Healthy Estuaries WA congratulates the Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle on their outstanding national recognition, winning the 2026 Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Summit Award for Excellence in Sustainability and Sustainable Futures.
This award celebrates the incredible work of the Bindjareb Noongar Elders, young leaders, community members and partner organisations who have come together to strengthen connections to Country and guide a culturally grounded approach to caring for the Bindjareb Djilba (Peel-Harvey estuary).
Through yarning, knowledge sharing, truth-telling and intergenerational learning, the Yarning Circle is helping ensure cultural knowledge and community voices continue to guide the future care of waterways and Country.
The Yarning Circle gathers to design and implement strategic Cultural Health initiatives in partnership with Winjan Aboriginal Corporation, Harvey Aboriginal Corporation and Waroona Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for a sustainable future, with support from Healthy Estuaries WA, the 2020 Bindjareb Djilba (Peel-Harvey estuary) Protection Plan, and a cross-agency Committee – the Bindjareb Djilba Policy and Planning Committee, chaired by State local members for Dawesville and Mandurah
“Receiving this national recognition is a proud moment for the Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle and the many Elders, community members, organisations and partners who have walked alongside us on this journey. This award shines a light on the strength of bringing people together through culture, truth-telling, shared learning and caring for Country. It shows what is possible when people come together with respect, trust and a shared commitment to caring for Country and community,” shared Yarning Circle Coordinator, Kallan Nannup.
Elder George Walley said, “As a Bindjareb cultural knowledge holder and leader, I am incredibly proud of the sustained efforts across our region over many years—particularly the commitment of our young people, who represent the next generation and our pathway to a sustainable future. Receiving this award is a powerful recognition of that collective work at a community level, and in many ways, everyone involved is a winner.”
The Yarning Circle’s achievements continue to be recognised, with the group also named a finalist in the 2026 Indigenous Governance Awards, presented by Reconciliation Australia. The awards recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations and initiatives demonstrating strong governance, leadership and community outcomes. The winner will be announced in November.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is proud to support the Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle and celebrate the leadership, dedication and collaboration that has made this achievement possible.