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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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Membership Land managers & owners build tomorrow’s market, today. At NLE, we are proud to walk alongside our members and the broader Noongar community in the journey to reconnect with Country and build strong, culturally appropriate, commercially sustainable enterprises. Our work is grounded in a shared commitment to care for Country and support the aspirations of Noongar landowners and managers - those who hold deep cultural knowledge and a vision for a thriving future. This membership network represents a growing and dynamic group of Noongar-led organisations who are turning connection to land into meaningful opportunities - cultural, social, environmental and economic. From restoration and ranger programs to bush food cultivation, tourism, and cultural education, our members are leading the way in transforming passive land tenure into active, purposeful stewardship with 40,000 plus years of cultural knowledge. NLE is here to back that transformation. We support existing businesses while helping to identify new and emerging opportunities across Noongar Boodja. At the heart of this work is self-determination: empowering our people to shape and lead the change they want to see. Meet our members who are leading First Nations impact areas on Noongar Boodja Amanda Healy (Warrikal Estate) Warrikal Estate is a vibrant and growing agricultural enterprise founded by Amanda Healy, bringing new life to a 48 hectare property on Wardandi Country in Rosa Brook, Western Australia. Established in December 2023, Warrikal Estate reflects Amanda’s passion for the land and her commitment to sustainable and culturally grounded farming. Nestled in the heart of the South West, the estate currently supports a mix of enterprises, including dairy cattle agistment, wine grape cultivation, and olive production. The vineyard spans approximately 1.5 hectares and features mostly Cabernet Sauvignon vines, along with smaller plantings of Chardonnay and Malbec. Once in full production, the vineyard is expected to yield up to 500 cases of premium wine annually. In addition to the vines, Warrikal Estate is home to more than 400 mature olive trees, which are being lovingly restored after years of neglect. With careful management and revitalisation, the estate is preparing for its first olive harvest in mid-2026, aiming to produce high-quality olive oil with a potential yield of six to 10 litres per tree. As Warrikal Estate continues to evolve, Amanda’s stewardship is guided by respect for Country, a strong connection to community, and a vision for creating something enduring and meaningful on Noongar land. Contact: Amanda Healy E: Amanda.Healy@warrikal.com.au Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation is revitalising Country and culture through sustainable cattle management and immersive cultural tourism experiences at Yallalie Downs in Dandaragan, Western Australia. Established in 1998, Beemurra owns and operates Yallalie Downs, a pastoral property between Badgingarra and Moora, where its primary enterprise is backgrounding cattle.  This involves grazing cattle on Yallalie’s native pastures to increase body weight and condition, helping clients meet market specifications. The property currently supports up to 600 head of cattle during peak season, with a goal to scale up and turn off 1000 head annually. Beemurra is also developing a range of agri-cultural tourism initiatives that share Noongar knowledge and connect visitors with Country. The property is being prepared to host youth camps and a cultural healing space focused on leadership, cultural learning, and personal growth, which will empower young people to lead future initiatives. In late 2025, Beemurra will launch its Camping with Custodians program, offering three core experiences: Cultural Immersion, Agri-tourism, and Aboriginal Astronomy. This initiative will create opportunities for visitors to engage with Aboriginal heritage, explore sustainable land practices, and experience the beauty of the night sky from an Indigenous perspective. Through Beemurra, Yallalie Downs is becoming a place of enterprise, education, and cultural renewal - led by community, grounded in tradition, and looking to the future. Contact: Madeline Anderson E: beemurra@outlook.com W: www.beemurra.com.au Daniels Morangup Property Trust Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) is one of the oldest Aboriginal incorporated bodies in regional WA, building on more than 50 years of community leadership, cultural strength, and connection to Country. Established in 1972 on Goreng Country in Gnowangerup, GAC is a community-managed organisation delivering programs that support Noongar people to shape and lead their own futures. Rooted in deep cultural knowledge and community ties, GAC actively pursues partnerships and contemporary opportunities to build capacity and foster long-term self-determination.GAC’s core focus is on landscape renewal and sustainable land management. Recognising the growing opportunities in the nature repair economy, GAC established the Ngowanjerindj Rangers, a team delivering ecological restoration and environmental services. Supporting this work is the Ngowanjerindj Services Nursery, located behind the Noongar Centre in Gnowangerup, with capacity to produce 20,000 seedlings annually. The nursery focuses on local provenance