SANTS News – June 2026

Monthly native title updates

PBC Forum 2026 on Ngadjuri Country

SANTS welcomed representatives from Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) and native title claim groups from across South Australia to the 2026 PBC Forum at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort.

Over two days, delegates shared experiences, discussed common challenges and explored opportunities to strengthen PBCs into the future. Key discussions covered national park co-management, water, truth-telling and Treaty, Aboriginal Lands Trust reform, youth leadership, PBC funding, data governance, climate change and other emerging priorities. The forum also provided an opportunity for PBCs to showcase their successes and learn from one another.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the conversations. The feedback and insights shared will help shape SANTS’ ongoing work in supporting PBCs and native title holders across South Australia.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026

National NAIDOC Week is celebrated across Australia from 5-12 July 2026, recognising the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s official NAIDOC Week poster, Paralpi, was created by proud Yankunytjatjara man Zaachariaha Fielding from the APY Lands in South Australia. Paralpi reflects movement, energy and continuity, carrying the stories of Ancestors forward while celebrating the creativity and cultural power of the next generation. Rich in colour and symbolism, the artwork speaks to the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the past 50 years of NAIDOC and beyond.

SANTS encourages everyone to take the opportunity to celebrate NAIDOC Week by attending local events and recognising the ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.

NAIDOC Week events

National Water Act Review – First Nations Engagement Sessions in South Australia

The federal government is undertaking an independent review of the Water Act 2007, examining how the legislation is operating in practice, whether it is meeting its objectives, and how it can better reflect the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

As part of this process, First Nations engagement sessions are being held to ensure the voices, priorities and lived experiences of First Nations peoples are reflected in the review. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has appointed Dr Teagan Shields as First Nations Adviser, working alongside independent reviewer Ms Anthea Harris to lead this engagement.

These sessions provide an opportunity for First Nations peoples to contribute perspectives on cultural, social and economic water interests, which will inform the final report due to the federal government by 28 February 2027.

Session details:

Venue: Yitpi Yartapuultiku, Kuma Kuu Room, Port Adelaide
Date: Monday 6 July, 10am-3pm

Please note, the session planned in Berri has been cancelled.

For more information or to raise matters ahead of the session, contact: firstnationswater@dcceew.gov.au

The Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is pleased to invite Expressions of Interest (EOI) from First Nations peoples to join the First Nations Strategic Advisory Committee (FNSAC).

The FNSAC has been established to provide strategic, culturally informed advice to strengthen First Nations outcomes across EDO. The Committee will support the development and delivery of the First Nations Program, including contributing to the co-design of our First Nations Strategy and providing input into key areas such as climate justice, cultural heritage, and advocacy priorities.

They are seeking First Nations people from across Australia with a broad mix of:

• Community and grassroots experience
• Cultural knowledge and connection to Country
• Skills and expertise across areas such as policy, climate/environmental work, cultural heritage, law, governance or advocacy

Applications are open now via an online EOI process, and close on 7th of August 2026.

Apply here

National Water Act Review – First Nations Engagement Sessions in South Australia

Energy is a big issue for our mob, it changes and shapes our future, and we must be involved and able to access its benefits.

The First Nations Clean Energy Network is hosting a workshop in Port Lincoln focused on clean energy negotiations and self-determination on Monday 21 September and all day Tuesday 22 September 2026

This practical workshop is for First Nations entities (PBCs & ACCOs) navigating clean energy development on Country and will provide participants with skills in negotiating outcomes for their community.

The workshop will cover:

• SA renewable energy landscape and current projects
• Community organising and advocacy
• Negotiating clean energy agreements (ILUA / shared benefits arrangements)
• What services, support is currently available, what is needed

Workshop program

Monday 21 September: Opening dinner and presentation – from 5:00pm
Tuesday 22 September: Full day workshop
Location: Port Lincoln Hotel

Register here

Build it, and they will come: Tarrkarri and the opportunity ahead

SANTS remains committed to seeing Tarrkarri become a reality in response to Premier Peter Malinauskas’ recent comments questioning whether the centre would attract enough visitors to justify its cost.

Evidence shows there is growing demand for First Nations cultural experiences. Tourism Research Australia reported a record 3 million trips incorporating a First Nations activity in 2023–24, including 1.1 million international visitors. The national report also found that experiencing Aboriginal art, craft and cultural displays was the most popular First Nations activity among international visitors, demonstrating the strong appeal of authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences.

Tarrkarri is more than a tourism attraction. It is an opportunity to create a nationally significant cultural institution that celebrates the world’s oldest continuing cultures, supports truth-telling, and delivers lasting cultural, social and economic benefits for South Australia.

SANTS encourages the state government, the Commonwealth, philanthropic organisations and the corporate sector to work together to deliver this once-in-a-generation project. By sharing the investment, these sectors can help create a lasting cultural institution that will benefit Aboriginal communities, strengthen South Australia’s cultural landscape and leave a legacy for future generations.

The post SANTS News – June 2026 first appeared on SA Native Title.