Enhancing Aboriginal leadership in Western Australia's wild-harvest sandalwood sector
The K Farmer Dutjahn Foundation (KFDF) is proud to announce its partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to enhance Aboriginal leadership in Western Australia's wild-harvest sandalwood sector. This collaboration is supported by the Future Drought Fund, which aims to bolster drought resilience and sustainable practices across Australia.
The partnership seeks to support Traditional Owners and Custodians on sandalwood lands to achieve their regenerative sandalwood enterprise goals.
Being a key capability delivery partner for DPIRD, KFDF provides training and develops programs that build capability in the Aboriginal sandalwood sector, including, sandalwood ecology, invasive species management, enterprise and business planning, sandalwood monitoring and evaluation methods that blend traditional and contemporary knowledge.
In addition to capability building, we also work with DPIRD on sector research and developing a comprehensive framework that offers structural supports to ensure sustainable supply chain success in the Aboriginal sandalwood industry. This includes creating tailored materials and tools to simplify entry and licensing processes for Aboriginal enterprises and supporting viable pathways into the industry.
By increasing Aboriginal participation and leadership in the wild-harvest sandalwood industry, this partnership not only promotes economic development, cultural wellbeing, on-Country employment pathways but also ensures the preservation and regeneration of sandalwood resources in Western Australia.
KFDF and DPIRD are committed to empowering Aboriginal communities to build regenerative sandalwood based enterprises, lead and manage the care of their sandalwood country, uphold cultural traditions, and achieve long-term sustainability.
Katina Law, Director of KFDF chats with Minister for Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development – Rt Hon. Don Punch.
Katina law, Director of KFDF, stands with DPIRD’s Aboriginal Economic Development Officer Kate O’Connor and Thomas Preston, Traditional Owner – representing the Aboriginal Sandalwood Industry.
