Kimberley Aboriginal leaders unite at Wuggubun to call for Aboriginal-led decision-making

Five Kimberley representative organisations have united at Wuggubun to call on governments to step back and make space for Aboriginal people to lead the future of the Kimberley.

The Kimberley Land Council (KLC), Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC), Kimberley Land and Resources Management (KLRC), Aarnja and Empowered Young Leaders have released the Wuggubun Statement, a united call for Aboriginal authority, economic empowerment, water security and heritage reform across the Kimberley.

The statement was released at the organisations’ 2026 Annual General Meetings at Wuggubun, bringing together Aboriginal leaders and Traditional Owners from across the region.

Under the banner “From Country we lead, our way”, the five organisations are calling for a fundamental shift in the way governments work with Kimberley Aboriginal people.

“We deliver this message to government: step back, so that we can step forward.”

The Wuggubun Statement says Aboriginal authority must be at the heart of regional governance, with the power, resources and tools needed to deliver outcomes for people and Country.

It calls for governments to move beyond consultation and towards genuine partnership, Aboriginal-led decision-making and shared responsibility.

The statement identifies three critical areas where change is urgently needed: economic empowerment, water and heritage.

The Wuggubun Statement

The Wuggubun Statement was formally presented to Ms Divina D’Anna MLA, Member for Kimberley, the Hon Don Punch MLA, and Senator the Hon Sue Lines, carrying a united message from five Kimberley Aboriginal representative organisations directly to government.

KLC Deputy CEO Sarah Parriman, KALACC CEO Peter Murray and Aarnja CEO Cherie Heslington presenting the Wuggubun Statement at the Wuggubun AGMs.