Noongar Boodja Trust Strategic Review 2021–2026

What is the Noongar Boodja Trust 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.

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

Who is undertaking the review?

The Review is being undertaken by an independent consultant appointed through a competitive selection process and overseen by a selection panel. The consultant's role is to gather information, listen to stakeholders and community members, analyse findings and provide recommendations. The Review process is being overseen by a Review Oversight Committee to help ensure it is transparent, culturally safe and accountable.

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?

The Review will include opportunities for Noongar people to share their experiences, ideas and aspirations. This may include gatherings around topics, community meetings, survey and feedback opportunities.

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

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 only about governance?

No.

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.

The Trustee 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 is 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 Country.

The Review is not just about the Trust itself. It 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?

Success means that the Review:

• 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.