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Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, 1 George Winecke Drive, Perth Airport, Perth (2026)

30/07/2026

ORIC CONFIRMS ADVISORY MATTER CLOSED

The Board of Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation is pleased to advise members and the community that the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) has confirmed that the issues raised in its Advisory Letter have been addressed and that the matter is now formally closed.

This outcome reflects the Corporation's commitment to working constructively with ORIC, responding to its requests, and continuing to strengthen governance, accountability and organisational practices.

Over recent months there has been significant public commentary regarding the Corporation. Throughout this period, the Board has remained focused on ensuring decisions were made in the best interests of the Corporation and its members.

While this chapter has now concluded, our focus has not changed. We remain committed to strengthening governance, protecting Whadjuk culture and heritage, improving services for members, and implementing the Corporation's Strategic Plan.

During this period, the Corporation has:

* Strengthened governance and decision-making processes.
* Rebuilt and stabilised the operations team.
* Improved internal systems and organisational accountability.
* Progressed long-overdue membership administration.
* Continued engaging with Elders, members and stakeholders.
* Continued delivering cultural heritage services and protecting Whadjuk interests.

The Board thanks ORIC for its engagement throughout this process and acknowledges its important role in supporting good governance across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations.

Most importantly, we thank our members, Elders, staff and community for their patience and continued support.

With this matter now resolved, the Board looks forward to building a stronger, transparent and sustainable future for Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation—together.

30/07/2026

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation Board Appoints Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Dominic Panaia as the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer on a three-year contract, with an option to extend for a further two years.

The appointment follows several months of Mr Panaia serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer during one of the most significant periods of organisational transition in the Corporation's recent history.

During this time, the Corporation has focused on restoring stability, strengthening governance, rebuilding organisational capability, and laying the foundations for the future. Significant progress has been made in rebuilding operational systems, progressing long-overdue membership administration, strengthening relationships with stakeholders, improving accountability, assisting in developing a Strategic Plan that will guide Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation over the coming years.

Following extensive engagement with members and Elders, including the recent Over 55s Elders Gathering, the Board determined that the time was right to confirm the leadership that will deliver this next phase of the Corporation's journey.

Chairperson Charne Hayden said the decision followed careful consideration and was made unanimously.

"This appointment was not made lightly. Over the past several months the Board has had the opportunity to observe Dominic's leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the Corporation's recent history."

"In making this decision, the Board considered Dominic's demonstrated leadership as Interim CEO, including strengthening governance, rebuilding and stabilising the Corporation's operations team, improving organisational accountability, bringing the Board and Cultural Advice Committee together to work collaboratively, progressing the Corporation's strategic direction and providing stability during a significant period of change."

"The Board also considered Dominic's extensive professional experience and his commitment to delivering positive outcomes for our members."

"After carefully considering all of these factors, the Board unanimously resolved that appointing Dominic as Chief Executive Officer was in the best interests of Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation and its members."

The Board acknowledged that appointing a Chief Executive Officer is one of its most important governance responsibilities.

Having observed Mr Panaia's leadership over an extended period during his appointment as Interim CEO and recognising the importance of maintaining continuity while implementing the Corporation's Strategic Plan, the Board determined that confirming his appointment provides the strongest foundation to continue the progress already underway.

The Board also reaffirmed its commitment to developing future Whadjuk leadership.

As part of its long-term vision, the Board will establish a succession pathway to identify, mentor, and develop future Whadjuk leaders into executive leadership positions, ensuring the Corporation continues to build leadership capacity from within its own corporation.

About Chief Executive Officer

Dominic Panaia is a Noongar man who was born and raised on Whadjuk Country in Boorloo (Perth), where he has lived for the past 47 years.

His family connections extend across Noongar Country through the Hill, Wallam, Jones, Cornwall, Harris, and Isaacs families, with connections to Wilman people of the Authur River, Kojanup, Wagin and Woodanilling, and the Bibulmun Wadandi people of Busselton and Margaret River region.

Growing up in Thornlie and Langford, Dominic was raised amongst his Elders, family, and community. Many members of Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation are people he has known throughout his life through family, sport, community, and Country. Those lifelong relationships have given him a strong appreciation of the aspirations, challenges and resilience of Whadjuk Noongars and the importance of building a corporation that genuinely delivers for its members.

Professionally, Dominic brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience across government, Mining, Aboriginal community work, and the private sector.

