The Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation has initiated the Noongar Cultural Heritage Agreement (NCHA), emphasising the importance of consultation and consent from Traditional Custodians.

The Corporation said the move marks a substantial progress in the safeguarding, enhancement, and administration of Noongar Cultural Heritage for the Wardandi, Bibulmun/Piblemen, and Kaneang communities.

The NCHA aims to create a strong and thorough framework aimed at protecting Noongar Cultural Heritage, overseen by KKAC.

At the heart of the Agreement are measures for collaborative decision-making, initiatives promoting cultural awareness, cross-cultural education, business opportunities, and sustainable partnerships, with the aim of guaranteeing the long-term preservation of Cultural Heritage and the empowerment of the Noongar community.

The KKAC said these actions are designed to ensure the proactive and significant participation of Traditional Custodians in the preservation and administration of their cultural heritage, as well as the protection of their Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP).

Additionally, the Agreement encompasses stipulations and initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural awareness, building capacity, encouraging cross-cultural education and training, creating business and employment opportunities, and nurturing fair and sustainable partnerships.

KKAC Chair Stephen van Leeuwen said the Corporation is excited to protect Noongar Cultural Heritage with this new Agreement.

"We are excited to collaborate with proponents through this new Agreement, ensuring the management and protection of Noongar Cultural Heritage, and safeguarding it for future generations," he said.