ABOUT Gwoonwardu Mia
Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre is a vibrant community space that celebrates the culture, history and Country of the five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne region.
Located in Carnarvon, the centre has worked closely with people from each of the local language groups to share and celebrate their stories and living culture.
At the heart of the centre is Burlganyja Wanggaya – Old People Talking – listen, learn and respect, a multi-award-winning permanent interactive exhibition. This interpretive space brings together the stories, knowledge and traditions of the region’s five Aboriginal language groups: Yinggarda, Bayungu, Malgana, Thadgari and Thalanyji.
As you explore the exhibition, you will discover stories of Country, ancient and continuing cultural traditions, station life and the history of Carnarvon. Visitors can experience exhibits such as the Sky Dome, featuring time-lapse footage of the night sky and stories about the ancient Aboriginal knowledge of astronomy. You can also learn about the remarkable giant burrowing bees of the Gascoyne and view a range of cultural artefacts and objects.
Gwoonwardu Mia also features a gallery showcasing artwork by local Aboriginal artists and a beautiful ethnobotanical garden that highlights plants important to the region.
We invite you to explore the exhibitions, enjoy the garden spaces and meet our friendly team.
History
In 1996, five local language groups — Bayungu, Inggarda, Thalanji, Thudgarri and Malgana — came together to lodge the first Native Title claim over the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. Known as the Gnulli claim (meaning “all of us”), it sought the right to negotiate across the region.
In 1997, a Land Use Agreement was signed between the State of Western Australia, the Shire of Carnarvon and Gnulli to support development associated with the Carnarvon Fascine.
The agreement included commitments to:
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Support regional development programs
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Provide employment, training and contract opportunities for Aboriginal people
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Recognise Aboriginal heritage through place naming
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Provide land for the establishment of an Aboriginal Cultural Centre
This agreement helped lead to the creation of Gwoonwardu Mia.
Advisory Committee
The Gwoonwardu Mia and WA Museum Advisory Committee provides an important connection between the centre and the communities it serves.
The committee acts as a two-way liaison, representing community perspectives to Gwoonwardu Mia while also advocating for the centre within the community.
The committee meets three to four times each year and includes up to twelve members, appointed for four-year terms with approval from the Trustees of the Western Australian Museum.
Our Team
Barry Bellotti
Regional Manager – Business & Strategy
Martu Malgana Ngarluma-Yindjibarndi
Barry was born in Carnarvon and has extensive experience in education and training through his previous work at TAFE. He has worked closely with Aboriginal community groups and regional organisations to create employment opportunities across the Gascoyne.
Barry is passionate about empowering Aboriginal fathers and has supported successful men’s programs in partnership with organisations including Mental Health, PCYC and Ngala. He is also passionate about Aboriginal art and hopes to continue expanding the Gwoonwardu Mia gallery to showcase more local artists.
Carleen Ryder
Operations Manager – Engagement & Events
Malgana / Wadjarri
Carleen was born and raised in Carnarvon. She is Malgana through her father’s side and Wadjarri through her mother’s side.
A self-taught artist, Carleen creates abstract works inspired by the colours of the sea and the landscapes of the outback. She enjoys the relaxed lifestyle of the Gascoyne coast, spending time fishing, camping and with her family.
Jhameika Bradford
Project Officer
Boonwurrung Buluk
Jhameika (Meika) is currently acting as Project Officer at Gwoonwardu Mia, previously working at the WA Museum Boola Bardip in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Interests.
Meika has connections to the Boonwurrung Buluk (peoples) of the Kulin Nation in Nairm, Melbourne through her father’s side and mixed British heritage through her mother.
Living in Carnarvon, she enjoys the friendly community, great weather, and being close to both the river and the ocean. The sunsets are an added bonus. Off the clock, she’s usually reading, camping, or spending time by the water.
Noleen Fraser
Administrative Assistant
Wajarri-Banjima
Noleen is a proud Wajarri-Banjima woman, born in Karratha and raised in Carnarvon. I work as an Administrative Assistant at Gwoonwardu Mia and absolutely love being part of the team.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy fishing, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
Izayah Mongoo
Engagement Assistant
Wajarri Yamatji
I’m a young Wajarri Yamatji man born in the Midwest. I was raised in Carnarvon and love spending time with family, I also enjoy skating, swimming, and camping trips out bush or along the coast.
I love working at the centre, it brings me a great sense of pride and joy being able to maintain and showcase our culture, customs and traditions, sharing knowledge with people from all over the world.
Kiara Cooyou
Engagement Assistant
Baiyungu / Njamal
Kiara was born in Perth and raised in Carnarvon. She enjoys fishing, spending time on Country with family and meeting visitors at the centre while learning new skills.
Rennee Turner
Engagement Assistant
Yinggarda
Rennee is a Yinggarda woman born and raised in Gwoonwardu (Carnarvon). A proud traditional custodian, she has turned her passion for culture and Country into operating Indigenous tours that share the stories and beauty of the region.
She says being on Country with family — whether along the coast or out bush — keeps the connection to culture and ancestors strong.
Mary Edney
Engagement Assistant
Wajarri, Yiingarda, Balladong, Wagle Cape
Born in Subiaco, Perth, I was raised across Burringurrah, Carnarvon and Meekatharra. My father’s side is Wajarri and Yinggarda, and my mother’s side is Balladong and Wagyl Kaip.
I now live in Carnarvon and love creating Aboriginal art inspired by sea colours and my culture, something I was taught from a young age by my stepmother, Beryl Walsh.
In 2024, I completed a Certificate II in Hospitality, received the Most Dedicated Individual Award, and became a mentor for new students at Jardilunji Mia Cafe. I am proud to now work with Gwoonwardu Mia as an Engagement Assistant.