NYFL WORKING TO OWN COSSACK SITES ON BEHALF OF ROEBOURNE PEOPLE

The Cossack Cafe is a NYFL Joint venture in the historic town. Credit: Cossack Cafe Facebook Page.

The Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation is working towards ownership of parts of the historic town of Cossack to gain rights stronger than those granted by Native Title.

NYFL has consulted with Roebourne locals who expressed a desire for increased economic opportunities and land ownership. 

Ngalurma Yindjibarndi Foundation CEO Sean-Paul Stephens said that through working with the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage, NYFL aims to take ownership of part of the Cossack site.

“What that means is taking on free-hold tenure, which is like someone owning their home,” he said.

“In terms of land tenure and ownership, it’s a stronger right than Native Title even is,” he said.

“So what that would mean is Ngarluma people would have Native Title determination, but then they would also actually own freehold parts of the Cossack site through NYFL.”

Mr Stephens said that by owning the site, NYFL aims to create social and economic opportunities that are in line with what Roebourne people want.

Listen to our interview to learn more.