Throughout his career he has led multidisciplinary teams, managed complex operations, overseen procurement, and commercial contracts, delivered major infrastructure strategies, environmental and heritage projects, managed significant budgets and worked closely with Boards, Traditional Owners, government agencies, industry and community organisations as well as head contractors.

His experience includes executive leadership, corporate governance, procurement, strategic planning, Aboriginal heritage, environmental management, contract management, organisational reform, stakeholder engagement, and building partnerships that deliver lasting outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Originally appointed as Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation's Heritage, Lands and Environment Manager, Dominic was approached by the Board to assume the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer during a period of organisational transition.

Over recent months he has worked closely with the Board to stabilise the organisation, strengthen governance and restore confidence in the Corporation.

Working alongside the Board and the Cultural Advice Committee, he has helped rebuild positive working relationships, supported the development of the Corporation's Strategic Plan, assisted in progressing the Board's long-term strategic direction and focused on creating a united leadership approach that places members and culture at the centre of decision making.

During this period, he has also overseen the rebuilding and stabilisation of the Corporation's operations team, strengthened internal systems and governance processes, improved stakeholder engagement, directed the clean-up of long-overdue membership administration and worked to establish a more accountable, transparent, and sustainable organisation.

The Board also noted that Dominic is currently the only Noongar Chief Executive Officer leading one of the six Noongar Regional Corporations, reflecting its confidence in his leadership, professional experience, and commitment to serving Whadjuk Noongars.

Mr Panaia said he was humbled by the confidence placed in him by the Board.

"I didn't seek this position. I accepted the Interim CEO role because the Board asked me to help guide the Corporation through a difficult period and provide stability while important governance matters were addressed."

"It has been a privilege to work alongside our Board, Cultural Advice Committee, staff, Elders, members and stakeholders during this period of change. I am honoured that the Board has now placed its confidence in me to continue leading the Corporation into its next chapter."

"My commitment is to continue building a strong, united and accountable Corporation by working alongside our Board, Cultural Advice Committee, Elders, members, staff and stakeholders. Together we will continue strengthening governance, protecting and promoting Whadjuk culture and heritage, creating employment, business and economic opportunities for our people, and delivering the strategic direction our members have helped shape for current and future generations."

“My Grandfather Les (Bardi) Hill was an elder and spokesman for his families over many years and I have only followed in the footsteps of my elders doing work for the betterment of our people. I am born from a strong Noongar Yorga, and she comes from strong Noongar yorga’s before her, I am salt of the earth, and I share the same blood through birth from my mother and my grandmothers before her right back to pre-settlement.

The Board thanks the Corporation's members, Elders, staff, Traditional Owners, proponents, government agencies and partner organisations for their ongoing support throughout the Corporation's transition.

With a clear Strategic Plan now in the works and a renewed focus on governance, accountability, culture and opportunity, the Board looks forward to continuing to build a stronger, more transparent and united Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation for the benefit of all members.

28/07/2026

Over 70 Whadjuk Elders Unite to Help Shape Our Future

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation was honoured to welcome more than 70 respected Elders and community members to our Over 55s Elders Gathering at the Gosnells Function Centre.

A traditional Smoking Ceremony was held during the morning break for Elders and attendees who wished to participate, providing an opportunity for reflection and cultural connection as the gathering continued.

The Board stood before our Elders and spoke openly about the challenges the Corporation has faced over the past few months, the difficult decisions that have been made, and their commitment to rebuilding a stronger Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation for all members.

There were robust discussions throughout the day. At times the conversations were passionate, and there were differing opinions, but every person in the room shared one common goal creating a stronger future for Whadjuk people.

One of the major topics of discussion was the future of monitoring opportunities for Whadjuk people. Elders spoke honestly about the current system, the need for greater fairness, opportunities for younger generations, cultural responsibilities, employment pathways and ensuring our people continue to benefit from work on Country.

The Board also presented its vision for the next five years, outlining the strategic direction for the Corporation and the opportunities ahead. Discussions covered governance, cultural leadership, employment, economic development, heritage protection, environmental management and creating lasting benefits for future generations. Importantly, the gathering was not simply about presentations. It was about listening.

Every Elder had the opportunity to speak, ask questions, challenge ideas and provide advice directly to the Board and management. The Board welcomed this feedback, recognising that the wisdom, experience and cultural authority of our Elders must help shape the future direction of the Corporation.

