Support to grow First Nations tourism in WA

A joint $6 million funding program between the Federal and WA State Governments is hoping to expand First Nations tourism in Western Australia.

The Federal Government is co-investing $17 million through Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects (SITP) with States and Territories to grow the Indigenous tourism sector around the country.

In Western Australia, this includes supporting the popular Camping with Custodians program, part of the State’s Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan.

Through the program, it is hoped visitors will have more opportunities to join local Aboriginal custodians on Indigenous owned and operated campgrounds and tours, experiencing the land and culture firsthand.

The investment will go towards:

• A new camp site at Yallalie Downs in WA’s Wheatbelt region with the Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation, where visitors can learn about culture and Country directly from local custodians.
• Upgrades at the Wuggubun campground in the East Kimberley region, improving the visitor experience for those who stay and connect.
• New facilities at Ngula Jar Island off the north coast of the Kimberley, in partnership with the Wunambal Gaambera people, to establish a unique cultural experience for expedition cruise passengers travelling the remote Kimberley coast, creating more jobs and opportunities for locals.

The partnership is also supporting local Aboriginal businesses through grants to help with essential service infrastructure like water storage, wastewater systems and solar power upgrades, to help create a welcoming and comfortable experience for everyone who visits.

The Wuggubun campground in the East Kimberley region.

“Australia is home to the world’s oldest continuous living culture and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to promoting a deeper understanding of this culture for visitors from across the country and overseas,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“First Nations tourism helps support self-determination and economic empowerment for Aboriginal communities by creating jobs, often on Country.”

WA Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti said the State’s Camping with Custodians program was an Australian-first and has proven incredibly popular for out-of-state visitors.

“We are proud to work with the Australian Government to strengthen Western Australia’s Aboriginal tourism industry and to offer even more opportunities for visitors to participate in an authentic, one-of-a-kind cultural experience,” she said.