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Mission

History

History The history of NLE is a powerful story of Noongar strength, collaboration and reclaiming land for cultural and economic renewal. Born from a shared vision for land, culture and self-determination, the Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has grown into Western Australia’s premier First Nations land management organisation and a national leader in culturally-grounded enterprise. Where It Started The idea for NLE began taking shape in 2012, as Noongar landholders, many of whom had reacquired Country through the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), started discussing how they could support one another through a networked, collaborative model. With backing from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), those early conversations led to the formal incorporation of NLE in June 2017. At its heart was a commitment to establishing a strong, values-driven organisation that could elevate Noongar land-based industries and advance the economic self-determination of Noongar people. Growth In its formative years, NLE was steered by a dedicated Board and supported by part-time Executive Officer Simon Wallwork, a Corrigin farmer and ally. The organisation’s early strategic direction centred on building capacity among Noongar landholders and growers, and creating a pathway to long-term sustainability. In 2020, NLE reached a new milestone with the appointment of its first full-time Chief Executive Officer, Alan Beattie, followed by additional staff to support the expanding workload and vision. Where We Are Now Over the past seven years, NLE has evolved from a fledgling concept into a vibrant social enterprise and the first and still the only First Nations grower group in Australia. It now supports a growing community of Noongar landowners and managers, while also operating its own enterprises that create employment for more than 30 people. Key initiatives include the Boola Boornap native tree nursery, wattle seed, Ngooka Honey, and a bushfoods produce enterprise. NLE’s voice and visibility have also grown through national advocacy, sector partnerships, and its reputation for leading best-practice First Nations engagement. Today, NLE is not only a hub for enterprise and land management, but a catalyst for cultural renewal, environmental stewardship, and meaningful economic participation for Noongar people.

About

About About Us Rooted in culture and driven by purpose, NLE is reclaiming Noongar land, knowledge, and leadership for future generations. Guided by 65,000 years of Noongar knowledge and cultural law, the Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) is a 100 per cent First Nations owned cooperative creating a new model of enterprise grounded in Country, culture and community. Koorndaam At the heart of NLE is Koorndaam - the Noongar Dreaming - the Noongar cultural first law and way of being. This is not a philosophy, but a living system that informs every action we take. Passed down by Traditional Owner Elders, Koorndaam shapes how we care for boodja (Country), uphold moort (kinship), and preserve kaartdijin (knowledge systems). These three interconnected principles are the foundation of our identity and operations. NLE exists at the intersection of ancient cultural governance and modern enterprise. While financial return is a goal, our true drivers are cultural rejuvenation, environmental stewardship and social wellbeing. This balance ensures we are creating lasting value - economically, culturally and spiritually. Our Values Our work is underpinned by a strong set of values that blend Noongar cultural law with aligned western principles, creating a foundation of integrity, respect, and shared purpose. These values guide how we work with each other, with partners, and with Country, and include: Respect for Boodja, self, team and others A commitment to integrity, honesty and dependability A focus on innovation and continuous improvement The courage to lead, stay focused and remain committed to success Reciprocity and shared responsibility at the core of all relationships NLE is charting a path toward economic development that remains deeply rooted in Noongar ways of knowing, doing and being - honouring the past, empowering the present, and shaping a stronger future for generations to come. Our Vision and Purpose NLE’s vision is to be the leading First Nations organisation across Noongar Boodja, supporting the development of culturally-grounded, commercially sustainable land-based businesses, providing thought leadership, and being the enabler for best practice First Nations engagement amongst stakeholders. NLE’s purpose is to develop culturally appropriate, commercially sustainable land-based enterprises to enable the development of a First Nations land-based economy on Noongar Boodja and support self-determination of its members. Our Mission Core to our mission is a shift from passive to active land management - a process of self-determination that has consistently delivered meaningful and lasting outcomes. This success is grounded in several key elements: Noongar people holding and practising First Law Community ownership and control of decision-making Culture is central, including an understanding of local context, history and community. Local First Nations staff working within programs and organisations Strong cultural governance. Best practice corporate governance. Trusted, long-term partnerships Through this approach, NLE is helping to build a future where Noongar people can thrive - on Country, in culture, and through enterprise. Our People The NLE Board brings together experienced leaders committed to cultural integrity, strong governance, and meaningful impact. The NLE team is a dedicated group of professionals working with heart, knowledge and purpose to deliver on our mission. Our History The history of NLE is a powerful story of Noongar strength, collaboration and reclaiming land for cultural and economic renewal. Born from a shared vision for land, culture and self-determination, the Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has grown into Western Australia’s premier First Nations land management organisation and a national leader in culturally-grounded enterprise. The NLE logo The NLE logo depicts the Noongar six seasons. Each segment is a different colour which represents a season as explained below. BIRAK - December to January. Green, blue, orange, yellow . Hot and dry with easterly winds during the day. BUNURU - February to March. Yellow, orange, red. With hot easterly and northerly winds. DJERAN - April to May. Red, brown, grey . Becoming cooler with winds from the southwest. MAKURU - June to July. Grey, black. Cold and wet with westerly gales. DJILBA - August to September. Black, blue, green. Becoming warmer. KAMBARANG - October to November. Blue, green. Rain decreasing. The artwork also represents the landholding groups coming together and working together as Noongar people. The figurine and style are a reference to the Aboriginality of the group. Logo artist, Leanne Zilm. Website Copyright and ICIP Notice Copyright © Noongar Land Enterprise Group Incorporated All images, text, information, and other content used on this website is owned or licensed by the Noongar Land Enterprise Group Incorporated ('NLE') and protected by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). This site respectfully acknowledges the contributions of Noongar People and their continued ownership of their Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP). This ICIP includes knowledges, languages, cultural expressions, and experiences that may be shared orally or contained in audio-visual material, audio and written materials, photographs, performances, interviews, speeches, and other material. You are not permitted to commercialise any plant, bushfood, or medicinal knowledge, cultural practices or otherwise appropriate ICIP shared with you through our website. You may only deal with the content of this website with the prior written consent of NLE, the copyright owner and/or the Traditional Custodians of that ICIP, and with attribution. Please note that this website may include the names, images, spoken words and performances, of First Nations people who have passed away. Please be respectful in referring to them and consider cultural mourning protocols. If you wish to use or reproduce any part of this website or its content, please contact us

