SOUTH WEST AUSTRALIA

 

OVERVIEW

The south west region of Western Australia is Jawun’s newest region. Jawun commenced operations in South West Australia in February 2020. 

The south west of Western Australia is Noongar Boodja (Country) and home to the Noongar Nation, which is made up of 14 closely connected language groups. Noongar Boodja covers the entire south-western portion of Western Australia, with the northern boundary commencing on the west coast at a point north of Jurien Bay, proceeding to a point roughly north of Moora and then roughly south-east to a point on the southern coast between Bremer Bay and Esperance. 

Since 2001, the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) has been the Native Title Service Provider for the region, and in addition to its legislative functions under the Native Title Act 1993 (NTA), SWALSC aims to inspire, enable and lead the Noongar people to build a strong, sustainable and united Noongar Nation. In resolving native title across the region, the Noongar Nation is represented by six Noongar Agreement Groups:  

  • Ballardong (York, Northam, Hyden, Kondinin)  

  • Gnaala Karla Booja (Mandurah, Bunbury, Donnybrook)  

  • South West Boojarah (Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River, Pemberton, Nannup) 

  • Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar (Katanning, Gnowangerup, Albany) 

  • Whadjuk (Perth Metropolitan area)

  • Yued (Jurien, Moora, Lancelin, Gingin). 

SWALSC, on behalf of, and in partnership with the Noongar Agreement Groups and the Noongar community, have successfully negotiated the South West Native Title Settlement (the Settlement), the most comprehensive native title agreement in Australia’s history. The historic agreement will impact around 30,000 Noongar people, encompasses approximately 200,000 square kilometres of land and includes an economic base that is expected to be worth more than $1 billion at the end of the 12 year accumulation period. The Settlement is a momentous achievement in Noongar history, and will provide the Noongar people with unprecedented opportunities for developing and maintaining Noongar interests. 

The regions’ leaders have a clear and strong focus on nation building, strategic governance, and improved housing options as a lever to address economic development and social policy issues.

WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY

FIELD TEAM

  • Regional Director

    Aaron has joined the Jawun team following over 10 years working in public and primary health management in regional WA. Most recently, he has led the service design and implementation of a new state-wide, centralised transfer coordination service in collaboration with key stakeholders Royal Flying Doctor Service and St John Ambulance.

    With a strong focus on innovative solutions to improving health outcomes and facilitation of broader systems change for communities and individuals in regional Western Australia, Aaron played an integral role in establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships to promote equity in the delivery of health to regional, remote and Aboriginal communities across Western Australia.

  • General Manager, Regional Investment

    Dave leads Jawun's regional portfolio, working alongside Indigenous organisations, corporate partners and government stakeholders to support community-led outcomes across Australia. He provides strategic leadership across regional investment priorities, long-term partnerships and initiatives that strengthen capability, self-determination and sustainable impact.

    Prior to joining Jawun, Dave spent eighteen years with Westpac, holding leadership roles across retail banking, Indigenous banking, wealth and investment services, financial solutions and risk. His commitment to Indigenous affairs includes serving as National Co-Chair of Westpac's Indigenous Employee Action Group, Brothers & Sisters, contributing to Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives, and completing a Jawun secondment with Ganbina in 2013.

    Passionate about the power of partnership, Dave believes lasting impact is achieved through collaboration, shared learning and Indigenous-led solutions. Outside of work, he enjoys permaculture, camping and outdoor adventures with his wife and three boys.

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