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- View page: Noongar Land Enterprise Group Appoints Its First Chief Executive Officer
Noongar Land Enterprise Group Appoints Its First Chief Executive Officer
Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Beattie as its first Chief Executive Officer, who commenced on 6 April 2020. Mr Beattie is a recognised industry leader, having held a number of senior roles in Government, the Not for Profit and private sector since 1997. Alan grew up in the heart of Noongar Boodja (country) on a farm near Yealering. Alan has worked with and alongside Aboriginal people throughout Western Australia and in particular the Noongar community for the past 20 plus years. He joins NLE after recently ceasing his role as Social Enterprise Manager at Holyoake. Alan says he is excited to be joining NLE and leading the business into the future, as it continues to grow and focuses on being the leading Aboriginal organisation that develops commercially viable Noongar land-based businesses. NLE Chairperson Oral McGuire said the Board was delighted with Mr Beattie’s appointment to the business which has been made possible through funding provided by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. “Alan has vast experience right across the Aboriginal and profit for purpose sectors,” Mr McGuire said. “His knowledge and experience of business strategy, business transformation, project management, and primary production project development are particularly relevant to NLE as an organisation seeking to deliver optimum benefits to current and future generations of Noongar people and the wider population of WA". The NLE Board looks forward to working closely with Alan as NLE continues to develop innovative land based enterprises such as Bush Produce, Cultural Tourism, Honey or mainstream enterprise such as Prime Lamb Production on Noongar country. NLE identifies successful business enterprises managed by Noongar People, on Noongar land, as an opportunity to provide better social and cultural outcomes for Noongar people and the broader community. Media contact Simon Wallwork, Executive Officer 0422 803 890 swallwork@nle.com.au
- View page: NLE named WA cluster lead in national agrifood growth initiative
NLE named WA cluster lead in national agrifood growth initiative
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has been confirmed as the Western Australian cluster lead for Cluster Connect, a new national program designed to strengthen growth and innovation in Australia’s agrifood sector. Cluster Connect acts as the Industry Partner Organisation for food, beverage and agribusinesses participating in the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program. It delivers tailored mentoring, expert advice, advanced resources and strategic connections to help businesses progress their commercialisation journey and achieve sustainable growth. The initiative is led by the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) in Queensland, with cluster leads also appointed from Central Coast Industry Connect (New South Wales), Food and Fibre Gippsland (Victoria), and Fermentation Tasmania (Tasmania). Together, the five organisations represent Australia’s leading agrifood clusters, working in collaboration to support innovative enterprises across the country. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the appointment ensures Western Australian agrifood businesses have access to a national network of expertise and opportunities.“Being part of Cluster Connect means WA businesses can tap into a truly national ecosystem of knowledge and support,” Mr Beattie said. “Our role is to connect enterprises here in WA with the mentoring, advice and networks they need to grow - while also ensuring Aboriginal-led businesses are included in shaping the future of Australia’s agrifood industries.” Through the program, businesses are matched with advisers and connected into opportunities most relevant to their goals, whether that’s developing a commercialisation strategy, testing markets, securing investment, or building partnerships. Mr Beattie said the collaborative nature of the initiative was a key strength. “No single business or cluster can do this alone,” he said. “By linking WA into a national network, we’re creating the conditions for innovation and growth that benefit not just individual enterprises, but the sector as a whole.” Cluster Connect is now working with Industry Growth Program participants across the country, ensuring businesses are well positioned to meet challenges, seize opportunities, and contribute to a thriving, sustainable agrifood ecosystem.
- View page: NLE launches project to grow Noongar-led wattle seed enterprise
NLE launches project to grow Noongar-led wattle seed enterprise
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has launched a new project to build capacity in the bush food industry by producing food-grade wattle seed at a commercial scale for the first time. The project, called the Avondale First People’s Traditional Produce Innovation and Manufacturing Hub – Wattle Seed Enterprise, is being led and facilitated by NLE. Funded through the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) as part of the national Agricultural Innovation Hubs Program, it will run for 12 months, from October 2022 to October 2023. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the project represented a significant step forward for Noongar-led bush food enterprises.“Wattle seed is a traditional Noongar food with enormous potential in today’s markets, this project is about creating the knowledge, systems and partnerships needed so we can produce it in a way that is commercially viable, culturally grounded and environmentally sustainable.” The project has three main goals: to continue research and development into wattle seed properties and processing methods; to expand the scale of harvesting in Noongar country; and to progress NLE’s capacity to produce raw, roasted and ground wattle seed products that meet food-grade standards. It also aligns with national priorities to make Australia a trusted exporter of premium food and a leader in climate resilience. By cultivating native acacia species, the project will help improve soil and water health while creating diversified income streams for Noongar landowners. NLE staff and members will work alongside research partners and marketing specialists to ensure the products developed are not only high-quality but also strongly branded around authenticity, provenance and First Nations ownership. This work will lay the foundation for future bush food products, including value-added items such as wattle seed–infused beverages. Partnerships with industry groups such as Commonland, Wide Open Agriculture and Dirty Clean Food will support the development of new bush food products and market opportunities both in Australia and overseas. “This is about laying the foundation for a new Noongar-led industry,” Mr Beattie said. “By combining traditional knowledge with innovation, we can create products that reflect who we are and that have genuine appeal in both domestic and international markets.”
