Our Vision

Our Values

Our Boodja (Our Place/Country)

Karlup is a Noongar word meaning homeland/heartland. The Karlup Aboriginal Corporation (Karlup)’s heartland is Midland, Western Australia, within the Noongar Moort of Weeip Maali Boodja. This area holds significant cultural and historical importance for the Noongar people, who have lived in the South West of Western Australia for at least 45,000 years. Midland, located on the east bank of the Swan River (Derbyl Yerrigan), has long been a place of gathering and cultural connection for Aboriginal people, both pre- and post-settlement. It has been referred to as “Marjarnup,” meaning meeting place, and has several significant spiritual and cultural sites.

The City of Swan, which includes Midland, continues to be an important area for Aboriginal people. It has the largest population of Aboriginal people of any other Local Government Authority within Western Australia. It is home to a diverse range of Aboriginal people who may have traditional connections to various places within and outside the Noongar Nation. The Native Title Agreement’s identification of six Noongar regions, does not fully capture the complex interconnections of these families and places. Karlup therefore welcomes all Aboriginal people, regardless of their traditional owner affiliations, acknowledging the diverse identities and connections in the community.

Our Moorditj (Strength)

We can create solutions for our people when we are moorditj (strong) physically, emotionally and culturally secure.

Members of Karlup are active in local community groups that have a focus on creating positive, respectful and inclusive activities and programs that focus on engaging local Aboriginal men, women and young people. Despite continuing disadvantage, high levels of FDV and a lack of culturally secure services, there is a sense of optimism and hope arising from positive initiatives being led by local Aboriginal groups. Aboriginal men’s groups are delivering cultural camps and outings, cultural art and music activities, BBQs, family days and health, healing, personal development and wellbeing programs. These include Moorditj Maaman Men’s Group, Kwobidak Moort – Strong Fathers program, Maali Deadly Yorga’s Women’s program and the Keny Moort program. The groups run to capacity, are relationship based and provide opportunities for men, women and young people to engage in activities that promote healing and positive healthy relationships. The Midland NAIDOC Day is a hugely successful event attracting 3,500 people, showcasing health and culturally safe service providers and amplifying a sense of pride around culture and community.

Karlup has been built upon the engagement, optimism and empowerment of Aboriginal men and women through their participation in these groups. Karlup views their close connection to, and understanding of, the local community as being its core strength as we can identify and engage with the local community at a grass roots level about issues of broad concern. Karlup can bring both cultural and place-based knowledge when involving the local Aboriginal community in developing and implementing solutions.

Our Kaartdijin (Our Knowledge)

Knowledge and solutions can be found within our local Aboriginal communities.

The Noongar word “kaartdijin” refers to knowledge, wisdom, or understanding, particularly in relation to the land, culture, and the environment. It encompasses a deep connection to and respect for the world around us, representing the traditional knowledge passed down through generations. This knowledge includes not only practical survival skills and practices but also the spiritual, cultural, and ecological wisdom that guides the Noongar people’s relationship with their country. “Kaartdijin” reflects a holistic understanding that integrates language, lore, and the ongoing interaction with the land, emphasizing the importance of learning from and respecting the natural world

We acknowledge the significance of Traditional owners and that Noongar people have a voice and in control of their own lives and communities.  They hold the solutions and the pathways to true health and wellbeing.  We embrace connection to culture, self-empowerment of Aboriginal people and working together to strengthen our people and our place. 

Our Moort (Our Family)

Moort( family) is core to who we are, how we work, what we value and what we promote. 

The Noongar word “moort” translates to “family” or “kin” and refers to the broader concept of a person’s extended family, including both immediate and extended relatives, as well as those connected through cultural ties. “Moort” is central to Noongar identity and social structure, signifying a deep sense of belonging, interconnectedness, and responsibility within the community. It reflects not only familial relationships but also the broader network of people who share cultural, ancestral, and traditional bonds. The concept of “moort” underscores the importance of community support, shared values, and collective care for one another within the Noongar Nation.