Gabbie Kylie Foundation

The Gabbie Kylie Foundation was established in late 2007 to conserve and interpret the Indigenous heritage values of WA’s south coast region and to enable Traditional Owners to re-establish connections with country. The Foundation’s core program provides a holistic approach to Caring for Country that integrates diverse groups and agencies involved in land and heritage management with a highly effective delivery model. Local coordinators and specialists work directly with Elders and Indigenous work teams. Gabbie Kylie has established a wide range of partnerships with government and private sector organisations. Gabbie Kylie is currently auspiced by the National Trust of Australia (W.A.), which provides support for governance, policy and administration. The Foundation has delivered high-level rock art protection projects; documented a number of unrecorded rock art panels, motifs and stone arrangements; developed the first model of marine transgression and island formation of the Recherche Archipelago; identified and recorded numerous, complex archaeological sites; excavated sites showing evidence of human occupation extending over 4,500 years ago; identified native rodent populations on Woody Island; and carried out a number of environmental conservation projects. The Foundation was a category finalist in the 2010 Banksia Environmental Awards.