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

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

The Kimberley Land Council (KLC), Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC), Kimberley Language Resource Centre (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 was formally presented to Ms Divina D’Anna MLA, Member for Kimberley, the Hon Don Punch MLA, and Senator the Hon Sue Lines at the organisations’ 2026 Annual General Meetings at Wuggubun.

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.