Maali Foundation

The Maali Foundation is a partnership between the Swan Catchment Council and the National Trust of Australia (WA). The Maali Foundation provides an exciting opportunity for Indigenous Australians to participate in the development and enhancement of Indigenous cultural heritage values within the Swan region of Western Australia, which encompasses the Perth Metropolitan Area. In Nyoongar language ‘Maali’ means ‘Swan’.

The Maali Foundation facilitates the purchase or transfer of properties to be managed by Indigenous Australians with the aim of rehabilitating bushland, conserving cultural values, such as Indigenous medicines and food, and educating the broader community about Indigenous values.

The Foundation presents an opportunity for academic, corporate, and government agencies to work together in restoring our natural environment and provides opportunities for Indigenous Australians to participate and showcase their heritage.

To donate to the Maali Foundation Appeal, please download a donation form or contact us for more information.

A word from The Maali Foundation Patron, Lt Gen (Retd) John Sanderson, AC, Special Advisor to the Western Australian Government on Enhanced Aboriginal Participation in the Social and Economic Development of the State:

“Nyoongar people have been natural resource managers of this land for 40,000 years. It is my strongly held view that, by inclination, instinct and ability they are most suited to continue this role on behalf of the Australian people.

I am grateful that The Maali Foundation, in partnership with the Swan Catchment Council, is taking the leadership in this strategically important initiative. It will enable Nyoongar people to maintain and revitalise the cultural connections that they have with this land. In turn, this will promote social cohesion and ensure that the children have a solid foundation to tackle the challenges presented to them in this rapidly changing world.

There are also great strategic benefits for non-Indigenous Australians in this initiative. All those who are concerned about the long-term sustainability of the state of Western Australiawill see that this is a vital contribution to the future and I encourage them to support the work of the Maali Foundation.”