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Empowering First Nations people through culturally appropriate and commercially sustainable enterprises on Noongar Boodja. We are proud to be the first, and remain the only, First Nations grower group in Australia, serving as the peak body for land, sea and water-based activities on Noongar Boodja. Located on Noongar Boodja, the Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) is a 100% owned and led First Nations organisation. We aim to empower First Nations landowners and managers to build culturally appropriate, commercially sustainable land, sea, and water based enterprises. NLE is committed to supporting the growth of a strong and sustainable Noongar nature-based business economy. This includes empowering NLE Member organisations and identifying new and emerging opportunities for development. Through this approach, NLE is helping to build a future where Noongar people can thrive - on Country, in culture, and through enterprise. NLE creates opportunities for its members to benefit from collective scale. Working together enables members to maximise investment returns, navigate market fluctuations, build stronger supply relationships, and take a coordinated approach to resource management and decision-making.

Zero Net Emissions from Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC)

Zero Net Emissions from Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC) NLE is one of three Indigenous organisations partnering in the Zero Net Emissions from Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC). The ZNE-Ag CRC is a 10-year national initiative aiming for Australian agriculture to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and move below zero by 2050. With $300 million in committed funding, including $87 million from the federal government, it is the largest CRC ever established in Australia. The consortium brings together 73 partners, spanning industry groups, governments, universities, grower organisations, SMEs and Indigenous groups, reflecting a collaborative and cross-sectoral approach. Agriculture currently contributes almost 17 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions - 77 per cent from livestock methane, 19 per cent from nitrous oxide, and four per cent from carbon dioxide. The CRC responds to this challenge by investing in industry-led research that trials a range of emissions-reduction technologies directly on farms, recognising the need for a coordinated, multi-solution approach across the supply chain.

Regenerative Farmer Tree Project

Regenerative Farmer Tree Project Bringing together Noongar knowledge and regenerative farming, this project supported farmers to restore landscapes through large-scale tree planting across the south-west. The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE), through its Boola Boornap native tree farm, partnered with Dirty Clean Food to supply seedlings for the Regenerative Farmer Tree Project. More than 60,000 native seedlings were delivered to Goodies Farm near Kendenup, where Dale and Penny Goodwin planted over 50 hectares with diverse trees and shrubs. Since then, four Dirty Clean Food farmers have joined the initiative, establishing almost 200 hectares of new plantings. Farmers such as Warren Pensini led the way, planting 23,000 trees in the first year and a further 11,000 the next. By combining sustainable agriculture with environmental restoration, the project delivered biodiversity and carbon benefits while strengthening partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous producers to heal country.

