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The Maralinga Tjarutja people and Defence have entered into a co-operation agreement, marking a significant day in South Australian history and for the management of the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA).
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A ceremony involving the traditional owners and Defence was held on 25 June at Maralinga, a former nuclear test site located 400 kilometres north-west of Ceduna, on Maralinga Tjarutja traditional lands.
Air Commodore Phil Gordon, Senior Australian Defence Force Officer South Australia and Commander Air Warfare Centre, signed the instrument of agreement on behalf of the Defence Minister.
"After years of fostering a relationship built on mutual understanding, respect and trust, I am very pleased to see this agreement in place. It sets out a framework for co-operation and, importantly, outlines mutual rights and responsibilities," said AIRCDRE Gordon.
"It also articulates how Defence and Maralinga Tjarutja representatives will engage on a regular basis to manage safety and security within the WPA while working together to protect Aboriginal heritage and culture."
AIRCDRE Gordon said the agreement demonstrated Defence’s commitment to collaborate with Indigenous partners and respect the cultural heritage in the region.
"There have been numerous cultural considerations embedded in the way Defence operates within the WPA, such as personnel participating in cultural awareness programs to ensure sensitivities are respected and observed, together with the establishment of an innovative Indigenous RAAF Reserve program," AIRCDRE Gordon added.
"The Regional Compliance Officer [RCO] Reserve program comprises representatives of the Aboriginal groups whose traditional lands fall within the WPA and they play an important role in upholding safety and the security of tests and trials."
A recent RCO graduate, Corporal Manisha LeBois of the Maralinga Tjarutja people, attended the signing ceremony. The successful program has eight members who support the Air Warfare Centre’s Air Force Test Ranges Squadron in providing compliance patrols and security of the WPA during range-testing activities.
"The RCO program has brought many opportunities for my family. Both my brother and I get to share our history and culture while proudly representing Air Force," CPL LeBois said.
The Oak Valley Rangers conducted a welcome to country ceremony, with CPL LeBois translating in English for the ceremony attendees.
To mark the occasion, Oak Valley artist Cindy Watson produced an Aboriginal artwork called Tali Tjuta my Munda 7 Sisters, meaning the sand hills in her country. This artwork now adorns the bonnet of an Air Force Test Ranges Squadron compliance patrol vehicle deployed across the broader WPA.
Five other Aboriginal groups also have interests within the WPA and Defence said it looks forward to exchanging similar agreements with them.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
