With a commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive region in which Aboriginal people and businesses thrive, we are continuing to partner with stakeholders to drive and support a range of opportunities.
From embedding Noongar language in our communications to supporting events such as the recent Bunuru Festival (pictured below) which brought together the community to celebrate culture on country, we strive to create an inclusive region.
Through backing the realisation of Aboriginal business plans through our funding programs and maximising participation on State Government projects, we provide welcome opportunities for Aboriginal economic development.
The 2025 Bunuru Festival.
In focus – Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront
Working with key stakeholders, we have supported and enabled Aboriginal businesses and contractors to tender and apply for contracts of work as part of the project. Gnaala Kaala Booja (GKB) Regional Aboriginal Corporation is a project reference group member.
Here are examples of Aboriginal business participation on the project:
Casuarina Boat Harbour
Used for both commercial and recreational craft, the Casuarina Boat Harbour launch ramp is one of the busiest in Bunbury with thousands of launches each year.
To improve the area for community use and enhance amenity, staged enhancements have been carried out. Construction of a toilet block in the precinct has been among the improvements.
Koormal Contracting (pictured below during a site visit with SWDC and the Hon. Don. Punch MLA) successfully tendered for and was awarded the contract for construction of a toilet block in the precinct, following an initiative to quarantine a work package allowing for an Aboriginal business to be directly engaged.
We remain committed to identifying opportunities to support Aboriginal businesses to participate in the transformation of the waterfront.
Aboriginal business participation: Obby McDonald from SWDC, Gavin McGuire from local Aboriginal business Koormal Contracting, and the Hon. Don Punch MLA, Member for Bunbury checking out the site of the toilet block at Casuarina Boat Harbour.
Casuarina Drive
As part of the improvements along Casuarina Drive, a contract was awarded to local business Wilgee Civil (pictured top during a visit to the waterfront by Minister Don Punch and Premier Roger Cook) for fencing to protect dunes at BP Beach.
Fencing around the majority of the dunes at BP Beach and along Casuarina Drive, which is designed to protect the dunes and reduce sand drift onto the pathways, is now complete.
