SANTS NEWS

Monthly native title updates

2026 PBC Forum

SANTS is hosting a forum on 16-17 June to discuss future directions and priorities for Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) in South Australia.

Invitations have been sent directly to PBCs and native title claim groups, with each asked to nominate two delegates to attend on their behalf.

This forum is a great opportunity to connect with other PBCs, share experiences and challenges, and provide feedback to SANTS on how we can better support their aspirations.

The two-day forum will also include a session focused on youth perspectives. Young people aged 18-25 with connections to a PBC or claim group can register their interest below.

Please note, this is a SANTS and PBC-only forum. Travel, accommodation and meals will be provided, but there will be no sitting fees.

Date: 16-17 June
Venue: Novotel Barossa Valley Resort
Youth EOIs close: 8 June 2026

EOI form for young people (18-25)

PBC Forum

SANTS will host a PBC Forum on 16–17 June to discuss future directions and identify priorities for Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs).

Invitations have been sent directly to PBCs and claim groups across South Australia, with each group invited to nominate two delegates.

This forum is an important opportunity to contribute to future planning and decision-making. Attendees will connect with other PBCs, share experiences and challenges, and provide feedback to SANTS on how we can better support their aspirations.

The two-day forum will include a dedicated session focused on youth perspectives. Expressions of interest are now open for young people aged 18-25 with connections to a PBC or claim group.

Please note this is a SANTS and PBC-only forum. Travel, accommodation and meals will be provided, but there will be no sitting fees.

Date: 16–17 June
Venue: Novotel Barossa Valley Resort
Youth EOIs close: 29 May 2026

EOI form for young people (aged 18-25)

VALE Professor Peter Buckskin

It is with deep sadness that SANTS acknowledges the passing of Professor Peter Buckskin PSM FACE.

A proud Narungga man from the Yorke Peninsula, Professor Buckskin was a respected Aboriginal leader and educator who dedicated more than 40 years of his life to improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

His leadership and advocacy helped shape important changes around reconciliation, Aboriginal education and social reform across communities and institutions. There is no doubt that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

SANTS extends its sincere condolences to the Buckskin family, friends and colleagues.

Image: Gilimbaa

Stop the spread and get tested for Diphtheria

Diphtheria (diff-theer-e-uh) is a contagious skin and/or throat infection which can make you very sick. It can spread easily between people if it’s not treated.

Aboriginal Elders, young children, and people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease are at a higher risk.

Symptoms can include:

• sore throat
• skin sores that won’t heal
• fever and chills
• trouble swallowing

If you have symptoms or are worried about someone in your household, please go to your local clinic.

Find your local Aboriginal health service — AHCSA member services

National Water Act Review – First Nations Engagement Sessions in South Australia

The federal government is undertaking an independent review of the Water Act 2007, examining how the legislation is operating in practice, whether it is meeting its objectives, and how it can better reflect the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

As part of this process, First Nations engagement sessions are being held to ensure the voices, priorities and lived experiences of First Nations peoples are reflected in the review. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has appointed Dr Teagan Shields as First Nations Adviser, working alongside independent reviewer Ms Anthea Harris to lead this engagement.

These sessions provide an opportunity for First Nations peoples to contribute perspectives on cultural, social and economic water interests, which will inform the final report due to the federal government by 28 February 2027.

Session details:

Venue: Yitpi Yartapuultiku, Kuma Kuu Room, Port Adelaide
Date: Monday 6 July, 10am-3pm

Venue: Berri Hotel, Berri
Date: Tuesday 7 July, 10am-3pm

For more information or to raise matters ahead of the session, contact: firstnationswater@dcceew.gov.au

Port Adelaide event
Berri event

The First Nations Clean Energy Network and the Indigenous Land and Sea Council (ILSC) are excited to invite you to the 2026 First Nations Clean Energy Symposium, hosted on Wadawurrung Country, Djilang (Geelong, Victoria).

The First Nations Clean Energy Symposium, Australia’s only First Nations-led annual national event, brings together Traditional Owners, leaders and communities with investors, policy makers, industry and government to collaborate.

This year, we reflect on the incredible work being led by our communities here and internationally, celebrate five years of the First Nations Clean Energy Network, and take action on what’s next.

Apply for Advice Grants to support First Nations clean energy knowledge

The federal government is offering Advice Grants to help First Nations communities access expert advice for participating in clean energy projects.

First Nations hold strong local and cultural knowledge that is crucial to Australia’s transition to net zero.

The Advice Grants put community leadership at the forefront, meaning First Nations peoples decide what advice they want and need to fully participate in the clean energy transformation.

Grants of $5,000 to $80,000 will provide funding for activities like training, planning and professional advice.

Example activities include but are not limited to:

• clean energy knowledge, training and workshops
• planning, business, management and governance training
• professional advice to support negotiation and progression of clean energy projects
• surveying, mapping, feasibility, commercial and financial advice
• legal, governance and business model development.

This advice can help communities make informed decisions and share in the benefits from clean energy.

Clean energy can empower communities by giving people better access to power, jobs, training, economic development and business opportunities.

For information on eligibility, permitted activities and the application process, read the grant guidelines below.

Read the grant guidelines on GrantConnect
Submit your application

Questions remain over Tarrkarri’s future

SANTS is again calling on the South Australian Government to provide clarity on the future of Tarrkarri, the First Nations cultural centre announced in 2021.

When Premier Peter Malinauskas and his government came to office in 2022, construction had already started at the prominent site on North Terrace. The project was later paused for an urgent review of its estimated $200 million cost. Since then, the Premier has said the final cost of delivering a world-class centre could rise to between $400 million and $600 million.

While SANTS understands the need to get the project right, First Nations communities deserve certainty about Tarrkarri’s future. The centre has the potential to become a landmark cultural institution for South Australia. It would strengthen the state’s cultural precinct and create opportunities for truth-telling, tourism and economic development.

SANTS hopes the state government provides a clear path forward for Tarrkarri. The centre represents a significant opportunity to share First Nations cultures and histories with future generations while creating a lasting cultural asset for all South Australians.