Warlang boodja / Marna Bangarra - Warren region

In late June in the Perup—home to large populations of our south west threatened fauna—two Aboriginal nations came together to share culture, knowledge and something else very special…woylies. This sharing was part of a translocation program that aims to reintroduce woylies as a pioneer species back into the Guuranda-Innes National Park. Pioneer species are integral to ecosystem function as they are soil engineers, increasing nutrient turnover, dispersing fungi and assisting with the germination of many native plants.

The woylies were translocated as a part of the Marna Bangarra (healthy, prosperous Country) project which works in partnership with Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation. “Woylies are a vital component that is missing in Narungga Country to keep it healthy. In Noongar Country we say warlang boodja (healthy Country) and we are lucky to still have woylie left here to share with our brothers and sisters from other Aboriginal nations,” commented Sonya Stewart, Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator. As a sign of respect, the Narungga people sought permission and involvement of the Noongar people to support the relocation of the woylies from the Perup to the Yorke Peninsula, 2000km away.

Iszacc Webb from Undalup Association and Shawn Colbung from Binalup Aboriginal Corporation, two proud Noongar Traditional Owners, were lucky enough to escort the precious cargo back to South Australia with Narungga representatives to assist in the release of the Woylie on the Yorke Peninsula.

“The woylie project was a great experience to be a part of, working together with other Aboriginal people from different parts of Australia was a real positive. We translocated 36 Woylies from Perup to Guuranda-Innes National Park where they have been extinct for over 100 years. Woylies are eco system engineers turning soil and playing a vital role in maintaining Country.” Shawn Colbung, Minang/Koreng man and Binalup ranger team leader.

“Working with Traditional Owners from other parts of Country to re-establish woylie populations has been great … to help protect their Country as well. The collaboration and knowledge sharing shows the unbroken connection we have to Country; it’s part of our kinship as Aboriginal people.” Iszaac Webb, Wadandi (Saltwater People) cultural custodian of the Bibbulmun (Noongar) nation.

Shawn Colbung (Narungga Country)

Iszaac Webb (Undalup Association)

Noongar and Narungga Traditional Owners

Much work happens behind the scenes to make these translocations happen and this is just the end result. A huge amount of work from DBCA staff needs to be acknowledged. DBCA local staff are now working on supporting Aboriginal rangers to be trained further in animal handling so that these types of projects can be further enhanced in the future. The project has also raised interesting discussions with Elders about translocation programs more generally and may be addressed in the newly established Cooperative Management Committees or Joint Management Committees.

Night release

We hope you enjoy this short video, thanks to the Narungga team for letting us share this.

Article by Sonya Stewart, A/Policy and Project Officer, Aboriginal Joint Management, Heritage and Engagement