GKB partners with South32
From left: South32 Worsley Alumina Vice President Operations Erwin Schaufler, GKB Elder Lera Bennell, GKB Chair John Penny, and GKB CEO Bruce Jorgensen.
Joint media statement
A new partnership for the Gnaala Karla Booja community and South32
The Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation and South32 Worsley Alumina are working together to help enhance cultural heritage management
This arrangement sees an initial 12-month contribution to the funding for a new Heritage Officer
The partnership will provide long-term benefits to the community
The Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation (GKB) has entered into a landmark industry collaboration agreement with South32 Worsley Alumina that aims to provide long-term benefits to the community, and protect and enhance cultural heritage management.
As part of the partnership, believed to be the first of its type in Western Australia’s South West, South32 Worsley Alumina is contributing to the funding of GKB’s new Heritage Officer role for an initial period of 12 months.
The Heritage Officer will take on a range of duties including facilitating the engagement between GKB and South32 Worsley Alumina, assisting with heritage surveys and cultural assessments across the region, and identifying opportunities for economic growth within the GKB community.
Appointed as GKBs Heritage Officer is Ken Ninyette, a respected Noongar man with considerable cultural and local knowledge.
The Gnaala Karla Booja region refers to the Noongar language or dialectical groups of the Binjareb/Pinjarup, Wilman and Ganeang and includes the towns of Capel, Donnybrook, Balingup, Wickepin, Narrogin, Williams, Mundijong, Kwinana, Brookton, Pingelly, Wagin, Harvey, Collie, Pinjarra, Mandurah, and Boddington.
John Penny, GKB Chair, said “The protection of our Aboriginal Cultural Heritage is a priority, and incredibly important to us, and to the people of Gnaala Karla Booja region. We are delighted to be working with South32 Worsley Alumina as this important union will help us build the capacity to assist our community.”
GKB CEO, Bruce Jorgensen, said “This landmark agreement between the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation and South32 Worsley Alumina signals the beginning of a valuable relationship. We commend the South32 Worsley Alumina team for their professionalism and cultural sensitivity.”
Erwin Schaufler, Vice President Operations of South32 Worsley Alumina, said “South32 Worsley Alumina is very proud to announce our partnership with Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation to protect and enhance cultural heritage management in the region. This agreement demonstrates our commitment to working alongside Traditional Owners to protect cultural values and realise the mutual benefits for both the community, and Noongar culture.”
“Contributing to this funding agreement will not only strengthen GKB Corporation's capabilities but also assist South32 Worsley Alumina in fulfilling our heritage and survey requirements. This partnership reflects our dedication to fostering positive Traditional Owner relationships and supporting the shared goals of the Noongar community in the South West.”
