New tractor will help build cultural connection

The Nowanup Centre has a new tractor for its cultural program courtesy of generous donations.

The group, which runs on the theme of “healthy country, healthy people”, bought a new 80hp Kioti tractor to help them connect people with Noongar culture.

Friends of Nowanup co-convenor Rod Safstrom said the tractor would go a long way in helping with their mission.

“Now we can repair the tracks and manage the erosion and so many other property management tasks,” Mr Safstrom said.

“We get so much reward by working alongside our Noongar brothers and sisters, and it is so wonderful to see this very generous support for our program.

“We urgently need more donations so we can construct a small shed for the tractor, the new bush toilets and a shelters at our camping area and materials for our healing mia-mias.”

The program operates on a farming property owned by Greening Australia, which was bought to support Gondwana Link’s ecological program.

Noongar elder Eugene Eades said he was excited to see the support for the group.

“Now we can manage the roads and tracks better and undertake earthworks to support the expanded facilities,” Mr Eades said.

“I am also so very grateful for a recent donation of funds for a small bus to help bring elders and young people to Nowanup, and show visitors around the property.”