Search Results
Showing 10 out of 53 results
found for ‘’
- 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
- View page: New national project launched to grow bush food industry with Aboriginal participation
New national project launched to grow bush food industry with Aboriginal participation
A major new national project has been launched to ensure Aboriginal voices and knowledge are at the heart of Australia’s growing bush food industry. The project, called Yoordaninj-bah - Growing the Australian Bush Produce Industry with Aboriginal Participation, is being led and facilitated by the Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE). Funded by Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL), it will run from 2019 to 2022. Its purpose is to work with Aboriginal communities, businesses and networks across the country to explore how bush food enterprises can deliver economic, health, environmental and cultural benefits. It also seeks to create an inclusive industry that recognises the cultural and sacred knowledge Aboriginal people bring, while providing opportunities for consumers to support Aboriginal participation through the products they buy. NLE chairperson Oral McGuire said the project represented a unique opportunity for Aboriginal people to help shape the industry from the ground up.“Aboriginal people have looked after these plants and this country for tens of thousands of years. We have the cultural knowledge that can guide this industry, and the aspiration to be directly involved in building enterprises that are ethical, sustainable and community-driven.” As part of its work, Yoordaninj-bah will conduct a national feasibility study to identify bush food species with commercial potential, while also exploring their nutritional and medicinal value. The project will develop ethical and cultural protocols to ensure Aboriginal Law and Australian law can work together, protecting Aboriginal intellectual property and interests. Other outcomes include a business case for a Bush Food Incubation Hub at Avondale Farm near Beverley, which would provide a space for knowledge-sharing and innovation while ensuring cultural protocols are respected. Mr McGuire said the project’s strength lies in its collaborative approach. “This is not just about building an industry - it’s about creating an industry that is fair, respectful and inclusive. By working together, we can ensure the bush food sector grows in a way that benefits Aboriginal people.”
- View page: Native Seeds and Nursery Development Grant builds skills in mental health and land restoration
Native Seeds and Nursery Development Grant builds skills in mental health and land restoration
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has completed its Boola Boornap Workforce Development Plan, a project that strengthened the skills of staff and board members through training and development opportunities across 2023 and 2024. Funded through the Western Australian Government’s Native Seeds and Nursery Development Grant under the Aboriginal Governance and Leadership Development Program, the project aimed to grow Aboriginal participation in the state’s native seed and nursery industries. Two highlights of the program were Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid training, delivered by Mental Health First Aid Australia, and intensive seed collection training provided by Greening Australia. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said both courses had lasting impacts for the team. “We wanted to build practical skills that benefit both our business and our people,” Mr Beattie said. “Mental health and wellbeing are just as important as technical skills, and these programs have given our staff the tools to support each other and their communities, while also contributing directly to land restoration.” The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid course equipped eight NLE staff with the skills to provide initial support to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander adult experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. Grounded in a strengths-based, culturally safe approach, the course taught participants how to recognise signs and symptoms, initiate conversations, and encourage professional, cultural and community-based support. Mr Beattie said the training had immediate benefits. “It gave our staff the confidence to talk openly about mental health, to notice when someone might be struggling, and to know how to respond in a culturally appropriate way. That builds resilience in our workplace and in our communities.” During the project, Boola Boornap and Aboriginal Ranger program staff participated in seed collection training delivered by Greening Australia. The program combined technical expertise with cultural knowledge, transferring best-practice, sustainable collection skills to both Noongar rangers and Boola Boornap native tree farm staff. Over time, these skills will support habitat restoration and seed supply efforts across the south-west. “Collecting seed isn’t just a technical exercise - it connects us back to Country,” Mr Beattie said. “The training gave our people practical skills, but also reinforced the cultural importance of these species and our role as custodians in looking after boodja.” By investing in skills that strengthen both wellbeing and land management, the Boola Boornap Workforce Development Plan created lasting capacity for NLE and its people. “These trainings are about more than qualifications,” Mr Beattie said. “They’re about preparing our people to lead in a growing industry, while staying grounded in culture and community.”
