A new partnership for the Gnaala Karla Booja community and South32 at Worsley Alumina

At South32, we respect the importance of preserving cultural heritage. We work together with Indigenous, Traditional and Tribal Peoples to support the protection of their cultural identity and to help keep their traditions vibrant and strong. 

Our Worsley Alumina operation has partnered with the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation (GKB) to protect and enhance cultural heritage management in the region and provide long-term benefits to the community.  

Under the partnership, believed to be the first of its type in Western Australia’s South West, we are contributing to the funding of GKB’s new Heritage Officer role for an initial period of 12 months. 

Ken Ninyette, a respected Noongar man with considerable cultural and local knowledge, has been appointed as GKBs Heritage Officer. He will take on a range of duties including facilitating the engagement between GKB and Worsley Alumina, assisting with heritage surveys and cultural assessments across the region, and identifying opportunities for economic growth within the GKB community. 

Erwin Schaufler, Chief Technical Officer and former Vice President Operations Worsley Alumina said the partnership demonstrates South32’s commitment to working alongside Traditional Owners to protect cultural values and realise the mutual benefits for the community. 

“Contributing to this funding agreement will not only strengthen GKB Corporation's capabilities but also assist Worsley Alumina in fulfilling our heritage and survey requirements.  

“This partnership reflects our dedication to fostering positive Traditional Owner relationships and supporting the shared goals of the Noongar community in the SouthWest,” he said. 

John Penny, GKB Chair, said: “The protection of our Aboriginal Cultural Heritage is a priority, and incredibly important to us, and to the people of Gnaala Karla Booja region. 

We are delighted to be working with Worsley Alumina as this important union will help us build the capacity to assist our community.” 

Well done to everyone involved in this partnership for helping to create brighter futures together.

See GKB's media release for this announcement (gkb.org.au)  

Read more about our approach to cultural heritage here.