Noongar Boodja Trust
The Noongar Boodja Trust
The Noongar Boodja Trust (NBT) was established on 29 March 2021 as part of the South West Native Title Settlement. The Trust exists to hold, protect, and grow the compensation and commitments from the State, so that they deliver lasting benefits for Noongar people.
Over an initial 12‑year contribution period, funding and land are being transferred into the Noongar Boodja Trust. After an initial period managed by an independent professional trustee, the Trust will transition to a Noongar‑owned Trustee, strengthening self‑determination and long‑term care of Noongar lands and assets for future generations.
This framework supports a shared vision of self‑determination and prosperity by empowering Noongar people to make decisions about their wellbeing, culture, and Boodja, now and for future generations.
The Trust’s governance structure is designed to ensure that Noongar interests are protected and promoted, now and for future generations.
The Noongar Corporations Committee is the main forum for the CEOs and chairs of each of the seven Noongar corporations to cooperate and share knowledge.
The Noongar Relationships Committee is the main connection between the Noongar corporations and the Trust.
Governance framework
The Noongar Boodja Trust is governed by a network of organisations with different roles and responsibilities. Click each link to learn more:
The six Noongar regional corporations and the central services corporation are the sole beneficiaries of the Noongar Boodja Trust. They exist to realise the aspirations of the Noongar community that are intrinsically linked to Boodja (country), Kaarditjin (culture) and Moort (community).
Regional corporations
Each of the six regional corporations represents the members of one of six regions across the Settlement area.
They form the foundation of the Noongar governance framework. They receive funding, land, and support through the Settlement, and play a key role in decisions about how benefits are used to deliver cultural, social, and economic outcomes for Noongar people.
Central services corporation
A central service supports the Settlement by delivering a range of administrative, corporate, financial, and unique services to the six Noongar regional corporations.
Noongar corporations committee
The seven Noongar corporations also work collectively through a shared governance structure to ensure Noongar voices are heard, cultural responsibilities are upheld, and benefits are managed for current and future generations.
Related fact sheets
The Trustee (Perpetual)
The first Trustee for the Noongar Boodja Trust was selected by a Trustee Selection Panel, with representatives from the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the State of Western Australia, and independent experts.
Perpetual Trustee Company was appointed in 2021 for an initial period, with the intention that responsibility for the Trust will transition to a dedicated Noongar‑owned Trustee over time.
Perpetual is an ASX Listed Australian investment and trustee company with over 130 years’ experience working as a trustee for individuals, businesses and charities. Perpetual has a specialised native title trusts team in Boorloo (Perth) to manage the Noongar Boodja Trust.
Noongar Advisory Company
The Noongar Advisory Company (NAC) is an independent not for profit company that works closely with the Trustee to support the management of the Noongar Boodja Trust.
The NAC is an important part of the Noongar Boodja Trust. It gives the community and stakeholders a voice in how the Trust operates, and holds knowledge, goodwill, and intellectual property for the Noongar people, separate from the Trustee.
Noongar Relationships Committee
The Noongar Relationships Committee (NRC) is the main connection between the Noongar corporations and the Trust.
What does the NRC do?
A forum to review the Trustee's obligations to Noongar corporations under the Trust Deed
Reviews services provided by the central services corporation services to regional corporations
A forum for the Trustee to consult with the Noongar corporations on matters relating to the Trust
Noongar Investment Committee
The Noongar Investment Committee (NIC) advises on investment policies and decisions for the Noongar Boodja Trust.
What does the NRC do?
Developing the investment policy
Consulting with the NCC, NAC, and WA Government on investment matters
Selecting and reviewing investment managers
Assessing the sale or development of properties in the Development Land Fund
Noongar Nominations Committee
The Noongar Nominations Committee (NNC) manages the selection process for board and committee positions within the Noongar Boodja Trust.
What does the NCC do?
Manages selection processes for the investment committee and Noongar Advisory Company
Oversees appointment processes for Noongar corporation directors
Screens candidates for Noongar corporation boards to ensure eligibility
Noongar Corporations Committee
The Noongar Corporations Committee (NCC) is the primary forum for the regional corporations and central services corporation to work together and discuss matters of mutual interest.
The NCC isn’t established under the Trust Deed, but convened by the central services corporation under its rulebook.
Each member of the NCC also sits on the Noongar Relationships Committee to discuss Trust matters with the Trustee.
What does the NCC do?
Brings the seven Noongar corporations together to discuss shared interests
Reviews services provided by the central services corporation services to regional corporations
Makes recommendations to the Trustee on consulting with the Noongar community