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Welcome to the Ngaanyatjarra Council

The Ngaanyatjarra Council (Aboriginal Corporation) represents the interests of around 1,800 Ngaanyatjarra, Pintupi and Pitjantjatjara Traditional Owners (Yarnangu) who reside in the eleven member communities of the Ngaanyatjarra Lands

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Our Services

From essential Health Services, to Housing, Maintenance and Project Management, we collaboratively work across a range of service areas to achieve remarkable outcomes for our communities.

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Employment Opportunities

We are passionate about making tangible impact within remote communities and are always on the lookout for likeminded and enthusiastic people to join the team and support our vision.

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Passing by?

The Ngaanyatjarra Lands is an area governed and controlled by the Ngaanyatjarra People. Visitors require a valid permit to drive the Outback Highway which is home of "Australia's longest shortcut."

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What's happening in our Communities

By Natasha Perkins 13 Sep, 2024
With a career spanning decades in remote education and community leadership, Leigh Nelson’s appointment as the new General Manager – Community and Sustainable Development at Ngaanyatjarra Council brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the land. In this role, Leigh will support Yarnangu through employment programs, essential municipal services, financial well-being initiatives, and year-round community engagement. Leigh has long been associated with Ngaanyatjarra lands, having spent much of his career in education across remote locations, including Warburton, Wanarn, and the Cocos Islands. Most recently, he served as Director of Education, Goldfields, for the Department of Education—Australia’s largest education region. Born in Esperance and raised on pastoral lands in Salmon Gums, 100 km north of the town, Leigh’s connection to these lands spans over three decades. “My wife and I worked together in Warburton, and my first opportunity as a Principal was at the school in Wanarn,” Leigh shared. “That role began my journey as a School Principal across various schools, which lasted for 23 years.” Leigh’s leadership journey took a significant step when he became part of a cohort of education leaders selected for a Harvard Principal Fellowship, which catalysed his move into system leadership roles within the department. In recent years, Leigh also contributed to the Goldfields District Leadership Group (DLG)—a network coordinated by the Department of Communities to address local issues and drive improved outcomes. “The DLG brought together the Shire, the Council, Department of Justice, WA Police, NIAA, and the Department of Communities to collaborate for strong, shared outcomes in Warburton with a focus on youth engagement and food security,” he explained. Leigh’s leadership in the DLG deepened his connection to the Ngaanyatjarra lands. “Within the DLG, we had a sub-group focused on Warburton, which reaffirmed my ties to the area. As Chair of this group since its inception, I will now lead from my new role within the Council, ensuring continued collaboration across agencies.” He emphasised his belief in authentic co-design between community members and organisations. “The strongest outcomes on the Lands will come from genuine community voice and all the agencies working together towards lasting, collective impact.” With a strong commitment to the Ngaanyatjarra lands, Leigh intends to spend time in communities each month. “Improvement happens at the speed of trust, so I’m eager to strengthen those relationships with our leadership team on the ground, enabling us to make meaningful contributions to the Council’s shared vision of helping Yarnangu remain strong on Country.” Reflecting on his new role, Leigh said, “The most important thing for me—and what attracted me to this position—is the opportunity to work alongside Yarnangu, who are so integral to our country. Together, we’ll navigate the challenges and possibilities that developments like the Outback Way will bring to the lands.” Leigh’s appointment is also a full-circle moment. Fred Twine, the Community Development Advisor he worked alongside during his first Principal role in Wanarn, continues to serve the Council as Municipal Services Manager. Their renewed partnership, after 25 years, promises to further strengthen the Council’s commitment to the Ngaanyatjarra community and foster long-term, sustainable outcomes for Yarnangu.
By Natasha Perkins 03 Sep, 2024
The Ngaanyatjarra Council Group was honoured to welcome Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, the newly appointed Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, to our Perth office this week. This landmark meeting, coinciding with a federal cabinet gathering in Perth, marks the first ministerial visit to our offices in the Council's history. The meeting was attended by Senator McCarthy and her staff, along with Council CEO Thomas Williams, Mr Fred Chaney, Mr Preston Thomas, and Sonja Voogd Armstrong, General Manager of Community and Sustainable Development. The primary focus was on the current Remote Jobs Trial, 'Strong'. The meeting also featured a live link to Warburton with Angelica McLean, Director and Social & Wellbeing Coordinator and Shannon Inder, Operations Manager - CDP, providing the Minister with deeper insight into the Council's work within the remote