About

About Us

Welcome to Ngaanyatjarra Lands - home to around 2000 Yarnangu (Ngaanyatjarra people) across eleven desert communities. We invite you to observe our tjukurrpa (culture, law and connection to country) and learn from our tjumalampatja (Yarnangu stories) which span over 10,000 years and 250,000 square kilometres and continue today

Our Vision

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

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

Warburton, Irrunytju (Wingellina), Papulankutja (Blackstone), Mantamaru (Jameson), Warakurna, Tjirrkarli, Tjukurla, Wanarn, Kiwirrkurra, Patjarr and Pira Kata (Kanpa) are the current member communities of Ngaanyatjarra Council.


Each of the Ngaanyatjarra Communities is an autonomous, spearately incorporated Body (an Association) incorporated under either a Commonwealth Act (The Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1976) or a Western Australian State Government Act (The Associations Incorporations Act 1895 - 1969). Incorporation of each of their Community organisations empowers the Ngaanyatjarra people, through their Board to make their own social and economic planning decisions for meeting current needs and for future developments.


Ngaanyatjarra road

The Ngaanyatjarra Council represents the interests and aspirations of around 2000 Yarnangu: Ngaanyatjarra, Pinup and Pitjantjatjara Traditional Owners who reside in the twelve member communities in the central desert region of Western Australia. 

See Board of Directors

Our Goals

The main objective of the Council is to support the development of its members in all ways.

The Council is directly involved in a variety of initiatives relating to health, education, training, employment, housing, law and justice matters, finance, land management and a variety of viable commercial enterprises. Ngaanyatjarra Council's operations are principally funded by grants from a range of Commonwealth and State Government ministries.


Ngaanyatjarra Council’s head offices are located in Alice Springs and Perth, this includes the CEO, Financial Services, Payroll, HR Services, Health Services, Land and Culture Unit and IT support. Council also has an Administration office in Perth which hosts staff from the Ngaanyatjarra Council Regional Housing Program (NCRHP), Ngaanyatjarra Essential Services & Building Services and CDP – Ngaanyatjarra Engagement and Employment Trial (NEET). In additional there are in excess of 100 employees based on the Ngaanyatjarra Communities providing direct services to Community members.


Each of the Ngaanyatjarra Communities is an autonomous entity, incorporated under either a Commonwealth Act (The Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1976) or a Western Australian State Government Act (The Associations Incorporations Act 1895 - 1969). Incorporation of each of the Community organisations empowers the Ngaanyatjarra people, through their Boards to make their own social and economic planning decisions for meeting current needs and for future developments.


Work with us

We value people and welcome those who would like to come alongside us as we journey towards our vision for the yarnangu of the Ngaanyatjarra lands. 

View Job Opportunities
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