Newsletter : March - April 2025
Message from the CEO – Luka Gray
Dear Members and Partners,
The March–April period has seen continued progress across all areas of YSRC. We’re proud to report strong growth in heritage engagement, environmental leadership through our Sea Rangers and Water Monitors, and increased national visibility through key cultural and policy forums.
One important area of focus has been the YSRC Lands Team, who continue to deliver strategic outcomes across land development, renewable energy, and future planning for the Yamatji Land Estate. With more than 96% of estate land now accepted by Bundi Yamatji Aboriginal Corporation (BYAC) and a major clean energy study nearing completion, we are well-positioned to support a self-determined future for the Yamatji Nation.
Our recent work with Mid West Ports Authority on the Australian sea lion monitoring project also deserves special mention. This initiative not only contributes to marine conservation but strengthens our commitment to caring for Country—ensuring our land and sea are protected for future generations. Our Sea Rangers are at the forefront of this important work, demonstrating the power of community-driven conservation.
Thank you to all our staff, community members, and partners for your dedication and commitment. Your efforts are central to our shared progress.
Warm regards,
Luka Gray
CEO, YSRC
Heritage - Key Updates
As the cooler months approach, field activity has significantly increased. We are seeing strong engagement from external stakeholders and an encouraging uptake in Heritage Advisor participation.
Key updates include:
The Oakajee Access Road and Buller River Bridge projects have progressed to the pre-construction phase and were recently reviewed during a development progress site visit.
Proponent engagement continues to rise, presenting further opportunities for Yamatji employment in heritage monitoring.
Synergy Collaboration: Four Yamatji Heritage Advisors recently supported heritage works at a Synergy site, backed by a local mine partner who provided accommodation and meals over six days. This partnership reduced travel costs and fostered strong working relationships on Country.
Photo 1: Oakajee Development Progress Site Visit with YSRC Heritage Advisors and Main Roads Lance Mongoo, Keiran Taylor, Shane Little, Maxine Bonney, Brooke O’Donnell, Chris Gordon, Shaun Dynan,Travis Rasmussen , Jarad Nagy, Mladen Mrvelj, Daniel Sharpe
Photo 2: Synergy Collaboration with Heritage Advisors L-R Lance Mongoo, Felix (Synergy), Cesar (Synergy), Norm Little, Chris Gordon, Kate Ronan, Garry Ronan
For those interested in becoming a Yamatji Heritage Advisor, we encourage you to contact your Cultural Committee representative.
Please note that participation requires full completion of the onboarding process.
To safely participate in Cultural Heritage monitoring and survey work, please read the updated fact sheet LINK https://www.ysrc.com.au/heritage-obligations
We’re gearing up to recommence Yamatji heritage monitoring and surveys! If you would like to take part, please ensure you submit your application here.
Important Employment Requirement – Heritage Monitoring
To safely and responsibly participate in Cultural Heritage monitoring survey work, all Heritage Monitors must read the updated fact sheet: YSRC Heritage Obligations.
Failure to follow these requirements may result in removal from the roster.
Effective immediately:
Monitors are not permitted to make any changes to their roster without prior approval.
Punctuality is mandatory. Repeated lateness will place your employment at risk.
These expectations are not negotiable. Respecting the schedule and process ensures we protect Country and maintain professional standards across all sites.
Cultural Material Returns
YSRC is working with YMAC and legal representatives to begin returning cultural material to relevant groups, including Mullewa Wadjari, WIDI Mob, Southern Yamatji, and Hutt River. Two batches of Oakajee-related documentation have been received and catalogued, with further progress expected this year.
Staff Changes
We also say farewell to Chris Gordon, our Heritage Coordinator, as he takes on a new role in government. Thank you, Chris, for your dedication and valuable contributions —you’ll be missed!
Recruitment for this role is underway.
Lands Team Update
The Lands Team continues to deliver strategic work across the Yamatji Land Estate, focusing on future planning, renewable energy, and capability building.
Pink Lake & Lucky Bay Planning: Consultants have commenced detailed mapping of opportunities and constraints for Pink Lake and Lucky Bay. This planning builds on earlier projects and will guide the long-term vision for these key tourist sites. Community engagement is expected in the coming months.