species with strong cultural and environmental significance. GAC also holds a 99-year lease over the Mindarabin Reserve, a 1000-hectare site of pristine bushland that provides a base for conservation, cultural learning, and biodiversity initiatives. Through its holistic, culturally grounded approach, GAC is not only protecting and restoring Country but also creating real pathways for community empowerment and environmental leadership. Contact: Robbie Miniter E: admin@gacorp.com.au W: www.gnowangerupac.com.au Impact Dreaming Pty Ltd Impact Dreaming is a 100 per cent Noongar-owned and operated enterprise on the Swan Coastal Plain, established in 2023, to drive Noongar participation in the restoration and bush foods economy through a culturally grounded and innovative business model. Based in Casuarina, Impact Dreaming serves as a place-based hub that creates social, cultural, and environmental impact.  Its work is guided by four strategic pillars: Food Sovereignty & Security, Health & Wellbeing, AgriCultural Tourism & Cultural Education, and Restoration. These pillars inform all areas of the enterprise, from the development of Noongar seed and plant production zones to bush food programs and landcare practices that revive and protect cultural knowledge. Impact Dreaming is actively involved in rescuing culturally significant plant species threatened by land clearing and promoting biodiversity across Noongar Boodja. This approach weaves together traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary sustainability practices to care for Country and culture. At the heart of the enterprise is a strong commitment to community connection, cultural continuity, and Indigenous-led environmental solutions. Impact Dreaming partners with private landholders—known as Friends of Impact Dreaming—and welcomes collaboration with values-aligned investors to scale its vision of long-term, place-based change. Through its work, Impact Dreaming is building a future where Noongar knowledge leads the way in restoring land, nourishing communities, and generating new opportunities on Country. Contact: Heidi Mippy E: impactdreaming@outlook.com Kwelena Mambakort Wedge Island Aboriginal Corporation Kwelena Mambakort Wedge Island Aboriginal Corporation (KMAC), established in 2002, represents Traditional Owners from Wedge Island, located 50 kilometres north of Lancelin on the Western Australian coast.  This culturally and environmentally significant area is managed for the conservation of native flora and fauna and is home to breeding seabirds, shorebirds, reptiles, and resting sea lions.  The surrounding reserve sits adjacent to the Wanagarren Nature Reserve and borders the Jurien Bay Marine Park, with the iconic Pinnacles Desert just to the north. Wedge Island, known to the Yued people as Wetj Boya, is part of vital Aboriginal songlines - Ngumbling, Ngambany, and Namban - that stretch from Cervantes to Yanchep. These songlines connect important cultural and ceremonial locations, including freshwater wells, springs, and places of lore and birth. Yued Elder Christopher Shaw has played a key role in recording more than 14 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sites on and around Wedge Island, highlighting its deep spiritual and historical importance. KMAC collaborates with Elders and environmental organisations to conserve heritage and biodiversity. Through partnerships like the Midwest Aboriginal Ranger Program with NACC, KMAC supports the employment and training of Aboriginal Rangers, providing cultural and conservation skills on Country. Their annual Cultural Information Day welcomes visitors to engage with Yued culture, view traditional artefacts, tour significant heritage sites, and enjoy bush foods. Recent projects include Fairy Tern monitoring with Conservation Council WA, Malleefowl monitoring with NACC, revegetation with Greening Australia, and weed control with the Jurien Bay Herbarium Group. Contact: Annie Shaw E: Annie.Shaw@kmacenvironmental.com Facebook Page Winjan Aboriginal Corporation Established in 1989 and named after respected Bindjareb Yabagut George Winjan, a survivor of the Pinjarra Massacre, Winjan Aboriginal Corporation is a proud, community-led organisation based in Coodanup on Bindjareb Country. Winjan holds freehold title over a two-hectare bushland property that houses its administration centre, featuring a community hall, commercial kitchen, activity rooms, sheds, and a thriving vegetable garden.  This space serves as both a cultural hub and a foundation for service delivery, community development, and environmental care. In 2024, Winjan expanded its stewardship through a three-year License to Occupy and Manage Lot 8000 - a 924-hectare parcel of land granted by the Department of Communities, with the Serpentine River running through it. With strong ties to Country and culture, Winjan leads two Ranger Programs in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), including a joint initiative with Harvey and Waroona Aboriginal Corporation. These programs reflect Winjan’s broader mission to care for the land while empowering the local Aboriginal community. Winjan’s vision is to inspire and support Aboriginal people to live with pride in their identity and culture, underpinned by values of respect, honesty, cultural safety, and inclusiveness. The corporation works to deliver culturally grounded programs that promote wellbeing, education, employment, and opportunity. Through its programs and