First Nations tourism in Western Australia is set to get a boost with a federal and state government injection of funds, allowing more tourists to connect with the culture and stories of Aboriginal communities.
The funding comes as part of a $17 million co-investment with the states and territories through the Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects (SITP) to help grow First Nations tourism across the country.
"First Nations tourism helps support self-determination and economic empowerment for Aboriginal communities by creating jobs, often on Country," Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said.
"Australia is home to the world's oldest continuous living culture and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to promoting a deeper understanding of this culture for visitors from across the country and overseas."
The $6 million investment will go towards three tourist ventures in WA, supporting the Camping with Custodians (CwC) program—part of WA's Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan:
- A new camp site at Yallalie Downs in Wheatbelt will be constructed with the Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation, to allow visitors to learn about culture on Country from local custodians.
- New facilities on Ngula Jar Island off the Kimberley, in partnership with the Wunambal Gaambera people, to help establish a "unique cultural experience" for expedition cruise passengers travelling along the coast in turn creating jobs and opportunities for locals.
- Upgrades at the Wuggubun campground in the East Kimberley region to improve the visitor experiences.
The CwC program gives visitors the opportunity to join local First Nations custodians on Indigenous owned and run tours and camp sites.
Minister McCarthy said the federal government welcomed the opportunity to work with the WA government to help enact the "exciting program of initiatives to support First Nations tourism through the state's highly successful Camping with Custodians program".
Both governments will also support local Indigenous businesses through grants to improve vital service infrastructure, including wastewater systems, solar upgrades, and water storage.
The announcement said the aim of the program was to help build a stronger and more connected community to support First Nations tourism—both by creating jobs and strengthening local communities and economies.
"Our state's Camping with Custodians program was an Australian-first and has proven incredibly popular for out-of-state visitors, who we know are eager to experience and deepen their knowledge of Aboriginal culture and traditions on Country and from Traditional Owners directly," WA Tourism Minster, Rita Saffioti, said.
"We are proud to work with the Australian Government to strengthen Western Australia's Aboriginal tourism industry and to offer even more opportunities for visitors to participate in an authentic, one-of-a-kind cultural experience."
