Monthly native title updates
SANTS Gala Dinner
Last month, we hosted a gala dinner at the Adelaide Convention Centre to celebrate 30+ years of native title in South Australia, a milestone that has redefined the legal and cultural landscape of our nation.
MC Isaac Compton led a memorable evening on Kaurna Country, featuring Inma performances, an insightful PBC panel discussion and informative keynote speeches.
It was a great opportunity to reflect on the last 30 years of native title and discuss the future aspirations for Country, culture and Traditional Owners in South Australia.
Thank you to everyone who attended and to our event sponsors: Department of Primary Industries and Regions, Department for Energy and Mining, South Australia, ElectraNet Pty Ltd Northern Transmission Project, Alligator Energy and Norman Waterhouse for their generous support.
Our VR experience wraps up at the SA Museum
Our immersive Country, Culture, People VR experience has now concluded its run at the South Australian Museum – with hundreds of visitors virtually stepping onto Country.
Audiences were transported to an internationally renowned wetland, an ancient engraving site, a secluded bay, and even inside the home of Meintangk/Moandik Elder Aunty Penny Bonney.
If you missed the in-person experience, you can still explore the VR videos online – just use your phone or mouse to navigate the 360° views.
We’re proud to have sparked conversations and new understandings of Country, culture and First Nations people. A big thanks to the Traditional Owners who generously shared their stories.
Garma Festival 2025
A group of SANTS staff members recently attended the Garma Festival in northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Held on Yolngu Country, Garma is Australia’s premier Indigenous cultural exchange event, bringing together First Nations leaders, educators, policy makers and communities from across the country.
This year’s festival focused on the theme of “Truth Telling and Shared Futures,” featuring powerful cultural performances, yidaki (didgeridoo) sessions, traditional ceremonies, and discussions around education, reconciliation and Indigenous rights.
SANTS representatives engaged in key forums and community workshops, deepening their understanding of Aboriginal culture, land rights and self-determination. The experience was inspiring and strengthened SANTS’ ongoing commitment to supporting and amplifying Aboriginal voices.
Advancing First Nations’ Water Interests
Throughout July and August, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), in partnership with Landscape SA, continued co-designing the South Australian Framework to Advance First Nations’ Water Interests. These discussions built on earlier workshops to refine actions aimed at:
recognising the cultural authority of First Nations in water planning and management
ensuring access to water for economic, social, environmental, spiritual and cultural purposes
boosting First Nations’ ownership of water entitlements
establishing a consistent, yet flexible, statewide approach to water interests
Workshops were held across the state, including in Adelaide (6 August), Murray Bridge (8 August) and Mount Gambier (22 August), along with online sessions on 28 and 29 August. These provided First Nations communities with further opportunities to shape the framework’s proposed actions.
What comes next?
Following these engagements, DEW will develop a final version of the framework to submit to the South Australian Government later this year. Implementation is expected to begin in 2026. A comprehensive report summarising the consultation process and outlining next steps will also be shared with workshop participants.
Reconciliation SA Fundraiser Gala 2025
The Reconciliation SA Fundraiser Gala is back in 2025 with the inspiring theme: “Together Towards Tomorrow.”
Guests will enjoy a three-course meal curated by celebrated Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero (Mabu Mabu), who will also share the stories and culture behind each dish. The evening will include entertainment, guest speakers, and the opportunity to support reconciliation efforts across South Australia.
When: Friday, 12 September 2025
Time: 6:15 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Hindmarsh (Kaurna Country)
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