‘We Are Carrying on the Legacy of Our Old People’: Nyul Nyul Celebrate the Establishment of an Indigenous Protected Area

The Kimberley Land Council (KLC) is proud to announce the declaration of the Nyul Nyul Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), marking a significant milestone in the protection and management of Country on the Dampier Peninsula.

Covering 144,493 hectares of culturally and ecologically rich land, the newly established IPA will protect vital freshwater spring Country, monsoon vine thickets, threatened species like the greater bilby and short-nosed sea snake, and stretches of sea Country, extending the IPA network across the Dampier Peninsula.

The Nyul Nyul IPA not only safeguards these unique landscapes but also provides a nationally recognisedframework for Aboriginal-led conservation and land management.

KLC Land and Sea Unit Manager Daniel Oades

KLC Land and Sea Unit Manager Daniel Oades said the Nyul Nyul PBC and Rangers should be very proud of their work in achieving this milestone.

“IPA recognition does not happen every day, and this hard-won milestone ensures that Nyul Nyul can assert authority over their Country and shape land management according to the vision of the Nyul Nyul people.”

Mr Oades acknowledged the work of the Nyul Nyul Rangers who have been caring for Nyul Nyul Country since 2008.

“This IPA recognises 15 years of proactive land management, led by the Nyul Nyul Rangers and guided by the PBC. Their efforts in raising the profile of their important freshwater spring Country, conducting prescribed burning, biodiversity monitoring, caring for sea Country, working with the school in an award-winning two-way science program has already made a significant impact on the health of Country and community. The IPA now provides national recognition and a stronger foundation for future work.”

The IPA is also a significant step in closing the protection gap on the Dampier Peninsula. It joins with Bardi Jawi Country in the north and paves the way for further IPAs by neighbouring Traditional Owner groups,    including the Jabbirr Jabbirr and Nimanburr, who are currently developing their own management plans.

Nyul Nyul Ranger Coordinator Preston Cox said he couldn’t believe the recognition for the IPA had finally arrived.

“It’s a good feeling in my Liyan. This is a great thing for Nyul Nyul Country and people. We have been looking forward to this moment for a very long time. This is about more than just land – it’s about continuing stories, knowledge and connection. We’ve passed this knowledge down from generation to generation and with this recognition, all the young people at the ceremony today will be able to do that.”

Nyul Nyul PBC Director Fiona Smith holds the certificate alongside a photo of her Mum.

Nyul Nyul PBC Director Fiona Smith shared the pride she felt watching the celebration.

“We are carrying on the legacy of our Old People. I’m doing this work for my mum who is no longer with us – I continued this work for her because I want to see Nyul Nyul Country protected now and into the future. My Liyan felt good today.”

The Kimberley Land Council looks forward to supporting the ongoing protection of Nyul Nyul Country and the Dampier Peninsula through Aboriginal-led land and sea management.