Our Services & the Central Desert Region of WA
Central Desert’s work area covers a third of Western Australia and includes some of the most remote and isolated communities and country in the world.
While similarities can be found across the region, there are different groups, each with their own dialects and emphasis on different cultural protocols.
Aboriginal people of the Central Desert share the central belief system of Tjukurrpa, which can be understood as “the Dreaming” or “the Lore”, as members of the Western Desert Cultural Bloc (WDCB).
Central Desert has developed close and enduring relationships built on trust and familiarity to work together to maximise the potential of their native title rights and statutory obligations.
These outcomes are achieved via a mentoring approach offering legal, research, heritage, governance, GIS, land management, trustee management and business support to advance corporations’ existing capacity.
There are more than two dozen Prescribed Bodies Corporate in the 'Central Desert Service Area', as can be seen on the map, which Central Desert supports in different ways.
The "Service Area" or Representative Area also stretches across four (4) Development Commissions (Department of Regional Development) Regions, which influence WA State Government department program interactions with PBCs.
(Download a pdf of the Development Commission Regions map here)
See the interactive map below for detailed information on each group, including how to contact them directly.
A full list of determinations in the Central Desert region can be found here, or below.
Read a snapshot summary of the region - as told with more maps, including some recent statistics, here.
The Central Desert Area
Jurruru/Yinhawangka Gobawarrah
Martu
Jaru
Waturta - see Cross Country Native Title Services
Nyalpa Pirniku
Kakarra Part A
Kakarra Part B
Payarri - see Native Title Services Goldfields
Yugunga-Nya People #2 - active claim
Yeo Lake Nature Reserve
Great Victoria Desert Nature Reserve
Plumridge Lakes Nature Reserve
Neale Junction Nature Reserve
Karlamilyi National Park
Wiluna #4
Wiluna #5
Kultju
39
Native Title Determinations in the Central Desert Region, as at 30 June 2024 - download list here
800,000km2
in the service area of the most remote country in Australia
16
PBCs provided with section 203BB agreement making and implementation services
Over 100
trips through the region each year to meet with clients on their country.
Advocacy
Information and activities regarding issues and legislation affecting clients
