Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (KNAC) recently hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Common Law Holder Meetings in South Hedland.

Both meetings were very well attended, with 178 members attending the AGM on 28 November and 196 Nyiyaparli Common Law Holders attending the CLHM the following day. Additionally attendees got lots of important business done, including:

KNAC Members elected 3 new member Directors- Leonard Michael Stream and Linda Parker (reappointed) and Jayleen Anthony (new).

All Directors were appointed for 3 years in accordance with the Rule Book. Following the 2022 AGM member appointment of 4 member Directors and the reappointment of 2 Independent Directors by the Board, we can confirm that the KNAC Board of Directors for 2024-25 is:
  • Keith Hall (Chairperson 2024)
  • Leonard Michael Stream (Deputy Chairperson 2024)
  • Jonathan Rowland (Secretary 2024)
  • Christina Stone
  • Linda Parker
  • Carol-Anne Tucker
  • Jayleen Anthony
  • Sharon Warburton
  • Tony Adcock

Nyiyaparli Common Law Holders consented to KNAC making the following high level Native Title decisions (as proposed in the Public Notice released 2 November 2023):

  1. To enter into an Indigenous Land Use Agreement for the Creation, Joint Vesting and Joint Management of the Fortescue Marsh Nature Reserves (Nyiyaparli Country) (Fortescue Marsh Nature Reserves ILUA) with the State of Western Australia, the Minister for Lands, the Conservation and Parks Commission and the CEO of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA CEO) and Joint Management Agreement (JMA) with the DBCA CEO and doing all things reasonably necessary to have the Fortescue Marsh Nature Reserves ILUA registered on the Register of Indigenous Land Use Agreements as soon as practicable.

    The KNAC Board resolved to make this high level decision on 1 December 2023 and steps will be taken to make an application for the registration of the Fortescue Marsh Nature Reserves ILUA in the near future, subject to Cabinet approval.

    This historic decision for the creation of Class A Nature Reserves on Nyiyaparli Country is of great significance to Nyiyaparli people who have fought for the protection of Fortescue Marsh for many years. It also recognises the opportunity created by the “Plan for Our Parks” state government initiative, the support and cooperation of Mining Stakeholders and the relentless work of the KNAC Negotiation Team and staff. We now look forward to the next steps and greater protection for the Marsh for generations to come.

  1. To enter into the Hancock Iron Ore Project Mining Agreement with Iron Ore Company of Australia (IOCA) and Mallina Exploration Pty Ltd; and State Deed (an agreement for the purposes of section 31 of the Native Title Act) with Iron Ore Company of Australia, Windfield Metals Pty Ltd and the State of Western Australia for the grant of mining lease M47/1633; nominating the Nyiyaparli Direct Benefits Trust (ABN 18 246 195 674) as the Trust to receive the Native Title Financial Benefits under the Hancock Iron Ore Project Mining Agreement.

    The Board resolved to make this high level decision on 1 December 2023.

  1. To enter into the Sand Mining Project Agreement with DJ & GS Mallett; and State Deed (an agreement for the purposes of section 31 of the Native Title Act) with DJ & GS Mallett and the State of Western Australia for the grant of mining lease M52/1082; nominating the Nyiyaparli Direct Benefits Trust (ABN 18 246 195 674) as the Trust to receive the Native Title Financial Benefits under the Sand Project Mining Agreement.

    The Board resolved to make this high level decision on 1 December 2023.

KNAC also partnered with Red Country Management (RCM) to deliver the 2 day meeting space as well as childcare and post meeting dinner and entertainment. RCM helped create a welcoming and professional atmosphere for our members and we really enjoyed working with this 100% owned KNAC member business. A special shout out to the Board too, and especially our Chairperson who chaired both meetings; as well as Paula Cowan for the financial report, Independent minute Chantal Kong and all the amazing, friendly KNAC staff.

We also enjoyed sharing information through the presentation but also the KNAC stalls and launching the Nyiyaparli Living Language Program (NLLP) merchandise including the very first wearable words collection! Annual reports, the Coongan Thala box collection and the Wangka Maya Nyiyaparli Dictionary 2023 Special Edition were also shared with everyone who attended (more on the way in early 2024 😊).

Thank you to everyone who helped make these meetings such a success. We look forward to another positive year of working together for the benefit of Nyiyaparli people- and catching up again soon!