- View page: Export Readiness Pilot launched to strengthen Indigenous agricultural enterprises
Export Readiness Pilot launched to strengthen Indigenous agricultural enterprises
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has been awarded a $1.58 million grant from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to deliver the Export Readiness Pilot for First Nations Agriculture. The project focuses on developing NLE’s Ngooka Honey and wattle seed enterprises while building pathways for more Indigenous producers to take their products to international markets. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the pilot would give Indigenous businesses the tools and knowledge needed to participate in global trade with confidence.“We know there is strong demand for high-quality, sustainably produced Indigenous foods, particularly in Asia,” Mr Beattie said. “This project will make sure that First Nations producers are equipped to meet export requirements, while keeping culture and community at the heart of their enterprises.” The pilot is built around three proof-of-concept projects. The first is a digital traceability system for honey, designed to meet export requirements in the European Union and Singapore. The second is focused on developing an export market wattle seed into Singapore. The third explores the planning and design of a facility for extraction, storage, manufacturing and packing - giving Indigenous producers greater control and ownership across the supply chain.“This pilot project will give us a clear picture of what works, where the barriers are, and how we can create fair opportunities for Indigenous producers,” Mr Beattie said. “It’s about building a model that others can adopt and adapt for their own enterprises.” Alongside the proof-of-concept work, the pilot delivers training, education and business development to strengthen Indigenous capability in export markets. This includes brand development, export strategies, and training programs on regulatory and technical requirements. The project will also provide insights into the unique challenges faced by Indigenous businesses when entering export markets and make practical recommendations to support wider participation across the sector. Mr Beattie said the long-term vision was to see more Indigenous ownership across the agricultural supply chain. “By creating viable pathways to export, we’re helping Indigenous producers secure not only market access but also a stronger voice and role in shaping the future of Australian agriculture,” he said. The Export Readiness Pilot will run until mid-2026, with outcomes expected to guide future initiatives supporting Indigenous agribusiness nationally.
- View page: DBCA Ranger Program creates opportunities for Noongar rangers to care for country
DBCA Ranger Program creates opportunities for Noongar rangers to care for country
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has commenced its Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) funded Aboriginal Ranger Program. The program provides training and employment for Noongar rangers to restore and care for country. The program involves a wide range of activities, including regenerative agriculture, cultural burning, seed collection and large-scale seedling propagation. Rangers will also undertake on-country trips with Elders to ensure cultural knowledge is passed down to younger generations. NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the program was about creating pathways for Noongar people to take an active role in environmental management while building skills and employment opportunities. “Caring for country has always been at the heart of Noongar culture,” Mr Beattie said. “This program brings that knowledge together with practical training so rangers can strengthen landscapes, support their communities and create future career opportunities.” Over the course of the program, rangers participate in regenerative agriculture and seed collection activities. They will also be training in cultural burning, and work at NLE’s Boola Boornap native tree farm. Mr Beattie said the program was designed to combine cultural and environmental outcomes and foster economic development by attaining and working on fee-for-service contracts.“Having Elders join rangers on-country to share knowledge about seed collection, bush foods and bush medicines ensures that traditional knowledge is valued and continues to guide how we look after boodja,” he said. Another focus of the program is creating long-term opportunities. By the end of the project, the ranger team aims to secure commercial contracts, so they have continued employment beyond the period of the DBCA funding agreement. The NLE rangers are already undertaking contract fee-for-service work with Main Roads WA. “This program is not just about short-term outcomes,” Mr Beattie said. “It’s about building the capacity of our ranger teams so they can continue to create cultural, environmental and economic benefits well into the future.” The DBCA Ranger Program runs until mid-2026 and forms part of NLE’s broader commitment to strengthen Noongar-led land management across the south-west.
