Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation (WGAC) recently held their Traditional Owner (TO) Annual Meeting and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kalumburu on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th December 2025.
Day 1 – Traditional Owner Meeting
The first day began with Bevan Stott presenting the Minutes from the 2024 AGM, followed by guest presentations from Alcoa and VBX Valperlon.
Alcoa shared updates on the rehabilitation project at Pariaba (Cape Bouganville), showing an aerial map of areas previously mined. This gave Traditional Owners a clear picture of the extent of clean-up and rehabilitation work required. Alcoa, WGAC, and government partners will collaborate to ensure the area is properly restored.
VBX Pty Ltd (Valperlon) provided updates on the bauxite exploration project at Wuudagu, outlining the recent work completed and next steps for the project. Thank you to Ryan De Franck for the update.
We then broke for lunch, prepared by Steve from Shoal Air, who stepped in last minute to cater—thank you, Steve!
WGAC staff and Rangers distributed the amended Healthy Country Plans 2021–2030, including the Uunguu Wundaagu Saltwater Plan, for families to take home. These plans are a key part of completing the Uunguu Wundaagu IPA Registration expansion.
Tom Vigilante (Healthy Country Manager) and Uunguu Rangers Tabitha Kowan, Neil Waina, and Jeremy Kowan, along with Jason Lee (Culture Coordinator) and Rachel Beadle (UVP Manager), presented the Healthy Country Annual Progress Report. Highlights included achievements in ranger work, visitor management, and cultural initiatives. Jeremy emphasized the importance of encouraging young singers to learn songs and dances, ensuring Wunambal Gaambera culture is passed to future generations.
Attendees also received the 2025 WGAC Newsletter, sharing highlights from the year. Copies are available for download here or collect hard copy at the WGAC office.
Bevan Stott wrapped up Day 1 with mining and land lease updates, and the meeting concluded.
Day 2 – WGAC Annual General Meeting
Catherine Goonack, Chair, opened the meeting with a one-minute silence in memory of those we have lost. The meeting began with the Auditor’s Report presented by Paula Cooney from Kununurra Accounting Services (KAS). This was followed by Bevan Stott reading the Minutes from the 2024 AGM and presenting the 2025 AGM Annual Report.
Next came the election of Directors:
- Cultural Advisers: Richard Karadada and Bernadette Waina reappointed
- Directors: Neil Waina, Dorothy Djanghara, and Tegan Djanghara re-elected for two-year terms
- New Director: Denise Jamboot Kelly elected for a two-year term
Other appointments included:
- KAS re-appointed as Auditor
- WW PBC Director Regina Williams nominated
- KLC Director Catherine Goonack re-appointed
Following the elections, Tom Vigilante provided updates on Marine Park Zoning, before the meeting concluded. Members and staff enjoyed lunch together.
The WGAC TO Meeting and AGM 2025 were a successful celebration of community, culture, and country, reflecting the ongoing dedication of Traditional Owners, staff, and partners to Healthy Country management and cultural preservation.