Message to SWALSC members from the CEO
Dear members
We listened to what our mob was saying, and we are one step closer to getting justice.
Our commitment is clear – we stand strong together to protect our Noongar Nation.
SWALSC is demanding compensation for our Noongar People, by calling for the return of at least $21 million to the Noongar Charitable Trust.
An Ombudsman’s report tabled in Parliament yesterday found that Equity Trustees acted in breach of its duties prior to its purchase of the El Caballo properties in Wundowie. The 2020 purchase was made with funds from the Noongar Charitable Trust.
Due to this shocking financial loss, many Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation projects providing Noongar communities with relief of poverty, sickness, suffering, destitution, misfortune may have missed out on Noongar Charitable Trust grant opportunities.
In a further loss, if the funds had remained in trust they would have earned approximately $8 million.
The Ombudsman finding sends a clear message of the extremely high expectation on trustees to do the right thing with community funds. For those who don’t, they will be scrutinised and held to account.
The Ombudsman has invited SWALSC and Equity Trustees to provide submissions by 15 September 2025 as to the appropriate restoration sum.
Noongar People can also make submissions to the Ombudsman’s office.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Justyne Eades by email at justyne.eades@ombudsman.wa.gov.au or call 08 9220 7506. Ms Eades had no input into the Ombudsman’s report.
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We will keep our members updated as this important matter progresses.
Regards,
Vanessa Kickett
Chief Executive Officer
South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council