Noongar Boodja Trust

NBT Strategic Review 2021–2026

Yamagigu Consulting (yamagigu) has been engaged to undertake an independent strategic review of the Noongar Boodja Trust (NBT) as it reaches its five-year milestone. The Review will consider how the NBT is operating against the original intent, what has been achieved to date, and what can be strengthened to support long-term outcomes for Noongar people. The engagement of yamagigu will ensure the Review is Aboriginal-led and that Noongar voices are heard.

yamagigu is Australia’s largest national Aboriginal consulting business, with a strong presence in Western Australia. As a Supply Nation certified Indigenous business, yamagigu is majority owned, led and staffed by Aboriginal people. The name yamagigu is a Wiradyuri word meaning “our purpose is to go with you”, reflecting the business’s commitment to working alongside Aboriginal communities and organisations to support self-determination, practical outcomes and long-term change.

The Review will look at the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the NBT’s governance and operating arrangements, including how the Trust supports Noongar nation-building, self-determination, economic empowerment and intergenerational outcomes. The work will include reviewing key documents, engaging with relevant stakeholders, considering the performance and future role of the Noongar Future Fund, and identifying practical opportunities to strengthen the NBT’s contribution to lasting benefits for Noongar people.

As part of its consultation process, yamagigu is open to receiving submissions from Noongar people on any of the above. Please send your submission, in whatever medium you feel most comfortable in, to NBTReview@deloitte.com.au. Alternatively, please look out for communications from your regional corporation (coming soon) on upcoming yarning opportunities.

The yamagigu team

Roanna Edwards is a Whadjuk and Ballardong Noongar woman with more than a decade of experience working in Aboriginal Affairs, stakeholder engagement and community engagement.

Rachel Reynolds is a non-Aboriginal ally with almost two decades of experience in regional development in Western Australia and beyond.

Ben Ainsworth is a Gija man and Senior Manager who brings experience in government policy, economics and Indigenous affairs.

Alina Baluch is a Badimaya Yamatji woman from Boorloo, with connections to Mount Magnet, and has an accounting/finance background with experience in sustainability functions and investment.

Jiah Reidy is a proud Noongar man with great experience in culturally responsive consultation and stakeholder engagement.

Melissa McGuire is a proud Whadjuk, Ballardong, Yued, Banjima and Badimaya woman with experience in engagement, facilitation and consultation inputs.

Maruca Ciulacu-Nemteanu is a lawyer and has experience in reviews, helping ensure that it is practical, evidence-informed and aligned to agreed outcomes.

Strategic review FAQs

What is the strategic review?

The Noongar Boodja Trust (NBT) Strategic Review is an independent review of the first five years of the Trust.

The review will assess how the Trust has progressed since its establishment in 2021, what outcomes have been achieved, what lessons have been learned and what opportunities exist for the future.

Importantly, the review is not only about looking back. It is an opportunity for Noongar people to help shape the future direction of the Trust and its contribution to a strong, united and thriving Noongar Nation.

Why is the strategic review important?

The first five years of the Trust have focused on establishing the foundations of the South West Native Title Settlement.

As the Trust moves from establishment into its next phase, it is important to understand:

  • what has been achieved;

  • what is working well;

  • what could be strengthened;

  • what Noongar people want for the future;

  • how the Trust can best support future generations.

This will help guide future planning, priorities and decision-making.

Who is undertaking the review?

The review is being independently led by Yamagigu Consulting (“yamagigu”), a majority Aboriginal owned business, with a strong presence here in WA, including Noongar leadership. yamagigu has been around since 2013 and has delivered reviews and evaluations Australia wide - always centring the aspirations and expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

yamagigu will do this by:

  • listening to the six regional corporations and the central services corporation (SWALSC)

  • listening to members and Noongar people

  • listening to the WA Government and the Trustee (Perpetual)

  • reviewing data and information provided by all of these stakeholders listed above

What will the review examine?

The review will consider a broad range of topics, including:

  • governance and decision-making;

  • Trustee transition and future governance arrangements;

  • community engagement and communication;

  • nation-building outcomes;

  • cultural strength and identity;

  • community wellbeing;

  • economic development and prosperity;

  • land stewardship and activation;

  • investments and financial management;

  • leadership development and capacity building;

  • relationships across the Settlement ecosystem;

  • future opportunities and challenges.

How can Noongar people have their say?

Every Noongar person has valuable insights about what is important and what should be prioritised for the future.

As part of its consultation process, yamagigu is open to receiving submissions from Noongar people. Please send your submission, in whatever medium you feel most comfortable in, to NBTReview@deloitte.com.au.

The review will include a range of opportunities for Noongar people to share their experiences, ideas and aspirations.

Please look out for communications from your regional corporation (coming soon) on upcoming yarning opportunities.

Why is community input important?

The Trust exists to benefit current and future generations of Noongar people.

The review provides an opportunity for community members to share:

  • what they value most

  • what they would like to see improved

  • what opportunities should be pursued

  • what challenges should be addressed

  • what a strong and successful Noongar future looks like

Community voices will help inform the findings and recommendations.

Is this review about governance?

While governance is an important part of the review, it is only one aspect.

The review is also interested in the broader outcomes the Trust is helping to achieve, including cultural strength, economic prosperity, community wellbeing, land stewardship, leadership development and nation-building.

What will happen when the review is complete?

The consultant will prepare a final report outlining key findings, observations and recommendations. The report will be provided to the Trustee for consideration. The findings will help inform future planning, strategy and decision-making across the Trust and broader Settlement ecosystem.

How will recommendations be dealt with?

The recommendations will be carefully considered by the Trustee, who may choose to:

  • adopt recommendations in full

  • adopt recommendations in part

  • undertake further consultation or investigation

  • prioritise recommendations over time

  • work with Settlement partners to implement recommendations where appropriate

The recommendations will help inform future decisions, but they will not automatically become policy or practice.

Will the community be informed about the findings?

Yes.

The Trustee and Noongar Advisory Company are committed to sharing information about the review findings and future directions.

This will include communicating key outcomes, explaining next steps and providing updates on how recommendations are being considered and progressed.

Transparency and accountability are important principles of the review process.

What kind of future is the strategic review helping to build?

The strategic review is helping to build a future where the Noongar Boodja Trust continues to grow as a strong and enduring foundation for current and future generations of Noongar people.

It’s an opportunity to consider how the Trust can best support Noongar aspirations for self-determination, cultural strength, community wellbeing, economic prosperity, leadership development and stewardship of boodja.

The review is about understanding how the Trust can contribute to a stronger and more connected Noongar ecosystem, where organisations work together, leaders are supported, opportunities are created, and future generations are empowered to thrive.

By reflecting on the lessons of the first five years and listening to the voices of Noongar people, the review will help identify the priorities, partnerships and pathways needed for the next phase of the Noongar Boodja Trust's journey

What does success look like?

The review will be successful if it:

  • reflects the voices and aspirations of Noongar people

  • provides an honest assessment of progress and challenges

  • identifies opportunities to strengthen the Trust and Settlement ecosystem

  • supports better outcomes for current and future generations

  • helps guide the next phase of the Trust's journey

  • contributes to a strong, united and thriving Noongar Nation

How can I stay informed?

Information about the strategic review, opportunities to participate, and updates on progress will be shared through NBT website, regional corporations, community networks and engagement activities.

We encourage all Noongar people to get involved and help shape the future of the Noongar Boodja Trust.