Clean Energy Study: YSRC’s clean energy study with the Australian National University is now in its final stages. The study is assessing wind, solar, hybrid systems, and microgrids across the estate, helping YSRC understand where clean energy investment can have the most benefit.
Powering Up Program Workshop: YSRC participated in the Geraldton-hosted Powering Up Program (PUP), led by the First Nations Clean Energy Network and Clean Energy Council. YSRC Andrew Close Lands Manager, presented the potential of the Yamatji Land Estate for renewable projects and shared key insights from YSRC’s ongoing collaboration with the Australian National University (ANU).
The workshop provided a valuable platform to share YSRC’s vision, learn from others, and strengthen relationships across the clean energy sector. With the transition to renewables moving quickly, YSRC remains committed to ensuring that our land estate plays a central role in creating sustainable futures for our people.
We thank the organisers for bringing together such an important event and look forward to continuing this vital conversation.
Land Transfers: Bundi Yamatji Aboriginal Corporation (BYAC) has now accepted 693 parcels—over 96% of the available land area. Formal transfer processes are underway, supported by YSRC and DPLH to ensure a cost-effective transition.
Heritage Site Grants: YSRC has secured funding for restoration work at culturally significant sites including Irwin River Reserve 229, Ellendale Pool, and Racecourse Paddock. These projects directly support caring for Country and will build valuable skills for our Rangers in fencing, revegetation, and drone mapping.
Carbon Farming: Four land parcels have been identified for potential carbon farming. Discussions with the State continue to explore ways to reduce regulatory barriers.
Land Development Training: Lands staff recently completed land development training through DPIRD alongside other Aboriginal corporations. The session enhanced understanding of the development process and provided a forum to share common challenges with government representatives.
Cultural Workshops and National Engagement
Cultural Awareness Training – Murujuga
Our Cultural Authority Steering Committee recently participated in Cultural Awareness Training with Murujuga Corporation in Karratha — a powerful and enriching experience. The training offered powerful insight into the cultural protocols, joint management practices, and internationally significant rock art of Murujuga.
Participants explored ancient petroglyph sites and gained valuable knowledge to inform the development of YSRC's own Cultural Awareness Training (CAT) program. The proposed CAT model will blend online pre-learning, face-to-face sessions, and on-country experiences to ensure a rich and respectful learning experience.
YSRC Representatives included Lenny Papertalk (Mullewa Wadjari), Dale Forsyth (Southern Yamatji), Barbara Stoeckel-Clayton (Hutt River), Amarah Treacy (Lands Project Officer), Dan Shiosaki (Joint Management Project Officer) and Abby Shiozaki (Culture Admin Officer).
We thank Murujuga Corporation for their hospitality and knowledge sharing.
Above photo - Amarah Treacy, Abby Shiozaki Lenny Papertalk, Dale Forsyth, Peter Cooper, Caleb Pitt-Cook, Barbara Stoeckel-Clayton, Dan Shiosaki
Below Photos - On Country rock art tour at Nganjarli (previously known as Deep Gorge).
Indigenous Protected Areas Workshop – Canberra
YSRC proudly attended the 2025 IPA Workshop in Canberra, joining Traditional Owners from across the country to discuss policy, funding, and the future of IPAs. The event reinforced the strength of Indigenous land management. Luka Gray (CEO), Daniel Shiosaki (Joint Management Officer), and Kyle Raina (Manager, Ranger Services) represented YSRC in powerful discussions about land and cultural conservation.
With IPAs now making up 54% of Australia’s protected reserves, it’s a proud reminder of the strength of Indigenous-led stewardship.
We’re excited to carry these ideas forward!
Photos Courtesy of Country Needs People
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Country Needs People for their generous support in making this trip possible. Their continued commitment to strengthening Indigenous land and sea management helps empower Yamatji Rangers and communities to care for Country in ways that are culturally grounded and future focused.
YSRC is proud to walk alongside them on this shared journey.
💦 Yamatji Water – Projects & Commercial Update
The Water team continues to expand its practical training and fieldwork portfolio:
Seismic Survey Site Visit – Three Springs
Our Water Measurement Trainees recently visited Strike Energy’s Natta 3D Seismic Survey site in Three Springs. Trainees learned about seismic mapping using vibroseis trucks and how science and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
Cadence Gordon called it “science in action!” while Lyric Papertalk shared, “It was awesome to see how they care for Country while using advanced technology.”
