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- View page: Cluster Connect
Cluster Connect
Cluster Connect Cluster Connect is an alliance between five like minded organisations that all support food and agribusiness. By creating this alliance the organisations can support each other and partner together to deliver projects and programs on a national basis. The five organisations making up Cluster Connect are Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) in Queensland, Central Coast Industry Connect in New South Wales, Food and Fibre Gippsland in Victoria, Fermentation Tasmania in Tasmania and the Noongar Land Enterprise Group in Western Australia. Together, these organisations form Australia’s leading agrifood clusters, working collaboratively to strengthen opportunities for food, beverage and agribusiness enterprises. By leveraging the collective strength of five state-based clusters, Cluster Connect builds a thriving ecosystem where agrifood businesses can innovate, connect and scale. For NLE, this role ensures Western Australian enterprises have access to a national network of expertise while also amplifying Aboriginal-led participation in the future of Australia’s food and agriculture industries.
- View page: Carbon for Farmers Voucher Program
Carbon for Farmers Voucher Program
Carbon for Farmers Voucher Program Administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), this program helped WA landholders explore carbon farming opportunities and assess how tree planting projects could deliver both environmental and economic benefits. As part of the program, the Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) worked with voucher recipients to identify suitable areas of their properties for tree carbon projects. NLE advised on species selection based on location, rainfall and soil type, ensuring plantings met the requirements of the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme’s Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Planting methodology. Working with Independent Carbon Advisors - a collaboration between NLE, Carbon West and Richard Brake Consulting - Carbon Farming Plans were developed for 23 landowners across WA, from Yuna in the north, east to Holt Rock, south to Albany and west to Busselton. These plans included spatial mapping, yield predictions and practical advice to help farmers make informed decisions. By funding expert input, DPIRD enabled farmers to better understand the opportunities, costs and risks of carbon farming while also building capacity in WA’s emerging carbon industry. Through this work, NLE contributed to a growing network of landholders ready to develop carbon projects that sequester carbon, generate tradeable credits, and deliver co-benefits such as healthier soils, stronger biodiversity and greater on-farm resilience.
- View page: Avondale First People’s Traditional Produce Innovation and Manufacturing Hub – Wattle Seed Enterprise
Avondale First People’s Traditional Produce Innovation and Manufacturing Hub – Wattle Seed Enterprise
Avondale First People’s Traditional Produce Innovation and Manufacturing Hub – Wattle Seed Enterprise Through its commitment to growing Noongar-led bush food ventures, this project laid the foundation for the Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) to establish a successful wattle seed venture Running from October 2022 to October 2023, and funded through the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) as part of the Agricultural Innovation Hubs Program, the project focused on research, harvest expansion and product readiness. Its goal was to facilitate ongoing wattle seed research and product development. During the project, NLE tested six species of wattle seed and trialled processing methods to produce commercial quantities of raw, roasted, and roasted-and-ground food-grade products. An expanded harvest in late 2022 and early 2023 yielded around half a tonne of seed, including Acacia acuminata, a traditional Noongar food species. By the project’s conclusion, NLE had achieved the capacity to be the first Noongar organisation producing food-grade wattle seed in commercial quantities. This milestone addressed a major gap in the industry, where less than two per cent of native produce is currently grown by Aboriginal organisations. View the project video
- View page: Australian-Grown Innovation
Australian-Grown Innovation
Australian-Grown Innovation The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) is a partner in the delivery of the Australian-Grown Innovation program, a five-year national initiative to help growers turn new ideas into commercially viable products and services. Run by Hort Frontiers in partnership with Startupbootcamp and Cluster Connect, the program addresses major challenges in horticulture through structured mentoring across three stages - Engage, Incubate and Build. Participants take part in workshops, refine ideas with hands-on expert support, and test solutions in real-world markets, with some gaining opportunities to connect globally. Focus areas include climate resilience, intergenerational farm transfer, value-added product development, AI-driven technologies and supply chain improvements. All projects align with Hort Frontiers’ five themes: healthy living, adaptation and resilience, market access, disruptive technologies and capability building. By taking part, NLE is connecting with growers, innovators and global experts to explore new opportunities, strengthen business models and help shape practical solutions that make horticulture more resilient, competitive and innovative into the future.
- View page: Australia-World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Bushfoods Pilot
Australia-World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Bushfoods Pilot
Australia-World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Bushfoods Pilot NLE is one of three First Nations businesses selected to take part in the Australia–World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Bushfoods Pilot This Pilot, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), supports First Nations bushfoods enterprises to engage with the international intellectual property (IP) system, helping ensure that traditional knowledge, culture and products are recognised, respected and protected in global markets. Working alongside Fig Jam & Co, Native Oz Bushfoods, and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) appointed experts Dr Miri Raven and Professor Daniel Robinson, NLE contributed to the co-design of a culturally appropriate training and mentoring program. The program combines technical expertise with the lived experiences of First Nations businesses, creating resources that are both practical and meaningful. Insights from participants are shaping the development of tools and a customised guide to support other First Nations enterprises as they grow their bushfoods export opportunities. This collaboration strengthens not only the businesses directly involved, but also the wider bushfoods sector, laying foundations for future generations to benefit from sustainable, culturally grounded enterprise.
- View page: Noongar Native Grasses Trial launches to restore country through traditional and scientific knowledge
Noongar Native Grasses Trial launches to restore country through traditional and scientific knowledge
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has commenced the Noongar Native Grasses Trial, a major project funded through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Community Stewardship Program. The trial supports First Nations landowners and farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices and integrate cultural knowledge, including cultural burning, to restore ecosystems and biodiversity on Noongar Boodja (country). NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the project was an important step in repairing country that had been heavily impacted by clearing and intensive farming over the past two centuries.“More than 95 per cent of Noongar country has been cleared, leaving landscapes and biodiversity largely destroyed,” Mr Beattie said. “This trial is about finding ways to heal country by bringing together Noongar native grass species, regenerative farming and Noongar cultural practices.” The trial is underway at three sites across Noongar Boodja: Yallalie Downs (Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation) near Dandaragan, Avondale Park (Yaraguia Enterprises) near Beverley, and NLE’s Boola Boornap native tree farm near Northam. At each site, Noongar native grass species are being planted and monitored to assess their role in improving soil health, restoring biodiversity and contributing to more sustainable farming systems. Mr Beattie said the project demonstrated the strength of collaboration. “We are fortunate to be working alongside Curtin University and the Native Seed Technology Innovation Hub, as well as with Noongar-led enterprises on country,” he said. “By combining cultural stewardship with scientific research, we’re creating a model that supports both land and people.” The Community Stewardship Program funds projects that deliver practical on-ground outcomes while building long-term capacity for environmental management. For NLE, this trial builds on its broader commitment to support Noongar enterprises and landholders to adopt practices that are both sustainable and culturally grounded.“Restoring country is not just about the environment, it’s about strengthening cultural connections and creating opportunities for future generations,” Mr Beattie said. “This project is one of many steps we’re taking to ensure Noongar people continue to lead in caring for country.” The trial will run through to mid-2026, with outcomes expected to inform future landcare approaches across the south-west.
- 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.”