Ngaanyatjarra communities. Thomas Williams reflected on the deeper significance of the Ministerial visit, highlighting its importance beyond just the event itself. "While navigating the complexities of the NIAA (National Indigenous Australians Agency) to secure a trial work program is significant, it is even more impactful to witness the Minister’s willingness to meet with our people both in Perth and on the ground in Warburton, to hear firsthand about the Lands and the 'Strong' program," Williams said. "Her questions extended beyond the Remote Jobs Trial, as she sought to understand our vision for the future of Yarnangu and the ongoing challenges faced by remote communities," Williams added. Minister McCarthy’s deliberate focus on improving remote employment opportunities and empowering remote communities was evident throughout the meeting. "Our hope from this meeting is that it helps to foster greater flexibility within the Jobs Program, both during and beyond the trial," "This flexibility pertains to the variety and transferability of job options available to Yarnangu within the Trial," "The Minister embraced our desire to pursue innovative ways to engage Yarnangu in employment, even when those pathways involve a series of work opportunities that lead to longer-term prospects," said Williams. The most enduring outcome of the meeting was a renewed commitment to the partnership between the Council and the NIAA—a relationship grounded in transparency and accountability from both the Council and the Agency. "We concluded the meeting feeling highly optimistic about the Minister’s deep engagement and commitment to being part of the improvement of the Jobs Program on the Lands and to the members in our communities," Williams said. Due in large part to the remoteness of its members, the Ngaanyatjarra Council Group is a rare example of a Council providing a comprehensive suite of services (excluding policing). This unique position presents an opportunity, enabling the Council to partner effectively with the agency, given its capacity to monitor and assess the progress of its members. The Council’s vision of helping Yarnangu remain strong on country is shared by Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. Her visit encouraged us to pursue this vision through engagement, activation, strategy, and the broader embrace of change management across the Council.
By Natasha Perkins 21 Aug, 2024
The Ngaanyatjarra Council Group's Leadership Team recently convened for two half-day workshops to initiate a comprehensive change management process across the organisation. The Council’s vision of 'Helping Yarnangu remain strong on Country' drives our commitment to building a more resilient and effective organisation. To become an efficient, high-performing organisation that sets a benchmark for Aboriginal agencies, the Council recognises the need to break down existing silos, restructure our operations, streamline processes, and enhance service delivery. This is not a small or short-term assignment—it’s a vision that encompasses the entire organisation. The two half-day sessions were facilitated by Change Management specialist, Tracy Cooper , who helped our managers become comfortable with sharing, interacting, and discussing change with one another. Tracy highlighted the challenges and possibilities of leading change, equipping our leaders with tools to navigate the process of change effectively. The workshops identified the economic, social, and organisational opportunities and challenges we face collectively. They also addressed the often-overlooked costs of maintaining the status quo, which can be difficult to communicate broadly. “We understand the significant consequences of maintaining the status quo,” said Thomas Williams, the Council’s Chief Executive Officer. “These consequences, along with some prevailing challenges, are often difficult or inappropriate to communicate widely. However, we recognise that the current economic climate, which is impacting all industries, also affects the Council,” Thomas said. “Many of the opportunities and challenges identified through this change management process must be addressed to ensure that our foundations and processes are robust, enabling us to fulfil our core vision of helping Yarnangu remain strong on Country,” Thomas said. This transformative journey is vital for supporting Yarnangu and the future of our communities. By engaging in this change process now, the Council is confident it will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before. “Our goal is to enhance service delivery in education, health, and employment, ensuring the sustainability of the Ngaanyatjarra Council Group. Our collective efforts will contribute to the flourishing of our communities and the preservation of our cultural heritage,” Thomas said. “We recognise that any change of this sort requires mindful and strategic planning and communication across the organisation—we’re progressing through the equipping of our Leadership Team for this change management process. Established in 1981, the Ngaanyatjarra Council Group (NCG) represents the interests of Yarnangu across 11 communities in the Central Desert region of Western Australia. With over 450 employees across city and remote locations, the Council provides a wide range of services, including health, utilities, construction, employment, community development, shops, roadhouses, art centres, and land services. It is one of the largest and most successful Aboriginal agencies in Australia.
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Our Vision

