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- 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.
- View page: Boola Boornap
Boola Boornap
Boola Boornap, meaning Place of Many Trees, is NLE's flagship enterprise and growing hub for native revegetation efforts across Noongar Boodja Boola Boornap - Native Tree Farm / Nursery Place of Many Trees Boola Boornap, meaning Place of Many Trees, is NLE's flagship enterprise and growing hub for native revegetation efforts across Noongar Boodja Boola Boornap, meaning Place of Many Trees, is NLE's flagship enterprise and 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. Seedlings are available in 64 cell trays. Standard species lists 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. Boola Boornap can be found at 6348 Great Eastern Highway, Burlong WA 6401
- View page: Future unveiled: NLE launches new website and strategic plan
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.
- View page: Insights from a Master’s study on Indigenous-led ecological restoration
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.
- View page: Boola Boornap officially opens — a place of many trees and new beginnings
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.
- View page: Growing capacity and opportunity at Boola Boornap
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.”
- View page: ILSC - Boola Boornap native tree farm funding
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.
- View page: Boola Boornap native tree farm upgrade - RED grant
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.