leadership, Winjan remains a vital force for cultural preservation, environmental responsibility, and community strength in the Peel region. Contact: Kallan Nannup E: kallan@winjan.org.au Facebook Page Wongutha CAPS Wongutha CAPS is a Christian boarding school located on Wongutha Country near Gibson, dedicated to equipping Aboriginal students from remote communities with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive - both through vocational education and life experience. Established in 1954 as the Wongutha Mission Training Farm by Rod Schenk, the school has a proud legacy of developing strong Aboriginal leaders and shaping the future of Indigenous education. Situated on a 1000-acre bush property northeast of Esperance, Wongutha CAPS provides young people aged 15 and over with a supportive learning environment focused on intensive literacy, numeracy, and vocational education and training (VET), particularly in agriculture. The school’s motto, “Training for Life,” reflects a broader vision that extends beyond classroom learning, fostering personal growth, leadership, and community values. Originally managed by a board of local Esperance residents, the school transitioned in 1990 to the leadership of CAPS (Christian Aboriginal Parent-directed School Inc.), who recognised a need for post-compulsory vocational pathways for Aboriginal students. What began with 12 male students soon expanded, with a girls’ hostel added in 1993. Today, Wongutha CAPS supports between 60 and 70 students annually, with growing demand reflected in its extensive waiting list. Through its practical, culturally respectful approach to education, Wongutha CAPS continues to make a meaningful impact - empowering the next generation of Aboriginal youth to walk strong in two worlds. Contact: Andrew Tabinor E: financemanager@wonguthacaps.wa.edu.au Website: https://www.wonguthacaps.wa.edu.au/home Yaraguia Incorporated Yaraguia Incorporated is leading a powerful shift in land stewardship in Beverley, Western Australia, focused on healing Country through cultural, ecological, and regenerative land management. Located on Noongar Boodja, Yaraguia is guided by respected Noongar leader Oral McGuire and operates from the 832-hectare property Avondale Park, which the McGuire family acquired in 2008 through the Indigenous Land Corporation’s Land Acquisition Program.  Since then, the family has dedicated themselves to restoring the land’s ecological health, planting more than 600,000 native seedlings across 600 hectares, with an ambitious target of reaching one million plantings. This monumental effort has helped re-establish a thriving native seed bank and regenerate a once-degraded landscape. Unlike conventional farming enterprises, Yaraguia is not focused on agricultural production. Instead, it embraces a holistic and culturally informed approach to land care, weaving together traditional Noongar practices - such as cultural burning, bush food, and medicine knowledge - with modern conservation techniques. The enterprise tackles pressing environmental challenges including salinity, soil erosion, and the effects of greenhouse gases, all while fostering biodiversity and strengthening the cultural connection to Country. Through its long-term vision and commitment to sustainable land management, Yaraguia Incorporated is redefining what it means to care for Country, and offering an inspiring example of how Indigenous knowledge and regenerative practices can restore both land and spirit. Contact: Oral McGuire E: oral@gundiconsulting.com.au Benefits of becoming an NLE member As an NLE member, you’re part of a network committed to restoring Country and building a thriving Noongar land-based economy. NLE is a respected voice in land restoration and conservation, sharing knowledge gained through projects and market development for the direct benefit of members. We advocate for members in research, policy, and thought leadership while supporting participation in land-based projects that reflect Noongar values and knowledge. These opportunities may generate economic returns or contribute to broader cultural and environmental outcomes. Members also benefit from the power of collective scale - through shared branding, access to trials and new techniques like bush foods propagation, and stronger supply chain connections. This collaborative approach builds resilience, supports strategic decision-making, and creates space for long-term success. Eligibility In order to be eligible for NLE membership the entity or individual needs to meet the following criteria: A person or entity who, is a First Nations person or a First Nations Entity, as defined, affirm their agreement with the Objects of the Association and agree to comply with these Rules may apply to become a member.  The object is to develop culturally appropriate, commercially sustainable land-based enterprises to enable the development of a First Nations land-based economy on Noongar Boodja (country) and support self-determination of its members. This will include;- Recognise and develop First Nations people’s culturally appropriate land care procedures; Develop and maintain sustainable land-based enterprises for the benefit First Nations people; Develop and maintain a First Nations land-based economy to provide meaningful employment and sustain the community; Support the self-determination of the First Nations people; and To undertake such other activities as are incidental to or for the benefit First Nations people.