Monthly native title updates
SANTS Annual Report out now
We are proud to share the 2024 Annual Report, showcasing our commitment to supporting native title groups in South Australia.
Inside you can read messages from our CEO Keith Thomas, and Chairperson Joshua Haynes, along with summaries about how SANTS is securing recognition of native title rights and interests, building on native title, and demonstrating leadership and innovation in the sector.
In 2025, we look forward to finalising more claims and supporting Aboriginal corporations to determine their own future.
Indigenous ranger funding announcement
More than 1,000 new Indigenous ranger jobs will be created across the country, with the Albanese Labor Government investing $355 million over four years to expand the Indigenous Rangers Program.
First Nations women will make up most of the new full-time, part-time and casual roles, with up to 770 Indigenous ranger positions. Eleven projects will receive funding in South Australia, with ranger teams working together to protect and improve the health of land and sea Country.
It’s the first time in more than a decade that new ranger groups have been able to apply to join the program.
PBC Regional Forum at Coffin Bay
With support from the National Indigenous Australians Agency and SANTS, the National Native Title Council (NNTC) and Nauo Aboriginal Corporation will host a workshop in Coffin Bay, designed specifically for PBCs and native title groups.
The two-day workshop will be an opportunity for directors to hear about the work being carried out by the NNTC and information about the support available from the NIAA and other government agencies
The NIAA and NNTC will cover travel and accommodation costs for 2 representatives and one youth delegate from each PBC. The workshop is being held on December 4 and 5 at the Coffin Bay Yacht Club, 146 Esplanade, Coffin Bay.
Directors can contact MelissaR@nativetitlesa.org to confirm attendance and organise their travel and accomodation arrangements.
Stolen Generations redress scheme
Are you eligible for the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme?
The scheme provides a redress payment of up to $75,000, a healing assistance payment of $7,000, free practical and emotional support, and a face-to-face and/or written personal acknowledgement.
You can apply if you are a Stolen Generations survivor who was removed before the age of 18, while living in the NT, ACT or Jervis Bay. If you have recently lost a family member who was removed, you may be able to apply on their behalf. Applications close 28 February 2026.
To find out more about the scheme, visit territoriesredress.gov.au or call 1800 566 111.
Riverlea housing development goes ahead
Last year work halted at the Riverlea housing development after Aboriginal remains were uncovered from two burial sites.
The Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher has now granted Walker Corporation an authorisation under the Aboriginal Heritage Act to continue developing the site with cultural heritage management conditions.
The remains, believed to be Kaurna ancestors, will be reburied within Riverlea at a memorial resting place, which will be designed in consultation with the Kaurna community.
Chairperson of Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation Mitzi Nam said, “We didn’t know what the outcome would be, so the part about the remains being reburied as close to where they were taken from, that was a good result, but ideally it shouldn’t have happened,” she said.
“We understand the housing crisis and the need for it, but it would be really nice if there was more consideration of the cultural heritage.”
Narungga burns bright on Country
In October, Narungga fire practitioners conducted cultural burns at Ardrossan and Minlagawi Gum Flat on the Yorke Peninsula/Guuranda.
Onlookers learned about how native vegetation responds to fire, how it can be managed to reduce fire risk, and why it is an important cultural practice.
The project was delivered by a steering committee with representatives from Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation/Indigenous Protected Areas Rangers, Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association, Nharangga Aboriginal Cultural Tours, Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, Firesticks, and Narungga community members.
Listen to the Narungga cultural burns podcast
Indigenous Wellbeing Conference
The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference celebrates Indigenous community, culture and identity to help advance social and emotional wellbeing for all Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori and Pasifika people.
In October, we attended the conference in New Zealand/Aotearoa, and learned about the link between wellbeing and strong connections to Country, culture and spirituality.
After attending, SANTS aims to implement the following learnings into our work with Traditional Owners: promoting storytelling as a tool for healing, helping to improve food security in Aboriginal communities, and prioritising programs that bridge generational gaps.
The 2025 Indigenous Wellbeing Conference will be held in Brisbane/Meanjin – click here for more info.
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