July 2024 marked a pinnacle moment for Kuju Wangka. More than 50 Traditional Owners gathered at Kunawarritji (Well 33) to discuss important business for ‘Yiwarra Kuju’ –One Track, aka The Canning Stock Route.

The meeting was a culmination of more than 24 months of work by the Kuju Wangka Working Group, welcoming members and representatives of the 5 Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) who hold Native Title along Yiwarra Kuju, their ranger teams, and service providers.

It was the first on Country meeting held since 2011, and first ever meeting since Kuju Wangka formed in 2008 to be held actually on Yiwarra Kuju. It was many voices coming together for one voice – which is Kuju Wangka. 

 Kuju Wangka Project Coordinator Aaron Eulenstien described the significance of the gathering and how every individual played an important part.

“You need only look on a map to see the vast distances people needed to travel to get to Kunawarritji, and to have this many organisations coordinate altogether, demonstrates commitment and teamwork,” Aaron said. 

“Well before we even think of travelling, the meeting agenda was established by the Working Group, documentation was sent out so people could be briefed to get the most out of the event when we were together.

“There are vast distances to travel, all the logistics to get everybody together in the same place at the same time is a feat. Then once there, there are 2 days of meetings to be facilitated.” 

How did they make it happen? 

“It’s the ranger teams operating in each PBC area that enable PBCs to attend. And each group is responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the meeting,” Aaron said.

“Well 33 is in the Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu AC’s (JYAC) determination, they hosted us and managed all the event location logistics. In addition to our event, there is also tourists and a community nearby who was involved and gave support. It’s the rangers’ jobs to manage tourist safety and permits on Yiwarra Kuju.

“With all of that, everything was managed brilliantly, we included a translator and linguist to add support, so everyone was heard and included. The engagement was amazing, and participation was good. By the end there was agreement and complete commitment from participants for the strategy and aims of Kuju Wangka.

“Having a meeting on Yiwarra Kuju has set a precedent for the future.” It can be done; it will be done again. 

Outcomes from this meeting will be discussed further by Kuju Wangka members. The next large on Country meeting for Yiwarra Kuju held by Kuju Wangka is planned for the second half of 2026.

DSS provides project coordination to Kuju Wangka.