The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) has officially opened its native tree farm, Boola Boornap (Place of Many Trees), marking a major milestone in the organisation’s growth and in Aboriginal-led enterprise across Western Australia.
The opening ceremony was held on Wednesday 7 April 2021, with the Governor of Western Australia, Kim Beazley, joining Ballardong Elder Deborah Moody and NLE Elder Maude Bonshore to cut the ribbon on the site, located on Great Eastern Highway near Northam.
Boola Boornap represents the culmination of a vision that began in late 2020, when NLE purchased the former WA Farm Trees nursery with support from philanthropic partners Commonland, COmON Foundation both located in the Netherlands.
The purchase and early operations were made possible through a combination of philanthropy and impact investment - a model that reflects NLE’s commitment to long-term, sustainable growth grounded in cultural and environmental values.
NLE chairperson Oral McGuire said the opening was a proud day not only for the organisation but for the wider Noongar community.
“Boola Boornap is far more than a business,” Mr McGuire said.
“It’s a place where caring for Country, cultural connection and economic opportunity come together.
“While we are on a pathway to economic development, it is the environmental, cultural and social aspirations which provide the motivation and inspiration for our business aspirations.”
Since acquiring the property, NLE has already planted over half a million seedlings, representing more than 100 species, using a predominantly local Noongar workforce.
The nursery currently has the capacity to produce 1.5 million seedlings per year, with plans to expand as operations grow.
Customers include landholders and organisations working in carbon farming and land restoration, sectors that align closely with NLE’s regenerative approach to agriculture.
The Governor of Western Australia, Kim Beazley, commended NLE for its leadership and vision.
He praised the organisation’s role as the first Aboriginal grower group in Australia and its contribution to both the regenerative agriculture industry and Aboriginal employment.
“I have so much hope attached to this nursery and the regenerative healing it will bring to our people and our land,” Mr Beazley said.
“I hope the beneficiaries feel an incredible sense of fulfilment when they look at the evolution of this tree nursery and the opportunities it will create.”
NLE chief executive officer Alan Beattie said the purchase of Boola Boornap, together with NLE’s broader initiatives, would set the organisation on a pathway to self-sufficiency within a few years.
“Without the support of our funding partners, this would not have been possible,” Mr Beattie said.
“We’re now focused on working with industry and government to restore Noongar Boodjar and, in doing so, grow Boola Boornap and create lasting employment opportunities for Noongar people.”
The official opening marked the beginning of a new chapter for NLE, one defined by self-determination, environmental stewardship and cultural renewal.
Boola Boornap now stands as a living example of how Aboriginal-led enterprise can heal Country, create opportunity, and nurture pride across generations.
