraged the regrowth of native grasses, supported biodiversity, and strengthened the resilience of the landscape. Over time, Yaraguia has become a living model of Noongar-led regenerative agriculture - a fusion of cultural knowledge and modern land management that restores both ecological and spiritual balance. “Our vision now is to move into an Aboriginal or Noongar-focused regenerative farming practice,” Mr McGuire said. That vision has proven its worth through the extremes of Western Australia’s changing climate. After a wet winter reminiscent of seasons past, Yaraguia endured weeks of searing summer heat yet remained green while neighbouring properties turned to dust. “In the middle of that heatwave, we still had greenery that no one else had,” Mr McGuire said. “Our trees have evolved over millennia for these conditions - in drought, they produce more seed as a mechanism of survival.” Each of those trees, part of the family’s million-tree ambition, contributes to the land’s recovery, drawing moisture from deep below the surface, releasing it into the atmosphere, and keeping the environment in balance. These natural systems, once broken, are now slowly knitting themselves back together. For Mr McGuire, this work is more than environmental restoration - it’s a cultural and spiritual responsibility. Healing Country, he believes, requires seeing the land not just as a resource, but as a living entity with which people share a relationship. “Everything we do has a strong cultural and spiritual purpose,” he said. “I’d like to see farmers recognise that they’re custodians for the spirit, not just the soil or the water or the food production.” Today, Yaraguia Farm is thriving - its trees, waterways and soils telling a story of renewal and resilience. But for Mr McGuire and his family, the work is ongoing. The goal isn’t simply to restore what was lost, but to demonstrate what’s possible when traditional values and modern agriculture grow together - grounded in respect, guided by spirit, and driven by care for Country.
- View page: Ranger Forum Hosted by NLE Strengthens Collaboration Across Noongar Boodja
Ranger Forum Hosted by NLE Strengthens Collaboration Across Noongar Boodja
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has hosted a Noongar Ranger Forum at Nanga Bush Camp, bringing together ranger teams from across Noongar Boodja in a first-of-its-kind gathering focused on collaboration, knowledge sharing and caring for Country. Held over three days in the jarrah forest, the forum brought together 50 Aboriginal Rangers from 14 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)-funded ranger groups. The event created a unique opportunity for groups—who often operate independently—to come together, share experiences and build stronger connections. NLE CEO Alan Beattie said the forum marked an important milestone in strengthening relationships across ranger programs. “Last week NLE was proud to host a Noongar Ranger Forum at Nanga Bush Camp, bringing together 50 Aboriginal Rangers from 14 DBCA-funded Noongar ranger groups from across Noongar Boodja,” Mr Beattie said. “Over three days, rangers shared experiences, strengthened connections and discussed practical approaches to caring for Country. The forum created an important space for collaboration, learning and building a stronger network of Noongar ranger teams.” Despite the competitive nature of funding structures, the gathering was defined by a strong sense of alignment and shared purpose, with participants focused on collective outcomes for Country and community. Throughout the forum, rangers explored common challenges, exchanged insights into land management and restoration practices, and identified opportunities for collaboration and future learning. “Throughout the forum, rangers exchanged knowledge about land management and restoration and the challenges and opportunities facing ranger teams,” Mr Beattie said. “The energy and commitment was inspiring, and the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. It was clear that opportunities like this play an important role in strengthening the capacity of Noongar ranger groups and supporting long-term cultural and environmental outcomes.” The final day of the forum focused on cultural burning, supported by Department of Fire and Emergency Services Cultural Fire Team, highlighting the importance of culturally-led fire management practices. “The third day focused on cultural burning, with valuable support from DFES’s Cultural Fire Team, who helped facilitate discussions and practical learning around cultural fire practices,” Mr Beattie said. “Cultural burning continues to be a key priority for many ranger groups, and the session highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing, partnerships and safe, culturally-led fire management.” The forum provided a rare and valuable opportunity for peer-to-peer learning between ranger groups, reinforcing the importance of connection, shared knowledge and collective action in caring for Country. “A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the forum such a success,” Mr Beattie said. Through initiatives such as the Ranger Forum, NLE continues to support collaboration across Noongar Boodja, strengthening networks and building capacity to deliver long-term environmental, cultural and community outcomes.