On the Road – Carnarvon
Cadence and Vilma recently joined the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) on meter runs along the Gascoyne River—from data collection to visiting the legendary Artesian Bore (at 68°C!).
This trip offered hands-on experience in different environmental conditions and expanded their monitoring skills. We’re so proud of their growth!
On the road in Carnarvon – Yamaji Water Monitors Cadence and Vilma collecting data with the DWER team along the Gascoyne River, including a stop at the iconic 68°C Artesian Bore.
Building skills, confidence, and Country knowledge one trip at a time
🌱 Yamatji Fresh Produce – Growing the Future of Yamatji Nation
We’ve just finished harvesting our summer tomatoes, and all eyes are now on cucumber season!
Winter is our biggest time of year planting up to 378 greenhouses, each with 900 plants and a yield of 15–20 cucumbers per plant. That’s a LOT of cucumbers!
We’re currently hiring casual workers—if you’ve got a car and licence and are ready to work, we want to hear from you.
As we prepare for the season ahead, we’re keeping a close eye on our three “Ws”:
Weather | Water | Workers
With all three aligned, we’re on track for another strong season!
Yamatji Business Support (YBS) – Business Development Update
Over 75 Yamatji-owned businesses are now engaged and counting with our Business Support Program and we are proud of every Yamatji-led business making their mark.
We continue to provide tailored advice, funding support, and strategic guidance and help build a strong and diverse Yamatji business community!
If you’ve submitted an Expression of Interest, we appreciate your patience. We’ll contact you when we’re ready to progress.
To be eligible, businesses must have:
✅ Active YSRC membership
✅ Registered ABN
✅ Operational business plan in progress
If you are seeking reliable services or a business looking to collaborate with Yamatji enterprises, click the button to view our Yamatji Business Register.
Yamatji Sea Rangers – Monitoring Australian Sea Lions
We are proud to be working in partnership with Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA) on a vital project monitoring Australian sea lion populations near Geraldton Port. This collaboration is part of MWPA’s Port Maximisation Project and marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long and productive partnership.
Our Yamatji Sea Rangers are leading the on-ground work—collecting data on sea lion behaviour, population numbers, and habitat use. This information is critical to understanding the long-term health of the colony and ensuring these habitats are protected as port developments progress.
The data we’re gathering will help inform key decisions to support the resilience of sea lion habitats and will be shared with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and the Australian Sea Lion National Recovery Team, contributing to broader national conservation efforts.
This project reflects our commitment to caring for Country, where cultural knowledge and environmental science come together to protect our land and sea for generations to come. Our Sea Rangers are proud to be on the front line of this work.
Photos courtesy of Mid West Ports Authority
Welcome Lisa Shiosaki to YSRC team!
We’re excited to welcome Lisa Shiosaki to the YSRC team, based in our Geraldton office. Lisa joins us as Executive Officer to the CEO, bringing a wealth of experience working with Aboriginal communities across the Yamatji region as well as Baiyungu, Yinggarda, and many others around WA.
Lisa is a highly skilled Project Coordinator with deep expertise in governance, executive office operations, and community engagement. Her commitment to fostering strong relationships and supporting organisational success is evident in her work coordinating high-level meetings and providing governance support to Boards and Directors.
Known for her discretion, attention to detail, and warm professionalism, Lisa will be a key support to CEO Luka Gray and the Executive Team—helping keep our operations efficient and aligned with YSRC’s strategic goals.
Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and going on Country with her husband, staying connected to what matters most.
Please join us in giving Lisa a warm welcome to the YSRC family!
Membership Review Reminder
Thank you to all our valued members for your continued support!
We’re currently reviewing membership files. If you’ve received a form, it means we’re missing some important information. Please complete and return it so we can maintain accurate records and ensure future generations are properly linked to the Yamatji Nations database.
Maintaining accurate records is vital for future planning and helps ensure services are delivered efficiently and fairly.
Elders Gift Card Program
If you are a current member turning 60 years of age in 2025 please note our membership officer will be in contact to update your details to receive the Elders Gift Card as part of our program process.
If you have any questions or feedback for our team, we would love to hear from you so please reach out via our contact form.
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