- View page: NLE joins national program driving innovation in horticulture
NLE joins national program driving innovation in horticulture
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) is a delivery partner for the new Australian-Grown Innovation Program, a national initiative launched this month to drive innovation across the horticulture sector. The program is run by Hort Innovation, in partnership with Startupbootcamp and Cluster Connect (of which NLE is a partner), and is designed to help growers and supply chain participants turn ideas into commercially viable products and services. Over the course of the program, multiple cohorts of growers will take part in structured mentoring programs, moving through three stages - Engage, Incubate and Build - to develop practical solutions to some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the program offers a unique opportunity for growers and agribusinesses to contribute to national innovation.“This program is about turning ideas into real outcomes. It provides a pathway for growers to take a concept, refine it with expert guidance, and then test it in the market." Focus areas for the program include intergenerational farm transfer, climate resilience, value-added product development, AI-driven technologies and supply chain improvements. Every solution developed must align with one of Hort Frontiers’ five themes: healthy living, adaptation and resilience, market access, disruptive technologies and capability building. Mr Beattie said the structured mentoring was a key strength of the program. “It’s not just about ideas - it’s about testing and refining those ideas so they can work in practice. The three stages mean participants can move from early thinking through to incubation and then into building and trialling a real-world product or service.” As part of the Build stage, selected participants will also have the chance to take part in a global immersion experience, exploring partnerships, site visits and international best practice. As a delivery partner in the Australian-Grown Innovation Program, NLE is working alongside growers and businesses across the country to unlock opportunities, develop stronger business models and contribute to a more resilient, competitive and innovative horticulture sector.“This program is about building an industry that is ready for the challenges ahead, for NLE, it’s also about making sure Noongar people and Aboriginal growers are part of that journey.”
- View page: NLE joins Industry Growth Program to strengthen Aboriginal-led enterprises
NLE joins Industry Growth Program to strengthen Aboriginal-led enterprises
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE), as part of the Cluster Connect partnership, is proud to have been appointed one of four Industry Partner Organisations for the national Industry Growth Program, a national initiative designed to support innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow and commercialise their projects. The program, delivered by the Australian Government, connects eligible businesses with experienced Industry Growth Program Advisers who provide tailored advice to overcome challenges and identify opportunities for expansion. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said being an Industry Partner Organisation, via our involvement with Cluster Connect, puts NLE in a unique position in Western Australia.“We are looking forward to working with the Industry Growth Program and the immediate next steps will be to work with the department to deliver our services in a way that compliments and adds value to participants of the program,” Mr Beattie said. Advisers provide recommendations across a wide range of areas, including business model validation, market testing, intellectual property, investment opportunities and building collaborative partnerships. “This support not only strengthens NLE’s networks but also demonstrates that Aboriginal-led businesses have a role to play in building Australia’s manufacturing and agri-food sectors for the future,” he said. He added that the program also helps raise the profile of Indigenous innovation and builds confidence among potential partners. “It’s about opening doors,” Mr Beattie said. By engaging in the Industry Growth Program, NLE is laying the groundwork to expand its impact both locally and nationally.
