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Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)

Impact Areas

Impact Areas Harnessing the strength of First Nations landowners and managers to care for Country and community. The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) supports a network of Aboriginal landowners and managers across Noongar Boodja to build culturally grounded, commercially sustainable enterprises that care for Country and create long-term community benefit. NLE’s work focuses on five key Impact Areas: Land Restoration and Conservation, First Nations Agriculture (Bush Foods), Regenerative Agriculture, Building Natural Assets, and Agri-Cultural Tourism. Across these areas, NLE and its members are leading change - integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern practices, restoring ecosystems, and offering immersive cultural experiences on boodja. NLE helps its members access infrastructure, partnerships, markets, and support to grow viable, future-focused culturally appropriate enterprises. We also connect members with emerging opportunities like carbon markets, biodiversity credits, native seed supply, and agritourism. Together, NLE and its members are showing how First Nations land management can deliver real environmental, economic, and cultural impact - proving that caring for boodja is also a path to sustainable development and strong, resilient communities and people. These are the five ways NLE is shaping a better future on Noongar Boodja. Land Restoration and Conservation NLE is harnessing the deep ecological knowledge of Noongar people to lead and inspire land restoration and conservation initiatives that heal boodja (country), heal moort (family), support biodiversity, and create meaningful social and economic outcomes. As the world increasingly recognises the urgent need to restore ecosystems and protect biodiversity, First Nations-led solutions are gaining momentum. In Western Australia, NLE is at the forefront of this movement, supporting regenerative land practices that blend traditional ecological knowledge with modern environmental management. NLE members are actively engaged in human-induced regeneration - restoring native landscapes. These practices unlock new opportunities through carbon markets and Aboriginal ranger programs. NLE also advocates for the inclusion of Aboriginal voices in environmental markets and policy, helping ensure that restoration efforts bring direct benefits to Noongar people and communities. Through its native tree farm, Boola Boornap, NLE is contributing to revegetation efforts to restore land and bring back biodiversity. With increasing demand across the Wheatbelt for native seedlings and First Nations-led services, NLE is building a thriving sector that connects cultural knowledge with practical, on-ground impact. NLE continues to act as a collective voice for its members - driving thought leadership, advocacy, and the co-creation of innovative land management models that respect boodja (country) and support long-term prosperity for Aboriginal landowners. First Nations Primary Production (Bush Foods) Restoring and conserving sea, waNLE is championing the growth of a fair and culturally respectful bush foods industry by supporting Noongar members to lead sustainable food production grounded in cultural integrity and ensuring Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property is protected.ter, landscapes and bringing back biodiversity. With growing demand for native Australian ingredients across food, retail, and pharmaceutical markets, NLE is helping bring Noongar Boodja ingredients - often overlooked in favour of East Coast species - to market. Consumers and businesses alike are increasingly seeking produce that is ethically sourced, culturally authentic, and environmentally sustainable. First Nations people are uniquely placed to lead this industry, offering not only high-quality produce, but also knowledge systems that regenerate the land and honour cultural values. NLE is playing a vital role in enabling its members to enter and thrive in the bush foods industry. Through hands-on support in species selection, cultivation techniques, and project management, NLE helps members explore innovative land uses that generate income and deliver broader social, environmental, and cultural benefits. Initiatives already underway include the harvesting and distribution of wattle seeds, honey production, and the planting of high-value native species. NLE also works to ensure the integrity and recognition of Noongar knowledge in bush foods supply chains. By exploring certification and provenance systems, engaging with IP Australia on trademark protections, and supporting community-informed decision-making, NLE is setting a new benchmark for ethical native food production. As the market matures, NLE is well positioned to support its members in becoming significant contributors to the national bush foods sector - creating jobs, protecting culture, and connecting Noongar-grown products with an increasingly conscious marketplace. Regenerative Agriculture NLE is advancing a uniquely First Nations approach to regenerative agriculture - one that blends cultural knowledge with sustainable land management to build a thriving First Nations agricultural sector. Though First Nations people manage more than 40 per cent of Australia’s landmass, and this is growing, they remain vastly underrepresented in mainstream agriculture. NLE is working to change that. Representing a significant portion of First Nations primary producers, NLE supports members to adopt culturally-appropriate, commercially-viable practices that regenerate land, strengthen communities, and support long-term economic participation. Across Noongar Boodja, NLE members are leading sustainable land management through livestock production and farming practices that restore soil health, biodiversity, and cultural landscapes. Their work includes rotational grazing, low-stress stock handling, and planting native grasses as fodder, as well as converting conventional grazing land into bushland using native species. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge and trialling innovative business models, they’re restoring Country while creating new income streams. With increasing government support for sustainable agriculture and Indigenous business procurement, NLE is well-positioned to help its members access contracts in agriculture, land restoration, and land management services - even for those without property of their own. As global demand for ethical, sustainable food production grows - especially across Asia - NLE continues to provide leadership, support, and advocacy. By building skills, strengthening partnerships, and unlocking market access, NLE is helping Noongar members thrive in regenerative agriculture while ensuring cultural knowledge remains at the heart of land stewardship. Building Natural Capital NLE is helping unlock new economic and cultural opportunities for First Nations people through participation in emerging environmental markets such as carbon farming, biodiversity credits, and renewable energy. These industries offer significant potential for First Nations people to be recognised for the land stewardship they are and have practiced for more than 40,000 years - while also generating income, regenerating Country, and working on land in ways that align with cultural values. With demand for high-integrity carbon credits expected to grow 15-fold by 2030, NLE is working with members to participate in approved methodologies including native tree planting, integrated farm management, and human-induced regeneration. Native seedlings from NLE’s Boola Boornap nursery are already being supplied to carbon projects, with more opportunities emerging across the south-west of WA. Initiatives such as carbon farming, nature repair market, natural capital accounting, renewable energy and ESG further support landholders to undertake projects that protect biodiversity and restore native ecosystems. These initiatives align with NLE’s existing work in native seed collection, revegetation, and bushfood production, and can be implemented through Aboriginal ranger programs that create culturally grounded employment. NLE is also exploring First Nations-owned biomass energy projects that convert woodland and farm by-products into clean energy. With WA’s biomass industry still emerging, growing demand for renewables and carbon offsets presents a key opportunity. By aggregating supply across its network, NLE can help drive this sector, ensuring Noongar people lead the shift to a fairer, more sustainable economy grounded in traditional knowledge. Agri-Cultural Tourism There is strong and growing demand for experiences that connect people with land, culture, and food, making First Nations-led agri-cultural tourism a powerful opportunity for NLE and its members. Visitors to Western Australia are increasingly seeking authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences, yet participation remains low despite high interest - highlighting a clear market gap. First Nations tourism offers more than storytelling; it drives broader social, economic, and cultural outcomes. It supports employment, funds community programs, strengthens cultural resilience, and provides new income streams through art, bush foods, and accommodation. By sharing Noongar culture and history, tourism becomes a means of cultural rejuvenation while also creating jobs and economic growth on Country. Agritourism is also on the rise, with more than 1.8 million visitors engaging in on-farm experiences annually and contributing over $9 billion to the national economy. While WA’s agritourism has historically focused on wine regions, there is growing interest in hands-on, meaningful experiences, offering NLE members a clear advantage. Many already operate diverse land-based enterprises, making the integration of tourism a natural extension of existing activities. NLE is uniquely positioned to deliver “agri-cultural” tourism - an immersive experience that combines farming, food, land care, and Aboriginal culture. From bushfood tastings to guided walks, cultural storytelling, art workshops and better understanding First Nations participation in agriculture, these experiences create new markets for NLE members while attracting more visitors to regional communities.  With a coordinated approach, NLE can support the development of tourism routes and collaborative ventures that showcase the richness of Noongar Boodja and generate long-term value for members and visitors alike.

