Noongar landowners build skills, knowledge and confidence in sheep
Over the last couple of years, members of the Noongar Land Enterprises (NLE) group have engaged with SIBI to build sheep enterprises on their properties.
Historically Noongars have not had access to commercial loans to invest into enterprise development and as a result the majority of properties have been leased.
In partnership with SIBI, Aboriginal Business Development (ABD) and NLE have embarked on some key activities to build skills and knowledge in sheep business development.
SIBI Development Officer Karlee Bertola said “We started with three Aboriginal organisations from Redmond, Cranbrook and Esperance completing business plans that focused on the sheep industry. The feedback we’ve received was that the planning process was really interactive and empowering, and has now progressed towards implementation.”
The second key activity has been the delivery of the Lifetime Ewe Management (LTEM) program, facilitated by SIBI Development Officer Perry Dolling. The final of 6 sessions was completed in October 2017 and was spread over 12 months coinciding with the major management activities in the reproductive cycle of the ewe.
“It was so well received that these Noongar landholders have requested enrolment in LTEM 2” added Perry.
Running in parallel with the business planning and LTEM, local mainstream farmers through the Gillamii Centre and Moojepin Multi-Purpose Merinos have been developing a Noongar-branded sheepmeat product. The brand development is being based on a deep seated cultural commitment to land stewardship, ethical food production, sustainable harvest and connection to country.
For more information, contact Development Officer Karlee Bertola at the department’s Albany office, karlee.bertola@dpird.wa.gov.au.