Kimberley Land Council celebrates opening of new Kununurra office
Around 100 Traditional Owners, community members and partners gathered in Kununurra to celebrate the opening of the Kimberley Land Council’s new office, the Birch-Gordon Building.
Around 100 Traditional Owners, community members and partners gathered in Kununurra to celebrate the opening of the Kimberley Land Council’s new office, the Birch-Gordon Building.
KLC Founder Mr Watson, KLC CEO Tyronne Garstone and KLC Chairman Anthony at the opening.
The opening marks an important moment for the organisation, coming almost forty years after the first KLC office was established in Kununurra in 1986. The new building provides a dedicated base for KLC’s work across the east Kimberley and honours two respected Kimberley leaders who helped shape the organisation and the broader movement for Aboriginal rights in the region.
Members of the KLC east Kimberley team celebrate at the opening.
Member for the Kimberley, Divina D’Anna, officially opened the building and cut the ribbon alongside KLC ChairmanAnthony Watson.
Minister for the Kimberley, Divina D’Anna, officially opened the building and cut the ribbon alongside KLC ChairmanAnthony Watson.
The building is named in honour of Mr Birch and Ms Gordon, two Kimberley leaders whose contributions helped pave the way for the growth of the Kimberley Land Council and the advancement of Aboriginal rights across the region.
Mr Birch, known respectfully by many as “Chairman,” served the KLC as Director, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson over many years. A former stockman who experienced firsthand the harsh realities faced by Aboriginal workers in the pastoral industry, he became a tireless advocate for justice, Native Title recognition and Aboriginal self-determination. He led with humility, cultural strength and a deep commitment to improving the lives of Kimberley Aboriginal people, with his leadership extending across many important regional organisations.
Ms Gordon dedicated her life to standing up for the rights of Kimberley Aboriginal people. She was active in national movements for justice, including campaigning against deaths in custody, supporting the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and marching across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1988 during the Bicentenary protests. She contributed to discussions that helped shape the Native Title Act, served as a KLC Director and held leadership roles across many Kimberley organisations, always focused on building a better future for her people.
Family members attended the opening, with Mr Birch’s daughter speaking about the significance of the moment for their family and the pride in seeing his legacy honoured in the new building.
Family members attended the opening, with Mr Birch’s daughter speaking about the significance of the moment for their family and the pride in seeing his legacy honoured in the new building.
KLC Chief Executive Officer Tyronne Garstone said the opening recognised both the organisation’s history and its future.
KLC Chief Executive Officer Tyronne Garstone said the opening recognised both the organisation’s history and its future.
“For nearly half a century, the KLC has worked alongside Traditional Owners across the east Kimberley. During that time, we have stood together through many challenges and many achievements — always guided by the culture, strength, knowledge and determination of Kimberley Aboriginal people,” Mr Garstone said.
“Opening this new office is about more than a building. It represents an investment in the future — in the communities and Traditional Owners of this region, and in the role that KLC will play over the next 50 years as an employer, as an organisation that empowers Aboriginal organisations and supports the leadership and advancement of Kimberley Aboriginal people.”
The new office building was constructed by MGC Building & Maintenance Pty Ltd (MGCBM). MGCBM was established in 2013 through the MG Developments Trust as a commercial venture, targeting the residential and commercial building and maintenance market in the East Kimberley. MGCBM focuses on generating positive social outcomes for the MG community by providing training and employment opportunities for MG people.
First KLC Board Meeting to be held at the new east Kimberley office building.
KLC Chairman Anthony Watson said the moment reflected the long journey taken by Kimberley communities.
“This moment is not just about a building. It represents the long journey that our members, Elders and communities across the region have taken together,” Mr Watson said.
KLC Deputy CEO Sarah Parriman, Minister for the Kimberley Divina D’Anna and KLC CEO Tyronne Garstone
Member for the Kimberley Divina D’Anna said the KLC has played an important role in supporting Kimberley Aboriginal people for decades.
“From the first gathering of the KLC, leaders recognised the importance of speaking with a united voice for Aboriginal people across the Kimberley,” Ms D’Anna said.
“While the organisation has grown over the years, its purpose remains the same as it was nearly 50 years ago — to support Kimberley Aboriginal people to get back their Country, look after their Country and take control of the future.”
“Having a strong presence in Kununurra strengthens the ability of the KLC to work closely with communities in the east and central Kimberley.”
The new KLC office is located at 39 Bandicoot Drive, Kununurra, strengthening the organisation’s presence in the east Kimberley and supporting ongoing work with Traditional Owners and communities across the region.
Community gathers to celebrate the office opening