NGAARDA STATEWIDE NEWS: THURSDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2026
NGAARDA STATEWIDE NEWS | 22 October 2026
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this coverage may contain names, images or voices of people who have passed away.
First Nations storytelling in Naarm, a native title application east of Port Hedland and a Pilbara tenant’s successful housing appeal lead today’s Ngaarda News wrap.
WURUNDJERI TOUR GUIDES SHARE A LIVING CULTURE
First Nations tour guides in Melbourne’s CBD are sharing the stories of Wurundjeri Country and highlighting the continuing strength of Aboriginal culture.
Speaking to Ngaarda Media in Naarm, Koorie Heritage Trail tour guide Bianca Garfi discussed the ongoing work to care for Country and protect waterways.
The tours challenge the idea that Aboriginal culture belongs only to the past, showing how cultural knowledge and responsibilities continue today.
DEADLINE SET TO BECOME A PARTY TO NYAMAL NATIVE TITLE APPLICATION
People who believe they hold native title rights in an area east of Port Hedland have until January 20, 2027, to apply to become a party to Federal Court proceedings.
The application, known as Nyamal People #11, covers approximately 2,626 square kilometres, about 108 kilometres east of Port Hedland and south of Pardoo Roadhouse.
A notice advertised through the National Native Title Tribunal sets out the deadline for people seeking to become a party to the case.
Becoming a party to court proceedings is a separate process from membership of a native title claim group.
For information about the notice and application process, contact the Tribunal’s Jake Ellis on (07) 3052 4040 or visit nntt.gov.au.
PILBARA TENANT’S APPEAL AFFIRMS PUBLIC HOUSING OBLIGATIONS
A Pilbara tenant’s Supreme Court appeal has confirmed that Western Australia’s Housing Authority must meet the same health and repair obligations as other landlords.
Pilbara News reports Wakathuni woman Joanne Jacobs challenged an earlier ruling after alleging unsafe conditions and ongoing repair failures at her home.
The Supreme Court rejected arguments that the authority was exempt from health requirements and had no obligation to maintain items installed after a tenancy began.
Council of Aboriginal Services WA chair Chris Bin Kali welcomed the decision.
The council is calling for State-funded regional housing maintenance to be delivered through Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.
KIMBERLEY DRUG CHARGES INCREASE BY 60 PER CENT
Drug-related charges across the Kimberley increased by 60 per cent over the past financial year, according to WA Police figures reported by the ABC.
Police attribute the increase in detected offences to targeted operations and new technology used to locate concealed drugs.
The equipment includes a handheld X-ray device that allows officers to inspect vehicles without dismantling parts.
Detective Superintendent John Hutchinson said the technology was helping police disrupt illicit drug activity across the region.
The figures reflect an increase in charges and do not, on their own, establish an equivalent increase in drug use.
PRICE CHALLENGES PLANNED WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price says she will challenge new workplace exposure limits following concerns raised by farming groups.
ABC Goldfields reports the limits cover exposure to dust, chemicals and gases and are due to take effect on December 1.
Some producer groups argue the requirements will be difficult to measure and implement on farms.
During a visit to Kalgoorlie, Senator Price said she would raise those concerns in Parliament.
RYAN CROWLEY FACES FOUR ADDITIONAL CHARGES
Former Fremantle footballer Ryan Crowley is facing four additional charges relating to alleged domestic violence involving his former partner, Lauren Dunn.
The West Australian reports the new charges comprise one count of aggravated common assault and three counts of impeding breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the neck.
The additional charges bring the total against the 42-year-old to 17.
Crowley remains on bail, with his trial scheduled to begin on March 2, 2027. His defence lawyer has indicated he will plead not guilty to all charges.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Follow Ngaarda Media on Instagram and Facebook, and visit ngaardamedia.com.au for more news.
Watch First Nations Report every Tuesday at 8:30pm AWST on Ngaarda TV.