South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council
The South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) is a representative body of the Noongar people, the traditional owners of the South West of Australia. SWALSC works with its members to find resolution for native title claims as well as advancing the Noongar Culture, language and society.

State Government signs historic framework agreement with SWALSC to negotiate settlement and recognition of the Noongar native title over Perth and the south west of WA

On 17 December 2009 the State Government signed a Heads of Agreement with the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council aimed at resolving the six Noongar native title claims over Perth and the south west of WA by negotiation rather than by slow and costly legal action, which has been running in the federal court for 12 years.

The negotiations are expected to take up to two years to complete, and will cover a wide range of issues including recognition of the traditional ownership of Noongar land, a range of health and education programs, and possible joint management of some national parks, as well as other initiatives aimed at strengthening Noongar culture, and community self-determination.

The signing took place at Parliament House and was witnessed by Noongar Elders, SWALSC Directors, and supporters of a negotiated settlement. Chairperson, Greame Miniter, and CEO, Glen Kelly signed on behalf of SWALSC (in its capacity as the Native Title Representative Body representing the traditional owners), and Mr Graham Mischin MP signed for Attorney General, Mr Christian Porter, on behalf of the WA government.

Swan and Canning Rivers Iconic Trails Project

Do you have any stories or yarns from the past or present about the Swan or Canning rivers?

We are asking Noongar people to share their knowledge of the rivers as part of a project aimed at researching and documenting Noongar and European and natural heritage values of the rivers. Perth Region Natural Resource Management (NRM) and SWALSC have been asked to conduct stage 1 of the project which involves consultation with the Noongar community.

Stage 2 of the project will develop a plan for the interpretation of the various heritage values, and stage 3 will involve the physical development of a set of trails being established along the riverbanks.

The project will acknowledge Noongar places and people, and will enable Noongar people to define how the significant places along the banks of the rivers should be interpreted.

A wide range of stakeholders are involved in this project including Swan River Trust, National Trust of Australia (WA), Landcorp, WA Planning Commission, landholders, Noongar communities, City of Perth, City of Armadale, C21, the Committee for Perth, Department of Indigenous Affairs. Stage 1 of the project is funded by a grant from Lotterywest.

If you have any stories or knowledge to share about Noongar historical, contemporary, spiritual, or physical connections to the Swan or Canninmg rivers, or you would like to know more about this exciting project please contact Marissa Verma on 9358 7406 or mobile 0448 987 787, or Barry McGuire on 9374 3333 or mobile 0422 818 994.

SWALSC Membership Forms for Downloading

Form for new members click here then print, complete the form and post to SWALSC.

Form for current members updating their contact details click here then print, complete and post to SWALSC.

Form for current members updating or choosing their traditional ward click here then print, fill in and post to SWALSC

How to Find the SWALSC Office

Click on this map to see a full sizel Google Map for the SWASLC offices. The Google icon labelled C best respresents the location of the SWALSC offices.