The Aboriginal Advisory Group comprises of 3 members from each of the Traditional Tribal Groups: The Mutthi Mutthi, Ngiyampaa and Barkandji/Paakantyi. It is the peak Aboriginal representative body for the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage property. The Aboriginal Advisory Group is the first contact for anyone wanting to start, continue or design any program or project in the World Heritage region, including but not limited to research, art and filming.
The Aboriginal Advisory Group provides advice to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage matters within the World Heritage boundaries, including Mungo National Park.
Aboriginal Advisory Group members are also appointed to the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Advisory Committee, which provides advice to state and Australian government environment ministers and responsible agencies on matters concerning the World Heritage site.
The Three Traditional Tribal Groups are represented by a departmentally appointed advisory body called the Willandra Lakes Region Aboriginal Advisory Group or the Aboriginal Advisory Group.
The appointed Aboriginal Advisory Group members sit on the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage site Advisory Committee, which comprises of 18 members and provides advice to the New South Wales and Australian governments on all Aboriginal cultural heritage matters within the Willandra Lakes Region.
The Aboriginal Advisory Group is the peak Aboriginal representative body for the Willandra Lakes. It is the first contact for anyone wanting to start, continue or design any program or project in the World Heritage region, including but not limited to research, art and filming. Since 2015, the Aboriginal Advisory Group has completed a research code of practice and a terms of reference/code of conduct. Both are living, working documents.
Aboriginal Advisory Group election
When: 10 am to 2 pm 24 May 2025
Where: Australian Inland Botanical Gardens, Buronga
The voting process is designed to be transparent, fair, and democratic, following the decisions and wishes of the Three Traditional Tribal Groups forum held on 5 September 2015 in Mildura.
To be able to vote you must:
- identify as Mutthi Mutthi, Ngiyampaa or Barkandji/Paakantji
- have a cultural affiliation with the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage site and Mungo National Park
- be present at the election
- be 18 or over (have ID in case you are asked)
- be registered and sign at the registration desk of the election.
Members representatives
Each elected member can have a members representative, also known as a proxy or deputy. The members representative can attend meetings on behalf of the appointed member and vote in their absence. The members representative will receive a sitting fee if the appointed member is absent. If you are elected and would like a members representative you will be required to provide details of your members representative on the election day so that they can be appointed in a timely manner.
Register to vote
The information you provide in this form will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected. By submitting, you consent to storage, use, and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. You can request access and amendment of your personal information.
Nominate for membership
Register your interest in nomination 30 days before the election to receive a nomination pack in the mail.
The 9 member Aboriginal Advisory Group is the peak Aboriginal consultative and advisory body for the Willandra Lakes Region (including Mungo National Park).
The election of the 9 members of the Aboriginal Advisory Group will be the first step towards their nomination as Advisory Committee members.
One of the 3 Barkandji/Paakantyi representatives will be nominated by the Barkandji Registered Native Title Body Corporate before the Aboriginal Advisory Group election.
The Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Advisory Committee provides advice to the state and Australian government Ministers for the Environment.
To be able to register as an Aboriginal Advisory Group Member, you must:
- identify as Barkandji/Paakantji, Mutthi Mutthi or Ngiyampaa and have a cultural affiliation with Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area/Mungo National Park
- be present at the election
- be 18 or over – have ID in case you are asked
- be registered at the election registration desk.
To be a member, you must be able to attend all meetings of the Aboriginal Advisory Group and Advisory Committee.
Meetings are held in the Sunraysia region, mainly at Mildura/Buronga and Mungo National Park.
Aboriginal Advisory Group meetings
The Aboriginal Advisory Group has 3 General Meetings per year and up to 2 workshops. Additionally, it can hold special meetings to address matters in a timely manner.
Voting
The voting process will be clearly explained. All votes will be counted and tallied according to a strict protocol.
Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Advisory Committee
The Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Advisory Committee is a ministerial appointed advisory body. The committee provides advice to the NSW Minister for the Environment and the Australian Government Minister for the Environment.
It also provides advice to all the relevant agencies responsible for the Willandra Lakes Region via the Intergovernmental Management Committee on the protection, conservation, presentation and transmission to future generations of the World Heritage values of the Willandra Lakes Region.
Advisory committee meetings
The Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Advisory Committee has 3 general meetings per year, usually over 2 days.
Between the 2 groups (Aboriginal Advisory Group and Advisory Committee), the average is 10 meetings per year. You must be able to commit to these meetings.
All member expenses are covered, however, sitting fees are subject to funds and cannot be guaranteed.
Daily sitting fees are provided at $220 per member and $350 for the chair. These are set governmental rates.