ABOUT US
WAATSIC is a community-led organisation grounded in culture, connection and responsibility to Country. We work to support our people through leadership, advocacy and programs that strengthen social, cultural, environmental and economic outcomes.
We are a Not-For-Profit Organisation, that builds relationships with others and provides community leadership, support and advocacy.
We exist to assist in the relief of poverty, sickness, destitution, helplessness, distress, suffering and misfortune among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Shire of Waroona, through the process of supporting and improving social, cultural, community and economic development outcomes. Building cultural knowledge and celebrating First Nations culture with the wider community.
WAATSIC was founded on the community development work undertaken by Mr Bruce Jetta (RIP) on behalf of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Shire of Waroona and Harvey. The Waroona Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Corporation was registered as a corporation under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 on 29th of March 2019.
Our Directors
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Rev. Jetta’s roots go back to Bindjareb Country, and he also has connections to Yued, Bardimia, Balladong and Wardandi. He was born in Kellerberrin Balladong country, moved to Pingelly to finish high school. Then in the early 1980s he moved with his family to Waroona. Remaining in the region Rev. Jetta now lives in Yarloop, where his Grandmother on his fathers side was born.
His Great - Great Grandfather on his mother’s side, travelled with their families up the river to escape the Pinjarra Massacre.
As a Reverend of the Uniting Church, and a Local Elder of the Community, Knowledge holder, he is a mentor and role model for the younger generation and wider community.
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Jennifer Turner (nee Jetta) is the Director / Treasurer of the WAATSIC. Jennifer has connections to Bindjareb Country through the Abrahams. She was born in Kellerberrin, Balladong Country, with connections to Yamajti Country.
Jennifer is also a member of the Waroona Uniting Church, as well as ‘The Waroona Advisory Group’. Which includes the local Police, the Shire of Waroona, Waroona District High School and St Joseph’s Primary School. Jennifer currently works at St Michaels Primary School, 1 day a week in Brunswick.
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Adrianna is a proud Bindjareb Noongar woman with strong connections to Balladong, Whadjuk, Yued and Wardandi Country.
She serves as a Director and Secretary of the Waroona Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, as well as leads as the Bindjareb Rangers Supervisor. She holds these roles with deep respect, grounded in culture and driven by a strong commitment to the community.
Her journey into leadership began through connection – listening to the Elders, learning on Country, and understanding the responsibility we carry as caretakers of land, culture, and community.
Adrianna’s vision is for mob to walk proud knowing who they are, where they come from, and where they`re going. She is committed to standing up for community, leading with integrity, and creating space for the next generation to lead. Believing our future is strong because our roots are strong.
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Brad is a proud Noongar man with spiritual, cultural and ancestral connections to Bindjareb, Menang, Wilman and Wadandi Countries of the Noongar Nation. He is a recognised young leader of the Bindjareb Noongar people, on his journey to learn and be trusted with ancient knowledge of Country, Culture and Customs, to ensure this knowledge not only survives, but thrives for future generations. Brad is an experienced Director, skilled in governance, strategic planning, finance and leadership in not-for-profits and corporate entities. He is also recognised for his knowledge and work in the community development, sport and recreation, justice, local government and business industries. Brad is a passionate advocate for promoting the opportunities that exist through synergising traditional and contemporary culture, tourism, conservation, education and technology.
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Rickardo is a proud Noongar man with spiritual, cultural and ancestral connections to Bindjareb, Balladong, Whadjuk, Yued and Wilman Countries. He has been living in the Waroona region for the last twenty plus years, and has become heavily involved in the Community during this time. He volunteers his time coaching Basketball and Football, as well as serving on community committees. Rickardo also works as a Bindjareb Ranger, caring for Bindjareb Country, through educational and cultural practices, as well as traditional knowledge sharing with the next generation. Rickardo is a strongly family-oriented man and has a great respect for his Elders and culture.
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Daphne is a proud Bindjareb Noongar woman and Bindjareb Elder in Waroona, with family connections throughout Bindjareb Country, specifically in connection to the Pinjarra massacre site. She is a board member of WAATSIC, and a member of ‘The Waroona Advisory Group’. Which includes the local Police, the Shire of Waroona, Waroona District High School and St Joseph’s Primary School. Daphne’s children and grandchildren are active participants attending sporting clubs in the community.
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Jacinta is a proud Bindjareb / Ballardong Noongar woman. She was born in Pinjarra and grew up across the district between Brookton and Waroona and has family connections throughout the Wheatbelt and Bindjareb areas. She has been a part of WAATSIC as a Director for approximately three years and is currently working in the local school, as an AFaFE Playgroup Coordinator. In addition to filling an Education Assistant role.
The WAATSIC team is made up of respected Elders, community leaders and emerging voices who bring knowledge, experience and commitment to everything we do. Together, they guide our direction with integrity, cultural authority and a strong focus on future generations.
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Respect - Collaboration - Family - Culture - Leadership - Empowerment - Belonging - Encouragement - Self Determination - Sustainability.
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Our Vision is for a future with strong empowered leaders and generations of people and families who are responsible and in control of their own destiny, who have access to opportunity, and will keep the fire burning with strong spirits and strong minds.
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Our people want good lives, improved opportunities, better health & well-being & a thriving culture.
WAATSIC assists in the relief of poverty, sickness, destitution, helplessness, distress, suffering and misfortune among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Shire of Waroona, through the process of supporting and improving social, cultural, community and economic development outcomes.
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Health and Wellbeing
Securing access to reliable, culturally safe health and mental health services, appropriate housing, and initiatives addressing disadvantage and justice issues, ensuring cultural heritage and community benefit from land and resources.
Culture and Land
Fostering cultural identity and community through celebration, cultural mapping, events, and education, as well as the recognition and respect of Bindjareb as traditional custodians. The plan calls for a cultural center in Waroona, and the protection and transfer of traditional knowledge and artifacts.
Education, Employment, Business
Supporting literacy and language, advocating for education and interagency partnerships, and leveraging funding and the benefits of the Southwest Native Title Settlement and Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) to increase economic and employment opportunities while protecting culture and Country
Organisations and Entities
Striving for sustainable, proud organisations through member-centric decision-making, inclusive and culturally appropriate governance, regulatory compliance, and building financial sustainability to benefit members.