Contact

Our People

Our People The NLE Board brings together experienced leaders committed to cultural integrity, strong governance, and meaningful impact. Madeline Anderson: Chairperson NLE Member Organisation: Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation Oral McGuire: Vice Chairperson NLE Member Organisation: Yaraguia Enterprises Glenn Louthean: Treasurer NLE Member Organisation: Winjan Aboriginal Corporation Peter Twigg: Board member NLE Member Organisation: Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation Bridgette McGuire: Board member NLE Member organisation: Yaraguia Enterprises Our Team The NLE team is a dedicated group of professionals working with heart, knowledge and purpose to deliver on our mission. Alan Beattie: Chief Executive Officer Jodie Paull: Finance and HR Manager Adele Scarfone: Operations Manager Sol Slattery: Project Officer Dave Collins: Boola Boornap Operations Manager Charles Okoye: Boola Boornap Contracts Manager Genevieve Russ: Ranger Coordinator About our Chief Executive Officer Alan Beattie is a recognized industry leader with over 25 years of experience across government, not-for-profit, and private sectors. He specializes in delivering innovative solutions in economic and community development, stakeholder engagement, and international development. Alan's expertise spans consultation, training and education, employment services, and strategic business planning. He has particular focus on First Nations communities, refugee and asylum seeker support, sport and recreation, and social enterprise development. His proven track record includes conducting comprehensive evaluations, feasibility studies, and building effective stakeholder relationships that drive meaningful business outcomes. Our Members 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.

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

Home

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.