- View page: NLE joins global Bushfoods Pilot to strengthen Indigenous IP in export markets
NLE joins global Bushfoods Pilot to strengthen Indigenous IP in export markets
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has been selected as one of three First Nations businesses to participate in the Australia–World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Bushfoods Pilot, a new initiative funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The Pilot is designed to help First Nations bushfoods enterprises navigate the complex international intellectual property (IP) system and ensure that Indigenous Intellectual Property Protections (ICIP) are in place to recognise, respect, and protect Indigenous knowledge and IP. With demand for Indigenous bushfoods growing in overseas markets, the project aims to ensure that traditional knowledge, cultural integrity and Indigenous ownership are protected as businesses expand into exports. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the Pilot recognises both the opportunities and challenges facing Indigenous businesses, particularly in the bushfood sector.“International markets are very interested in Indigenous bushfoods, but we need to make sure that the people and knowledge at the heart of these products are respected and protected,” Mr Beattie said. Alongside NLE, Fig Jam & Co and Native Oz Bushfoods have also been chosen to take part. Together, these enterprises will work with WIPO-appointed experts Dr Miri Raven and Professor Daniel Robinson to co-design a culturally appropriate training and mentoring program. Mr Beattie said the co-design element was key. “This project gives us the chance to shape IP systems in a way that works for our communities, and that supports First Nations producers to grow strong, sustainable businesses,” he said. The insights from this collaboration will inform the development of practical IP tools and a customised guide for First Nations exporters. Mr Beattie said these outcomes will reach far beyond the three organisations directly involved. “The training, resources and guide developed through this Pilot will be available to other Indigenous producers, creating long-term value for the entire sector,” he said. “It’s about building an environment where First Nations businesses can compete globally while staying true to culture and country.” The bushfoods industry in Australia has been expanding rapidly, with both domestic and international consumers increasingly seeking out products linked to health, sustainability and cultural authenticity. However, the sector also faces risks, including the misuse of Indigenous cultural knowledge and limited access to IP expertise. The WIPO Pilot seeks to address these barriers directly, laying the foundation for more equitable participation in export markets. For NLE, involvement in the Pilot strengthens its role as a leader in the Indigenous agricultural sector, while ensuring its growers have the tools to take their products to the world with confidence.
- View page: NLE joins Australia’s largest research collaboration to tackle agricultural emissions
NLE joins Australia’s largest research collaboration to tackle agricultural emissions
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) is one of three Indigenous organisations partnering in the Zero Net Emissions from Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC), a landmark national initiative to transition Australian agriculture to net zero emissions by 2040 and below zero by 2050. The ZNE-Ag CRC is the largest Cooperative Research Centre ever established in Australia, with $300 million in committed funding, including $87 million from the Australian Government. Over the next decade, it will bring together 73 partners spanning industry groups, state and territory governments, universities, grower organisations, SMEs and Indigenous enterprises. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said it was important that Indigenous voices were part of such a significant national effort.“This CRC is about shaping the future of agriculture in Australia, and it’s vital that Noongar people and other First Nations groups are part of that journey,” Mr Beattie said. “Our role ensures we share in the opportunities created as new low-emissions technologies are developed and adopted.” Agriculture currently contributes almost 17 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions - the majority from livestock methane, with further contributions from fertiliser use, crop residue burning and lime application. While many farmers are already adopting more sustainable practices, the scale of the challenge requires a coordinated and outcome-focused approach across the entire supply chain. Mr Beattie said the CRC’s strength lay in its collaborative model.“Seventy-three partners coming together sends a clear message: this is not a challenge that can be solved by one sector or one community alone,” he said. “By working together, we can reduce emissions while creating stronger, more resilient farming systems for the future.” Through large-scale, industry-led research projects, the CRC will trial a diverse range of emissions-reduction technologies directly on farms. Outcomes are expected to shape national strategies, guide future policy and provide practical pathways for producers of all scales to participate in the transition to low-emissions agriculture. For NLE, involvement in the ZNE-Ag CRC builds on its commitment to lead in sustainable, culturally grounded land management while ensuring Noongar people have a seat at the table as Australian agriculture takes this critical step forward.
- View page: NLE completes first phase of wattle seed enterprise with strong results
NLE completes first phase of wattle seed enterprise with strong results
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has completed the first phase of its Avondale Bush Food Innovation Hub, achieving major milestones in building a Noongar-led wattle seed enterprise and setting the stage for commercial product launches. Running from October 2022 to October 2023, and funded through the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub), the project set out to expand research, grow harvests and develop food-grade products. It has now positioned NLE as the first Noongar organisation to produce wattle seed in commercial quantities that meet food safety standards. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the project showed what could be achieved in a short time with strong collaboration and clear goals. “In just 12 months, we’ve gone from concept to capability,” Mr Beattie said. “We can now harvest, clean, roast and grind wattle seed to food-grade quality - ready for households, hospitality and the wider market. “That’s a huge step forward for Noongar-led bush food enterprises.” A key part of the project was testing of six different wattle seed species. Samples were sent to Agrifood Technology in Victoria for analysis, helping NLE better understand the nutritional properties of the seeds and identify which species offered the most potential for commercial harvesting. Low-cost processing technology was also trialled, successfully producing roasted and ground wattle seed of food-grade quality at a smaller commercial scale. “The testing confirmed what we already knew - that wattle seed has enormous potential as a food ingredient,” Mr Beattie said. “It also gave us the science we need to focus our efforts and build a supply chain that works.” The project also supported branding and market preparation. Working with the Hypnosis Creative Agency, NLE developed and tested packaging mock-ups, with feedback provided by members, staff and the board. The final branding design was endorsed and will be launched alongside NLE’s first wattle seed products in 2024. “The brand reflects what makes our products unique - authenticity, provenance, and 100 per cent First Nations ownership,” Mr Beattie said. “It’s about telling the story of where these foods come from and the communities behind them.” On country, the project enabled an expanded harvest of Acacia acuminata in late 2022 and early 2023, a species traditionally harvested by Noongar people. Harvests took place in northern Noongar country and at Avondale Park, near Beverley, with around half a tonne of raw seed collected. This harvest confirmed the potential for commercial-scale production while maintaining cultural connection to traditional foods.“The fact that we can now produce raw, roasted and ground wattle seed in commercial quantities is a turning point,” Mr Beattie said. “For the first time, Noongar people are leading the production of food-grade wattle seed, and that’s something to be proud of.” Support from partners including Commonland, Wide Open Agriculture and Dirty Clean Food also helped pave the way for new bush food and beverage products to enter the market. Mr Beattie said the partnerships would be crucial as NLE looked to the future. “This project is just the beginning,” he said. “We now have the capability and the branding to take the next step - developing transformative products that can reach both Australian and international consumers.”
