Land, opportunity and growth: Indigenous group secures new lease

Nestled along the Stuart Highway, north of Tennant Creek, sits Banka Banka West - a historical pastoral property, known not only as a working cattle station, but a welcoming stop for visitors exploring the heart of Australia.

Established in 1895 on Warumungu and Warlmanpa Country, Banka Banka was the first operational pastoral lease within the region, with the original property covering approximately 3,315 square kilometres.

In 2009, the pastoral lease was subdivided. The western portion, now known as Banka Banka West, was purchased by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) in 2010.

Almost ten years later, the Banka Banka West Steering Committee (BBWSC) was established and began advocating for Aboriginal Freehold of the site, as well as a formal governance structure.

And now, that vision is being realised, with the property entering a new chapter as Mona Aboriginal Corporation (Mona) undertakes a two-year sublease, commencing late October.

Under the arrangement, Mona will oversee the station's day-to-day operations while strengthening the business, supporting its long-term sustainability and growth.

The almost 1,500 square kilometre property holds a rich history. In World War II, Banka Banka acted as a strategic staging and operations base for military convoys. The station also holds important Indigenous burial sites and ancestral connections to Attack Creek.

This sublease follows a long journey of partnership and commitment to securing a sustainable future for Banka Banka. This transition is more than just a change in operations - it is a significant step toward Aboriginal led management, business development and ultimately, rightful Traditional Owner ownership.

Mona Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson, Mr Patrick Cooke, said Mona is proud to take on the sublease of Banka Banka West and provide stewardship of the property on behalf of the Traditional Owners.

"Working closely with Traditional Owners and the ILSC, we will strengthen the station as a sustainable and viable business while creating opportunities on Country through employment, training, pastoral operations, tourism, and pathways for young people in land management and caring for Country.

"With the help of the BBWSC, our focus is to build the skills, experience and capacity of the Traditional Owners so that, when handback occurs, they are ready to own and manage the station on their own terms," said Mr Cooke.

ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Joe Morrison, said the ILSC will continue to work closely with the Indigenous community towards the station's divestment.

"Banka Banka's (eventual) divestment will reflect the aspirations of the Traditional Owners, who have been actively involved in developing its pathway toward permanent Aboriginal ownership.

"The ILSC works in close partnership with First Nations peoples, supporting them to achieve their aspirations for their land, businesses and communities. This sublease marks a significant milestone and an important step forward for Banka Banka West Station," said Mr Morrison.

A community 'Open Day' was held at Banka Banka mid-October, bringing together Mona AC, Traditional Owners, neighbouring pastoralists, the Northern Land Council (NLC), ILSC, community representatives and regional partners. The event celebrated the important transition, recognised the work undertaken to date and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to hear about the future vision for Banka Banka.