One of the most positive outcomes of the day was seeing relationships begin to heal. Honest conversations were had, difficult questions were asked and answered, and people left with a better understanding of each other. While not every issue was resolved, there was a shared commitment to move forward together with respect and unity.

The Board sincerely thanks every Elder who attended, shared their knowledge and contributed to the discussions. Your voices matter, your experience matters and your guidance will help shape the future of Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation.

This gathering is only the beginning.

The Corporation is committed to holding further engagement sessions with our entire membership so that every Whadjuk member has the opportunity to contribute to our Strategic Plan and help shape the next chapter of the corporation.

Together, we can build a stronger, more transparent and united corporation for our children, grandchildren and future generations.

We thank everyone who attended and look forward to continuing this journey together.

23/07/2026

A Message from the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation Board

To our Members and the Whadjuk Community,

For the past few months, there has been a great deal said about Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation. Many of you have read social media posts, seen media articles and heard different versions of events.

Until now, the Board has deliberately remained silent.

Not because we had nothing to say, but because our responsibility has been to protect the Corporation, its members and employees by ensuring every decision was made based on evidence, legal advice and good governance not emotion or public commentary.

We believe the time is right for our members to hear directly from us leading into the Elders Gathering for Members over 55 tomorrow.

The Leadership Transition
Following serious concerns being brought to the Board regarding the former Chief Executive Officer, Mr Leon Ruri, the Board made the decision on the 11th of May 2026 to place him on paid stand down while those matters were investigated. A third-party investigator was subsequently appointed, and throughout that process Mr Ruri had legal representation of his own.

During that period, further matters came to the Board's attention. After obtaining legal advice, the Board resolved to summarily dismiss Mr Ruri on the 12th of June 2026. The Board will not publicly release confidential employment correspondence or legal advice, nor will it conduct employment matters through social media.

What the Board Found
As part of its review, the Board examined governance records, financial records, contracts, operational systems, corporate records and organisational practices.
The review identified a number of significant governance and operational issues requiring immediate attention.
Among those were incomplete corporate records, unfinished operational transition work, historical membership backlogs, fragmented administrative systems and governance processes requiring substantial improvement.

The Board also reviewed financial commitments, expenditure approvals, governance reporting, contracts, banking arrangements and operational controls to ensure decisions affecting the Corporation were properly authorised and recorded.

One matter identified during the Board's review was an invoice from Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust – Waikato Tainui Group relating to the March 2026 Aotearoa delegation in the amount of approximately NZD $66,700. The Board considered this matter carefully because previous public statements regarding the delegation indicated that significant components of the trip, including flights and accommodation, were being externally funded. The financial records identified during the Board's review required those funding arrangements to be reconciled. Accordingly, the Board undertook a detailed review of the Corporation's financial records to determine what commitments had been made, what funding had been received, and what financial liabilities remained with the Corporation.

Strengthening Governance
The Board's responsibility has never been to look backwards simply to assign blame. Our responsibility is to ensure that Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation is governed properly and remains financially strong for future generations.

Since May 2026, the Board has strengthened governance by improving financial oversight, rebuilding internal systems, reviewing contracts, strengthening approval processes and implementing clearer conflict-of-interest, reporting and governance procedures. Importantly, none of the current Directors undertake paid cultural monitoring work for the Corporation. The Board considers this an important governance principle to maintain a clear separation between governance responsibilities and operational opportunities.

Memberships
One of the first operational priorities was addressing the significant backlog of membership applications. Historical membership records required verification before the Board could responsibly determine membership matters under the Corporation's Rule Book and the CATSI Act.

To improve this process, the Corporation recruited a dedicated Memberships and Administration Officer. Significant progress has since been made in processing historical applications, improving records and strengthening membership administration.

Building the Organisation
Despite the disruption created by the leadership transition, the Corporation has continued to deliver land, heritage, environmental and monitoring services across Whadjuk Country.
The Board has maintained relationships with proponents, government agencies and stakeholders while continuing to meet the Corporation's statutory and cultural responsibilities.

Key positions have been filled, including the Interim Chief Executive Officer, Land, Heritage and Environment Manager, Heritage Rostering Coordinator and Memberships & Administration Officer.
Recruitment has also been completed for the Urban Rivers Project Manager and Heritage Administration Officer positions. Recruitment is continuing for a Corporate Services Executive, Cultural Engagement Coordinator and Lands & Tenure Coordinator to further strengthen the Corporation's capability.