Noongar Native Grasses Trial – Community Stewardship Grant

Noongar Native Grasses Trial – Community Stewardship Grant Restoring country with native grasses, cultural knowledge and scientific expertise, this project brings people together to heal Country and strengthen Noongar farming futures. The Noongar Native Grasses Trial, funded through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Community Stewardship Program, supports First Nations landowners to adopt regenerative agriculture and cultural practices, including cultural burning, to care for Noongar Boodja (country). With more than 95 per cent of Noongar Boodja cleared in the past two centuries, predominantly for broadacre farming, ecosystems and biodiversity have been severely affected. This trial works to repair landscapes through the reintroduction of native grasses, supported by landcare activities and ongoing research. The work is underway at three sites: Yallalie Downs (Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation) near Dandaragan, Avondale Park (Yaraguia Enterprises) near Beverley, and NLE’s Boola Boornap native tree nursery near Northam. At each location, Noongar-led enterprises are partnering with researchers to show how native grass species can improve soils, biodiversity and farming sustainability. By combining the expertise of Curtin University and the Native Seed Technology Innovation Hub with Noongar stewardship, the project blends science and cultural knowledge to create resilient landscapes and lasting connections to Country.

NIAA Indigenous Ranger Program

NIAA Indigenous Ranger Program Expanding ranger opportunities in the Ballardong region, this project supports Noongar people to care for boodja, strengthen culture, and create meaningful employment for future generations. With funding from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), the program’s priorities are guided by consultation with Traditional Owners, Elders and stakeholders, ensuring community knowledge shapes decisions. Indigenous rangers are trained and employed to protect cultural heritage, restore land, collect seed and undertake cultural burning. On-country trips with Elders pass down knowledge of bush foods, bush medicines and traditional land practices. NLE has partnered with the National Trust of Western Australia, the Shires of Northam and Beverley, and NLE member groups to deliver this program. The program has a focus on the employment of Indigenous women, ensuring inclusivity and opportunity. By combining cultural knowledge with practical training, the program builds skills, jobs and leadership pathways while fostering cultural continuity and environmental sustainability across the Ballardong region

Ngooka Honey

Ngooka Honey Blending Noongar knowledge with beekeeping, this project is producing high quality honey from Noongar native plants for the domestic and international markets. Since 2018, the Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has been developing its Ngooka Honey enterprise, expanding across multiple sites and providing training for NLE members and NLE staff  in all aspects of apiculture.  NLE’s Ngooka Honey enterprise was greatly assisted by research undertaken by the Cooperative Research Centre for Honey Bee Product. Among other things the research confirmed that NLE’s Ngooka Honey’s antimicrobial and health properties to be equal to, or greater than, manuka honey. This recognition strengthened branding, guides site selection and positions Ngooka Honey to meet growing demand in Asia and beyond. To date sales have largely taken place through Dirty Clean Food, further raising the profile of Indigenous honey. NLE’s Ngooka Honey enterprise is currently in a growth phase. As part of NLE’s Export Readiness Project we are in the process of increasing our number of hives to 200, which will allow us to significantly increase our production levels.

Native Seeds and Nursery Development Grant

Native Seeds and Nursery Development Grant This project strengthened the skills and capacity of rangers, staff and board members at Boola Boornap, supporting the growth of the Noongar Land Enterprise Group’s (NLE) native seed and nursery enterprise and ranger program. Funded through a Native Seeds and Nursery Development Grant under the WA Government’s Aboriginal Governance and Leadership Development Program, the project focused on workforce development to increase Aboriginal participation in the growing market for native seeds and seedlings. The project provided training and development opportunities across a wide range of areas, including seed collection, cultural burning, pest management, traffic management, truck driving and four-wheel driving. Staff also undertook qualifications in mental health and first aid, while board members and staff participated in project management and governance training. The project also enabled NLE representatives to attend national and industry conferences such as EvokeAg in Perth, the First Nations Bushfoods and Botanicals Alliance Conference in Darwin, and the Greenlife Industry Conference in Brisbane, building connections and bringing back valuable knowledge to apply locally. By investing in staff and governance capability, the Native Seeds and Nursery Development Grant ensured NLE has the skills, networks and systems needed to operate efficiently, compete in the native seed and nursery industries, and create lasting opportunities for Noongar people.