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.”
