Partners :: Mabu Buru Foundation

We would like to thank the following for their ongoing support

These individuals, organisations, and stakeholders who share our passion for cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and community development have support us in our mission. Together, we can ensure the survival and thriving of Indigenous culture for generations to come.

Directors

Johani Mamid

Managing Director

Johani is a proud Karajarri, Nyul Nyul, Bardi and Yawuru man. Wearing multiple hats, Johani is an Indigenous Entrepreneur who owns, and manages his Aboriginal tourism business in Western Australia, which is called "Mabu Buru Tours”. In addition to his part-time employment as a Crocodile Wrangler and Crocodile Feeding Tour Guide at the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, Johani is also a Director of the Western Australia Indigenous Tourism Operator Council (WAITOC) and serves as a Cultural Research Practitioner with the Kimberley Aboriginal Lore and Culture Centre (KALACC). Previously, Johani was employed by Nyamba Buru Yawuru (NBY), in the role of the Country Manager Coordinator. The Yawuru Country Managers are the Indigenous ranger group that are employed by Nyamba Buru Yawuru to look after Yawuru country on behalf of the Yawuru Nation, conducting a variety of on-country work which includes flora and fauna surveying, monitoring and research in both land and sea. Johani also previously served as a Director of the Yawuru Registered Native Title Holding Organisation and as an Interim Co-Chairperson for the Nyamba Buru Yawuru Ltd. Johani is a graduate of the 2016 Kimberley Aboriginal Young Leaders Program (KAYLP) and Course 24 of the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP). The KAYLP was a Kimberley-based leadership program that was delivered by Aarnja, which is the West Kimberley Empowered Communities representative body and the ARLP is Australia's largest Leadership program that also includes an overseas case study. The ARLP is an 18-month challenge-based and experimental learning program that is delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. Johani believes in building a better understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and the importance in contributing to the greater good of reconciliation amongst all people. Johani is also the Founder of the Mabu Buru Foundation, which was created for the purpose of addressing the issues that he has witnessed to be threats to the Aboriginal lore and culture and it's practices in the West Kimberley Region. The Mabu Buru Foundation also has a focus on maintaining, protecting and strengthening the lore and culture within the West Kimberley region. Johani encourages all people to experience the spiritual and physical connection to country and spread the understanding of Aboriginal culture. He hopes - along with he's other business ventures - the Mabu Buru Foundation will act as a vessel for the protection of his culture and for our clients, partners and other supporters to better connect with and understand Aboriginal people and their culture here in Australia.

Mervyn Mulardy

Director

Mervyn Mulardy grew up most of his life very close to his cultural mentors, his father, mother and grandmothers and other cultural bosses. He comes from the Karajarri people about 180klm south of Broome. He has mastered his cultural authority endorsed by his elders to speak, talk and practice his culture for and behalf of Karajarri people. Mervyn lives and abides by Karajarri Law and Culture and is fluent in his native tongue being the Karajarri language.

Anna Dwyer

Director

Anna Dwyer is a Karajarri woman from Wanamalnyanong Community, 190kms South of Broome in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia. Anna’s professional background is in Education, Linguistics and she is a Cultural Educator. Her interest is working closely with her people and doing research that will assist both her own families and the wider Aboriginal Community in the Kimberley. Anna continues to represent her people through Caring for Country, Health and Wellbeing, Law and Culture for Country. Anna’s leadership role is of high importance to support her people in what she knows best to make her homeland a safe environment and a better place.

Wynston Shovellor-Sesar

Director

Karajarri young man from Bidyadanga community, 180km south of Broome, Western Australia. I’m a natural and emerging leader for my community and my people, I am personable, a change maker, and advocate for youth. Currently work for Parks Australia in Australian Marine Parks for the North-west Marine Parks management region. My role focuses on the partnership for Sea Country Management with Indigenous groups, liaising with Aboriginal corporations, Traditional Owners, community and State Government on the State and Commonwealth marine parks. Providing strategic advice to my senior colleague on Indigenous engagement, cultural values for marine species, and the broad Kimberley network Indigenous rangers sea country activities.

Bart Pigram

Director

Bart Pigram is a Yawuru man from the West Kimberley region of northwest Australia. Born and bred in Broome Bart has a passion for telling the complete story of life in Broome. Drawing on knowledge gained from living a saltwater lifestyle as well as professional training as a curator Bart started Narlijia Tours in 2015. Narlijia means ‘true for you’ in the Yawuru (Australian Aboriginal) language reflecting Bart’s wish to tell the ‘entire’ story sharing his Aboriginal and multicultural perspective firsthand. Being part of the large Pigram-Puertollano-Minybal families Bart belongs to a long tradition of pearling workers and musicians. This heritage enables Bart many rich and fascinating stories of life around the beautiful turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay, Broome. A natural entertainer you can join Bart and other guides on one of his unique tours of Broome and the Bay and see the country and lifestyle from his unique perspective including Dampier Creek and the rich pickings in the mangrove forests and on the jabalbal (mudflats).