Who we are

A proud Aboriginal cultural heritage service provider

South West Aboriginal Land Services is a dynamic Aboriginal heritage consultancy firm located in the South West region of Western Australia. Established by two dedicated individuals, our company is committed to preserving and celebrating the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage of this unique area.

With a focus on sustainable development and cultural sensitivity, we provide a wide range of consultancy services to support clients in their projects while respecting and enhancing the cultural values of the land.

Why SWALS stands out

Unparalleled commitment to preserving and sharing Aboriginal heritage

CORE VALUES

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to bridge the gap between cultural heritage preservation and modern development. We strive to empower Aboriginal communities, promote cultural understanding, and ensure the responsible management of cultural heritage resources within the South West region of Western Australia. 

Ethical

At South West Aboriginal Land Services, ethics are the cornerstone of everything we do. We uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all our interactions, ensuring that the cultural heritage we protect is done so with unwavering ethical principles.

Professionalism

We are dedicated to maintaining the highest level of professionalism in our work. Our team comprises leading experts in the fields of environmental management, social sciences, and business. This expertise ensures that our clients receive the most comprehensive and professional consultancy services available.

Value

We are committed to delivering exceptional value to our clients. Our consultancy services are designed not only to meet project goals but to provide lasting value by fostering sustainable development, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing community relations.

OUR TEAM

South West Aboriginal Land Services is led by a team of passionate experts with extensive experience in Aboriginal cultural heritage preservation, management, and consultancy. Our founders, Joe Collard and John Cecchi, bring a combined experience of over forty years in the field, supported by a dedicated team of professionals who share our commitment to cultural heritage preservation.

KEY DIFFERENTIATORS

Aboriginal Ownership

As an Aboriginal heritage consultancy, we bring authentic cultural insights and perspectives to every project.

Local Expertise

Our deep understanding of the South West region's unique heritage and landscape positions us as a trusted authority in the area.

Community-Centric Approach

We prioritize community engagement, ensuring that the cultural values and aspirations of local Aboriginal communities are central to every project.

Our services

A comprehensive range of cultural heritage services 

Comprehensive Heritage Assessments

Our team of experienced heritage professionals will conduct thorough assessments to identify and evaluate the Aboriginal cultural values and sites and assess environmental concerns. This will serve as a foundation for informed decision-making and future preservation efforts of sites, cultural values and Country.

Cultural Heritage Management Plans

We will collaborate closely with your organisation to develop tailored, actionable management plans that align with your organisation's goals and objectives. These plans will outline strategies for conservation, protection, and promotion, ensuring the continued vitality of heritage assets.

Compliance and Approvals

Navigating the regulatory landscape for heritage sites can be complex. We will assist you with the necessary permits and approvals, ensuring compliance with heritage laws and regulations.

Community Engagement

Engaging the local community and stakeholders is essential for the success of any heritage project. We will help you develop outreach programs and initiatives to foster a sense of pride and ownership among the community members.

Heritage Tourism Development

We can help you harness the tourism potential of your heritage assets, turning them into economically sustainable attractions while preserving their social and cultural integrity.

Grant and Funding Assistance

Our experts can also assist in identifying and applying for grants and funding opportunities to support your heritage preservation initiatives.

Cultural Heritage Preservation 

Our passion for safeguarding the past, present, and future

  • Indigenous Knowledge Preservation 
  • Artefact Management 
  • Cultural Awareness Training 
  • Heritage Significance Assessments 
  • Ethical Consultations
Our projects 

Illuminating Aboriginal heritage across the South West 

Comprehensive Cultural Heritage Assessment

Conducted a comprehensive cultural heritage assessment for a major infrastructure development project, resulting in the preservation of a significant Aboriginal heritage site.

Cultural Heritage Management Plans

Developed a Heritage Management Plan for a resort development, successfully integrating cultural heritage preservation with sustainable tourism.

Facilitated Productive Consultations

Facilitated productive consultations between government agencies, developers, and local Aboriginal communities for a land-use project, resulting in a mutually beneficial agreement.

What our clients say 

Building trust and delivering excellence

I am delighted to provide this testimonial on behalf of SWALS, which played a pivotal role in the successful execution of a major infrastructure development project within established timeframes and budgets. Their unwavering commitment to cost-effective and professional heritage services, including the deployment of Aboriginal monitors, significantly contributed to the project's overall success.

From the outset, it was evident that SWALS possessed a deep understanding of the complexities and sensitivities associated with heritage management in the context of our project. Their professionalism and expertise were apparent in every aspect of their involvement. They worked closely with our team to ensure that heritage considerations were seamlessly integrated into the project's planning and execution.

One of the standout qualities of SWALS was their ability to provide cost-effective solutions without compromising the quality of their services. Their innovative approach to problem-solving and their dedication to efficiency meant that we could stay within budget constraints without sacrificing the integrity of our heritage management efforts.

The inclusion of Aboriginal monitors from SWALS was a critical aspect of our project. Their role in monitoring and safeguarding heritage sites was performed with a deep sense of cultural awareness and respect. Their presence not only ensured compliance with heritage protection regulations but also enhanced the project's connection to the local community and its heritage.

The ability of SWALS to deliver services in a timely and organized manner was invaluable. They consistently met deadlines, allowing the project to progress smoothly without costly delays. Their attention to detail and commitment to meeting established timeframes played a pivotal role in our ability to stay on track.

In summary, the contributions of SWALS were instrumental in the overall success of our major infrastructure development. Their professionalism, cost-effective solutions, and culturally sensitive approach to heritage management were commendable. We highly recommend their services to any project seeking excellence in heritage management while maintaining adherence to budgets and schedules. Sincerely,
Wanita Bartholomeusz
Aboriginal Engagement & Participation Manager UGL Pty Limited

At South West Aboriginal Land Services, our core values of ethics, professionalism, and value guide every aspect of our work. We are proud to be led by leading experts in environmental management, social sciences, and business, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of expertise and service in the industry.

Get in Touch

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