Monthly native title updates
Aboriginal Land & Sea Ranger Conference
The South Australian Aboriginal Land & Sea Ranger Conference was held at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre in Hahndorf on March 23-26, bringing together ranger groups and relevant bodies for constructive dialogues, workshops and exchanges of vital knowledge.
Each day included a specific focus area including ranger networks and success stories, training and education, and future planning and strategic co-design.
Several ranger groups gave detailed presentations on the work they do on Country, including Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation, Wardang Island IPA (Aboriginal Lands Trust), Ngarrindjeri LPCA & Coorong Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Centre, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Rangers, Far West Coast Rangers, and Yarluwar Ruwe with BirdLife Australia.
Aboriginal Way spoke with FWC Ranger, Stefan Mazaroski, and Kimberley Land Council Land and Sea Unit Manager, Daniel Oades, about their experiences at the conference and in managing their Country generally.
SANTS Director appointed as Interim CEO of Aboriginal Housing Peak Body
SANTS Director April Lawrie has been appointed as the Interim CEO of South Australia’s Aboriginal Housing Peak Body.
Over the next six months, she will lead the work of building the peak body, setting up the governance, structures and capability needed to ensure it begins with strength, credibility and purpose.
The South Australian Government, via the SA Housing Trust, has committed to $2.5 million over five years to support the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON) to establish the peak body.
Ms Lawrie, a Mirning and Kokatha woman from the Far West Coast of South Australia, said: “Safe and stable housing is key to improving outcomes for Aboriginal people. After 30 years working in South Australia’s Aboriginal affairs within health, education, child protection and justice – I am more than ready to take on this vital role.”
New legislation marks major step forward to protect First Nations children
A federal bill has passed in Parliament allowing the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People to operate independently of the Federal Government.
This will give the Commission the powers needed to hold government and systems accountable for processes affecting First Nations children and drive systemic change for their protection across the country.
Whist the Coalition and One Nation voted against the bill passing the Senate in March, Labor, Greens, Independents and Australia’s Voice senator Fatima Payman got it through.
Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman Sue-Anne Hunter became the first fulltime National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People in August last year.
Listen to the story on Aboriginal Way
Next week: PBC Water Forum
Last year, 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.
Two nominated representatives from each PBC are invited to attend the final water forum to finalise a framework in April.
The forum will build on discussions held in November 2025, where PBCs requested more time to review the draft framework. PBC representatives are asked to attend the April forum with feedback and a position on the framework, informed by their internal discussions and community engagement.
Additional PBC members are welcome to attend at their own expense.
Date: Wednesday 8 April & Thursday 9 April 2026
Start time: 9:30am – Registration open from 9:00am
End time: Wednesday 8 April at 4:00pm | Thursday 9 April at 1:00pm
Location: Central Oval – 10 Augusta Terrace, Port Augusta SA 5700
Lunch, morning/afternoon tea and refreshments will be provided.
For your attendance to be registered and logistics organised, please call Cristy at the SANTS office on 08 8110 2800.
Next week: PBC Climate Risk Forum
The PBC Climate and Risk Forum will take place after the PBC Water Forum in Port Augusta in April.
This will be a chance for PBCs to come together and talk about the key climate risks and opportunities facing Aboriginal South Australians.
The discussion will build on the 2024 SA Climate Change Risk and Opportunity Assessment, which highlights the unique impacts of climate change on Aboriginal people and the value of Aboriginal knowledge, culture and leadership in shaping climate solutions.
Insights from this forum will help guide future adaptation planning by the South Australian Government.
Two representatives from each PBC will be financially supported to attend, including sitting fees, travel and accommodation. Additional PBC members are welcome to attend at their own expense.
Date: Thursday 9 April & Friday 10 April 2026
Start time: Thursday 9 April at 2:00pm – Registration open from 1:30pm | Friday 10 April at 9:00am
End time: Thursday 9 April at 4:30pm | Friday 10 April at 1:00pm
Location: Central Oval – 10 Augusta Terrace, Port Augusta SA 5700
Lunch, morning/afternoon tea and refreshments will be provided.
For your attendance to be registered and logistics organised, please call Cristy at the SANTS office on 08 8110 2800.
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