Karlka Pastoral and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) have launched a three-year partnership aimed at growing an Indigenous-led pastoral business, creating employment opportunities and training young Nyiyaparli people on their traditional Country.
The initiative is being delivered through Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (KNAC) and focuses on sustainable pastoral development, skills training, land management and new market opportunities in Western Australia's Pilbara region.
Karlka Pastoral currently operates across more than 830,000 hectares of Nyiyaparli Country and manages approximately 10,000 cattle. The enterprise is part of a broader effort by the Nyiyaparli community to strengthen economic self-determination while maintaining a strong connection to Country and culture.
The partnership with MLA is designed to support the long-term growth of the business while creating practical pathways for local Aboriginal people to gain experience and employment in the pastoral industry.
Training young people is one of the major priorities of the programme. Participants are being introduced to practical skills including horsemanship, stock handling and regenerative livestock management.
The programme has already produced early results, with three Nyiyaparli participants securing employment with Karlka Pastoral. Two participants also took part in further training at the Muresk Institute in Northam, where they helped develop their mentoring and livestock-handling capabilities.
KNAC Chairperson Michael Stream said the partnership would provide young Nyiyaparli people with opportunities to reconnect with station life, develop valuable skills and gain experience while working on their own Country.
Beyond employment and training, the initiative also places emphasis on environmental sustainability. The partners are exploring regenerative land management, conservation activities with KNAC Rangers, carbon management and ways to reduce emissions.
Another major focus is developing new commercial opportunities. The programme is examining the possibility of creating a Nyiyaparli-branded beef product that could connect consumers with the story of Country, culture and community.
Cultural and eco-tourism opportunities linked to the pastoral stations are also being explored as part of efforts to diversify the business and create additional economic benefits.
MLA Project Manager for Innovation Capability Joshua Whelan said the partnership recognises the strength of Indigenous leadership in pastoral businesses and the potential to develop commercial opportunities while respecting culture and Country.
The programme is also expected to generate lessons that could benefit other Indigenous-led and northern pastoral businesses across Australia.
For the Nyiyaparli community, the initiative represents more than a business expansion. It offers a pathway for young people to develop practical skills, secure employment and remain connected to their land and cultural heritage.
As the three-year programme progresses, Karlka Pastoral and MLA will continue working together to strengthen the business, support sustainable land management and explore new opportunities for the Pilbara's Indigenous pastoral industry.