Newly dedicated Mayala Indigenous Protected Area celebrated in northern WA

A newly dedicated Indigenous Protected Area encompassing a network of more than 300 islands along the Kimberley region coastline has been celebrated in northern WA. More than 100 people gathered at Middle Beach at Ardyaloon (One Arm Point) to honour the dedication of the Mayala IPA, which covers nearly 12,000ha of land and more than 360,000ha of sea. Located within the Buccaneer Archipelago and King Sound, Mayala Country is home to an intricate network of islands, reefs and submerged lands that safeguards a rich cultural and ecological landscape. Renowned for its pristine environment, it provides a sanctuary for threatened species such as the Northern quoll, nabarlek, and golden-backed tree-rat while supporting culturally significant species such as turtles and dugongs. With minimal human impact and largely free from feral animals and wildfires, the islands remain vital refuges for native wildlife. Reflecting on the years of dedication leading to this moment, Mayala elder Mitchell Tigan expressed deep pride and emotion during the ceremony, held on November 20. “Old people and young people were one. Watching this ceremony happen (on November 20) I was back at the campfire with my father and grandfathers,” he said. “I was wiping tears from my eyes — I will never forget that moment.” The ceremony included symbolic gestures as young leaders gifted trochus shells and pearls to elders, representing unity and the passing of responsibilities to the next generation. Mayala traditional owner Janella Isaac acknowledged the journey to this point, emphasising the work of elders who fought tirelessly for this recognition and the importance of younger people in continuing their legacy. “It has been a long journey to get here — our elders fought hard for us to achieve this dream,” she said. “This process, which began over 18 years ago, has given our people access to country. Mayala people were displaced many years ago, our language has fallen asleep, but now our young people are returning to country. “Now is a time to celebrate. It is our young people who will implement the Indigenous Protected Area management plan.” Newly elected Mayala chairperson Quentin Turner, who has been championing the Mayala Young Persons Network, expressed enthusiasm for the future. “Mayala people are ready to move forward. Our next steps will be to get a ranger team up and running and continue the work of our old people,” Mr Turner said. Kimberley Land Council chief executive Tyronne Garstone congratulated the Mayala traditional owners, saying the IPA would have far reaching benefits for traditional owners, the Kimberley community and all of Australia. “The IPA dedication marks a huge milestone for the Mayala people and a significant win for all of Australia, with this IPA delivering the missing link for a continuous Indigenous conservation corridor along the west Kimberley coastline,” he said. “This IPA will provide employment, get people back on to country, protect culture and maintain some of the last remaining wild refuges. “IPAs are a proven way of successfully managing land and sea, while simultaneously aligning with the cultural and environmental values of Aboriginal people in the Kimberley. “The Mayala IPA will ensure Mayala native title holders are the key decision-makers for and managers of their traditional lands — the country they have looked after for tens of thousands of years. “It is clear that investment into ranger and IPA programs remains critical.” The implementation of the Mayala IPA will be overseen by KLC and guided by the Mayala Healthy Country Advisory Committee, which co-ordinates all on-Country programs in collaboration with partners such as Parks Australia and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.