Why the Board Appointed an Interim CEO
Following the standing down of the former CEO, the Corporation required immediate executive leadership to ensure operations continued without interruption.
The Board appointed Dominic Panaia because of his experience in governance, organisational leadership, Aboriginal engagement, procurement, infrastructure and government spanning a number years.

His role has been to stabilise the Corporation, support staff, rebuild systems, strengthen governance and ensure services to members continued during a difficult period.

Staff turnover
The leadership transition was not limited to a change in executive leadership. It also resulted in a period of significant workforce disruption across the Corporation.

From the 11th of May 2026 onwards, several employees were absent for extended periods due to illness at the same time, while others chose to resign during or shortly after the leadership transition. This created immediate operational challenges and placed additional pressure on the remaining staff and the Board to ensure essential services continued without interruption.

To maintain business continuity, the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Board acted quickly to review staffing requirements, recruit to critical positions and strengthen the Corporation's organisational structure. New full-time positions were created where operational needs required them, including strengthening the Memberships and Administration function to address historical backlogs and improve service delivery.

During this period, the Corporation also reviewed internal reporting lines, employment arrangements, workplace processes and governance practices. Where concerns were identified, they were managed through appropriate internal processes, with advice from human resources and legal advisers where required. The Corporation remains committed to ensuring employment decisions are made fairly, consistently and in accordance with its legal obligations.

The Board recognises that periods of organisational change can be difficult for employees. Throughout the transition, management maintained regular communication with the Board and documented significant operational decisions to ensure transparency, accountability and appropriate oversight.
The Corporation has also received feedback from a number of current and former employees regarding their experiences within the organisation over time. While individual employment matters remain confidential and will not be debated publicly, the Board has considered relevant information as part of its broader review of governance, workplace practices and organisational culture.

Despite these challenges, the Corporation has continued delivering services to members, proponents and stakeholders while progressively rebuilding its workforce. Today, Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation has greater organisational stability, clearer governance, strengthened management systems and a growing team committed to delivering positive outcomes for Whadjuk people.
Throughout this period, the Board also acknowledges the dedication of those employees who remained with the Corporation and continued delivering services under challenging circumstances sometimes working long hours and weekends. Their professionalism and commitment ensured that essential services to members and proponents continued uninterrupted.

Looking Forward
The Board understands that many members have questions. We also understand that trust must be earned. While others have chosen to debate these matters publicly, our focus has remained on doing the work required to rebuild Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation. In just a short period, governance has been strengthened, financial oversight improved, recruitment has commenced across key positions, membership administration has been rebuilt, and organisational systems continue to improve.

There is still much work ahead, but the Board is committed to seeing it through. Every decision the Board makes is guided by one question: "Is this in the best interests of Whadjuk members and future generations?" That remains our commitment.

The Board welcomes respectful engagement with members and will continue communicating openly as the Corporation moves forward.
The Board has chosen to communicate directly with members through Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation's own channels rather than engage in ongoing public debate through media outlets. We remain committed to providing factual information to our members and community and will continue to focus our time and resources on strengthening the Corporation rather than responding to every allegation or opinion expressed publicly.

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation
Board of Directors

20/07/2026

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation Reaches Important Governance Milestone
20th July 2026

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation today reached an important governance milestone as the Board of Directors and the Cultural Advice Committee (CAC) met together officially for the first time since the current Board was elected in November 2025.
The meeting also marked the first meeting of the Cultural Advice Committee since March, providing an important opportunity to reconnect, share information and discuss the future direction of the Corporation.

Recognising the importance of rebuilding communication and strengthening relationships, the Board and Interim Chief Executive Officer Dominic Panaia made bringing the Board and the Cultural Advice Committee back together a priority.
Although there were some absences from both the Board and the Cultural Advice Committee, those who attended demonstrated a genuine commitment to the future of Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation and to working together in the best interests of Whadjuk people.

The discussions were open, respectful and, at times, robust. Participants shared different perspectives, asked challenging questions and engaged in constructive conversations about governance, cultural leadership and the Corporation's long-term strategic direction.

