GRANTS TO PROTECT HERITAGE SITES

GEOFF VIVIAN

The WA Government is giving a quarter of a million dollars to Aboriginal organizations to protect and highlight Aboriginal heritage sites.

In Mingenew, Wattandee Littlewell Aboriginal Corporation will have $22,342 to build a large pergola for cultural gatherings and Elder accessibility improvements near the car park, and to extend the heritage trail at the old Native Reserve.

Corporation secretary Thomas Cameron said they used the site to preserve their culture and language.

“We decided that we needed to preserve our history, our culture, our identity, and place of belonging in regards to the life hardship and survival of being on the reserve and we lived in humpies before we had eight two-bedroom buildings constructed by the native welfare at the time.”

In Roebourne, Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation is getting almost $25,000 for interpretive signage which recognizes the Aboriginal significance of Cossack, paving access ways, and restoring rock hides.

NYFL is also getting $12,700 for vegetation control and signage to inform 4WD users and the general public to avoid Lazarette foundations at the Harding Mouth Camp and Leprosarium Midden.

This year 10 not-for-profit organizations from Albany to Fitzroy Crossing are getting grants of up to $30,000 for on-the-ground works at 11 registered heritage sites.