YMAC Annual Report 2022

Co-Chairpersons’ report – continued
We are pleased to present to you YMAC’s 2021–2022 Annual
Report, covering highlights from across our Yamatji and Marlpa
regions, as we continue proudly supporting Traditional Owners
to meet their native title responsibilities and reach new
milestones in caring for Country.
It is fitting that, in this 30th year of the
historic Mabo decision, our continued
support has helped Traditional Owners
reach significant native title claim
milestones – such as the Wajarri Yamatji
Part D and Part E determinations and
amendment of the Wajarri Yamatji Part A,
Part B and Part C Determinations. In June
2022, two meetings took place authorising
progression on the new Middamia claim
and the Mallina unclaimed area.
Read more about this important claim
work on pages 30-31.
YMAC has continued to advocate for
stronger cultural heritage protections
in Western Australia. In December 2021,
the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill 2021
was passed by the Legislative Council
in Western Australian Parliament.
The McGowan Government passed this
contentious bill regardless of ongoing
concerns raised by WA Traditional Owners.
YMAC has made several submissions,
conducted regional meetings and
partnered with member organisations
from the WA Alliance of Native Title
Representatives Bodies and Service
Providers (the Alliance) to campaign for
stronger protections in the new laws
and its associated regulations.
This work extended into our 2021
On-Country meetings – firstly, at the
Annual On-Country Bush Meeting at
the Yule River Meeting Place on 25 and
26 August, followed by the first-ever
Yamatji On-Country, in Carnarvon, on
13 and 14 October. Read more about
this work on pages 18-19.
The Board re-affirmed its commitment
to supporting Pilbara Solar, of which
YMAC is a 50 per cent shareholder. This
investment is intended to create and
increase opportunities for Aboriginal
equity ownership and renewable energy
as this industry continues to grow.
In 2022, YMAC undertook significant work
to improve our presence in our regions.
This included purchasing a new Pilbara
office in Wedgefield (Port Hedland) which,
among other things, will allow us to hold
more meetings on our own premises and
provides dedicated space for Pilbara Solar.
With increasing service provision to
PBCs in the north of our Yamatji region,
we also signed a lease for a new Carnarvon
office. As both offices experienced fit-out
delays due to high demand for building
contractors, we will welcome visitors to
both offices in the latter half of 2022.