- View page: NLE board member shares Indigenous business expertise in the Philippines
NLE board member shares Indigenous business expertise in the Philippines
Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) board member Oral McGuire recently travelled to the Philippines to take part in an Export Council of Australia (ECA) workshop supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs from across the Philippines. The two-day export readiness workshop, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, took place in Manila and brought together 15 Indigenous entrepreneurs and community leaders representing a diverse range of products, from traditional handicrafts and fashion to skincare and agricultural goods. Participants gained practical skills in areas including export market analysis, regulatory systems, intellectual property protection, pitching and storytelling, and financial literacy for cross-border trade. Oral joined ECA’s Arnold Jorge and Angela Wright as a guest speaker, sharing his experiences as a Noongar entrepreneur and as part of Australia’s only Aboriginal-led agribusiness grower group.“It was a privilege to share our story and to connect with Indigenous business leaders in the Philippines. There are strong parallels between our experiences - the importance of protecting cultural knowledge, the challenges of entering international markets, and the opportunities that come when we bring our voices and our values into global trade.” The workshop emphasised women’s leadership, alternative business models and cultural storytelling, highlighting the central role of Indigenous identity in building compelling businesses. For Mr McGuire, the exchange was not just about providing advice, but also about building mutual understanding.“These conversations showed me how much we can learn from each other,” he said. “Their stories of resilience and innovation resonate deeply with us as Noongar people. By sharing ideas and experiences, we can strengthen Indigenous businesses across our region and make sure we’re not just participants in global markets, but leaders.” The event concluded with a certificate ceremony and closing remarks from senior representatives of the Australian Embassy in Manila and the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry. For NLE, Oral’s involvement in the workshop underscores the organisation’s commitment to connecting Noongar enterprises with global opportunities and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship at home and abroad.
- View page: NIAA Indigenous Ranger Program expands opportunities for Noongar people in the Ballardong region
NIAA Indigenous Ranger Program expands opportunities for Noongar people in the Ballardong region
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) is pleased to announce it has received funding from the National Indigenous Australian’s Agency (NIAA) to operate an Indigenous Ranger program focused on the Ballardong region. The program will employ and train local Noongar rangers, with an emphasis on employing female Indigenous rangers, to care for country, protect cultural heritage and undertake sustainable land management across sites located near Northam, Beverley, York and Dandaragan. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the program will help deliver both cultural and environmental outcomes while creating meaningful employment.“This program is about empowering Noongar people to care for boodja in ways that respect culture and create jobs for the future,” Mr Beattie said. “It provides a pathway for rangers to build skills, take on leadership roles and contribute directly to restoring and protecting country.” All ranger activities will be guided by environmental and cultural priorities developed in consultation with Traditional Owners, Elders and key stakeholders. A steering or advisory committee will be established to ensure ongoing input, with consultation taking place at least annually to review progress and set future direction. The program will involve a wide range of land management activities, from cultural burning and seed collection to soil testing and restoration projects. On-country trips with Elders will provide opportunities for intergenerational knowledge transfer, particularly in the identification of bush foods, bush medicines and seed collection times. NLE has partnered with the National Trust of Western Australia, the Shires of Northam and Beverley, and several NLE member organisations in the delivery of the program. The project aligns with the national Indigenous Rangers Program outcomes, which include building sustainable employment, supporting Indigenous businesses, fostering leadership, and ensuring the continuity of cultural knowledge.“This is not just about jobs today,” Mr Beattie said. “It’s about creating a strong foundation for Noongar people to lead in land and water management for generations to come.” The NIAA Indigenous Ranger Program will run until mid-2028, with long-term benefits expected for both country and community