Yarnangu leading lives filled with purpose and agency, thriving in a culture-rich environment: Ngurra Rapa, Tjukurrpa Rapa.

Our Values

We are open and approachable


We value transparent communication that ensures inclusivity and collective engagement. We prioritise genuine connection and presence on country, valuing the contributions of all community members. Embracing cultural sensitivity, we strive to break down barriers through language and build meaningful relationships by active listening and empathy. 

We are all equal and important

We’re committed to protecting and nurturing the inherent value and dignity of every individual. We prioritise safety, respect, equality, and empowerment in all aspects of our work. This means fostering a culture of holistic care and cultural sensitivity, ensuring everyone feels safe, heard, and respected. 

We are better together

Our commitment to unity affirms our belief that collaboration yields better outcomes. By breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration across dapartments and communities, we amplify our collective strength while respecting our uniqueness. We ensure that all voices are heard, promoting inclusive decision-making processes in all we do. Through proactive communication and the sharing of resources, we enhance our ability to serve our communities. 

We are accountable to members

We serve the collective interests of our members, prioritising transparency, and accountability in all our endeavours. We advocate for best practice governance and encourage community-controlled decision-making processes, ensuring essential services are delivered promptly to all. Inclusive decision-making and meaningful communication ensures that our efforts benefit the wider community, holding us accountable to our collective goals and promises. 

We are responsible financial stewards

As financial stewards, we have a responsibility to prioritise the improvement of financial understanding within our communities and organisation to improve decision making and to combat waste and duplication. We aim to transparent reporting to empower community members. Continual reflection and accountability mechanisms help us ensure the best use of resources and financial integrity, to serve the collective interests of our communities. 

We are open and approachable


We value transparent communication that ensures inclusivity and collective engagement. We prioritise genuine connection and presence on country, valuing the contributions of all community members. Embracing cultural sensitivity, we strive to break down barriers through language and build meaningful relationships by active listening and empathy. 

We are all equal and important

We’re committed to protecting and nurturing the inherent value and dignity of every individual. We prioritise safety, respect, equality, and empowerment in all aspects of our work. This means fostering a culture of holistic care and cultural sensitivity, ensuring everyone feels safe, heard, and respected. 

Our Communities

The Ngaanyatjarra Lands are located in Western Australia near the borders of South Australia and the Northern Territory. This area covers 160,000 square kilometres—approximately 3% of the Australian landscape. The eleven Ngaanyatjarra communities comprise Irrunytju | Wingellina, Kiwirrkurra, Mantamaru | Jameson, Papulankutja | Blackstone, Patjarr | Karilywara, Kanpa | Pira-Kata, Tjirrkarli, Tjukurla, Warakurna | Giles, Wanarn and Warburton | Mirlirrtjarra.

Did You Know?

  • Governance

    The Ngaanyatjarra Council is the principal governance organisation in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands. The Ngaanyatjarra Council’s administrative base is located in Alice Springs. The third week of each month, the Ngaanyatjarra Council hosts both a general meeting for all members and a Board of Directors meeting.

  • Communities

    Each Ngaanyatjarra community is an autonomous, separately incorporated body as well as a member of the Ngaanyatjarra Council (Aboriginal Corporation). In the 20 years since the Council’s formation, membership has expanded from five original communities - Milyatjarra (Warburton), Irrunytju (Wingellina), Papulankutja (Blackstone), Mantamaru (Jameson) and Warakurna - to 12 communities (the original communities plus Tjirrkarli, Patjarr, Wanarn, Kanpa and Tjukurla, Cosmo Newberry and Kiwirrkurra. 

  • Pre-Council

    Prior to the incorporation of the Ngaanyatjarra Council on 24 March 1981, representation of Ngaanyatjarra people was through the Pitjantjatjara Council. The formation of the Ngaanyatjarra area was based on the historical association with the Warburton Mission, a common language, and the Western Australian state border.

  • Human Presence

    The Ngaanyatjarra Lands have few obvious signs of human presence. According to archaeological evidence from excavations in the Warburton area, continuous Aboriginal occupation dates back at least 10,000 years. 

  • Industry

    There has never been a pastoral industry and, apart from a few activities such as sandalwood harvesting, collection of dingo scalps and prospecting, there has been no other industry in the area. 

  • Access

    The Outback Highway (Great Central Road) bisects the Ngaanyatjarra Lands east to southwest, providing access to two major regional centres - Alice Springs (1,000 kilometres Northeast of Warburton) and Kalgoorlie (900 kilometres Southwest of Warburton). The 2,000 kilometre section of road from Laverton to Uluru National Park is unsealed and subject to wet weather closure.

  • Voting Rights

    All residents of Ngaanyatjarra communities who are of voting age and identify themselves as being of Aboriginal descent, have voting rights on the council. 

  • Remoteness

    The Ngaanyatjarra Communities are some of the most remote communities in all of Australia. According to the Accessibility and Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA), which measures the distance of a settlement from an urban centre, each community is "very remote" and a significant distance from any urban centre.

  • Size

    Ngaanyatjarra Lands cover approximately 3% of mainland Australia(250,000 km2) and encompass sections of the Gibson Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Great Victoria Desert, and all of the Central Ranges within Western Australia.

  • Representation

    Ngaanyatjarra Council Board of Directors has 17 members. Each Chair from the 12 member communities governing councils, 4 female representatives plus a chairperson elected by the general membership (on an annual basis) are on the Board of Directors. 

  • Climate

    The climate in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands is arid to semi-arid with average annual rainfall of 200-250 millimetres with a distinct summer pattern. During the summer, the mean daily maximum temperatures are around 37 C - days of 40+ C are common. Winters are cool with a mean daily temperature range of 6- 21 C; sub-zero temperatures are not often experienced. Periods of prolonged drought are not uncommon.

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