Interim Chief Executive Officer Dominic Panaia said the meeting was an important step in rebuilding communication and trust.
"Since commencing as Interim CEO, I believed one of our priorities had to be bringing the Board and the Cultural Advice Committee together. Good governance is strengthened by good cultural advice, and today's meeting showed that when we sit around the same table, listen respectfully and focus on the future, we can achieve great outcomes for our people."

The meeting also provided an opportunity to present the Board's developing Strategic Direction and discuss the future vision for the Corporation ahead of this week's Over 55s Members Gathering, where Whadjuk Elders will help shape the Corporation's long-term priorities.

The Board thanked all Board Directors, Cultural Advice Committee members and staff who participated in the meeting and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open communication, strengthening relationships and continuing to work collaboratively for the benefit of current and future generations of Whadjuk people.

20/07/2026

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation Focused on Building a Strong Future for Whadjuk People

The Board of Directors of Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a strong, transparent and professionally governed Corporation that creates lasting opportunities for Whadjuk people and the wider Noongar community.

Since the recent leadership transition, Chairperson Charne Hayden, Deputy Chair Wayne Ryder, and Directors Colin Garlett and Denice Kickett have worked to strengthen governance, improve financial oversight, enhance operational systems and restore confidence in the Corporation while ensuring services to members, proponents and stakeholders continue uninterrupted.

The Board has asked Interim Chief Executive Officer Dominic Panaia to continue leading the Corporation while it works with members and Elders to establish the Corporation's long-term strategic direction. That direction will be further informed through consultation with Whadjuk Elders at the Over 55s Members Gathering on 24 July, recognising the importance of Elders' knowledge, experience and guidance in shaping the Corporation's future.

Chairperson Charne Hayden said the Board remains united and focused on building a corporation that genuinely delivers for its members.

"The Board has remained committed to doing what is in the best interests of Whadjuk people. Our focus has never been on personalities or public disputes. Our focus is governance, accountability, cultural leadership and creating opportunities for our community."

A key priority for the Board is creating greater opportunities for Whadjuk businesses and entrepreneurs by developing pathways for Traditional Owner businesses to participate directly in the work generated through the Corporation's relationships with proponents. The Corporation believes this approach will strengthen economic participation and create long-term benefits for Whadjuk families while continuing to expand community initiatives, including support for Elders, funeral assistance, youth programs, educational opportunities and broader community development.

Interim Chief Executive Officer Dominic Panaia said the Corporation was entering an exciting new chapter.

"Our vision is to build a corporation that creates real opportunities for Whadjuk people. We want to see Whadjuk businesses growing, Whadjuk people employed, and our community sharing in the benefits created on Country. The books were previously closed, I am here to say they are now open and we want to work with you. As the only current employed Noongar in the CEO position across all regional corporations, I want our people to know we can do it, we don’t need anyone else to do it for us. We are strong Noongar people, and we have all the tools we need right here in Noongar country so let’s get to work."

The Board remains committed to transparency, accountability and respectful engagement as it continues building a modern, financially sustainable Corporation that protects Whadjuk culture, creates opportunities for members and ensures the benefits generated on Whadjuk Country flow back to Whadjuk people.

10/07/2026

Member Information Notice

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation wishes to advise members that the Corporation has recently received a request for a copy of the Register of Members in accordance with the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).

Under the CATSI Act, members have the legal right to inspect the Register of Members or request a copy of the Register.
The Corporation is required to comply with valid requests made under the legislation.

The Register of Members contains the information prescribed by the CATSI Act, including:
Member name;
Member address; and
The date the member's entry was made in the Register of Members.

While the Corporation is legally required to provide access where the Act requires it, the CATSI Act also places strict obligations on any person who obtains information from the Register.

Information obtained from the Register must only be used for purposes permitted under the CATSI Act.

Unauthorised use or disclosure of that information, including using it to contact members for unrelated purposes, may constitute an offence under the Act and may expose the person to penalties and civil liability.

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation takes the privacy of its members seriously and is committed to meeting both its statutory obligations and its responsibilities to safeguard members' personal information.
If members have any questions regarding the Register of Members, their rights under the CATSI Act, or the Corporation's obligations, they are encouraged to contact the Corporation directly.

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation
Committed to good governance, transparency and protecting the interests of our members.

Kwop naakal,

Dominic Panaia
Interim CEO

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation

30/07/2026

30/07/2026

28/07/2026

23/07/2026

20/07/2026

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10/07/2026

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