Storey & Ward ~ Lawyers. Mediators. Consultants.

Did you know that Storey & Ward ~ Lawyers. Mediators. Consultants. have a strong focus on helping Traditional Owners navigate the complexities of First Nations Cultural Heritage Law? 👉🏽 👉🏽 👉🏽 Gaining formal recognition for cultural heritage rights under state and federal laws can be a challenging and multi-layered process. Our team has extensive experience working within various jurisdictions to ensure Traditional Owners secure their rightful recognition. We offer specialised legal support in applications, for example recognition as a Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) under the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act, or as a Recognised Aboriginal Representative Body in South Australia. Whether assisting with applications or responding to challenges, we are committed to ensuring that Traditional Owners can assert their cultural heritage rights with confidence. Navigating associated processes can be equally complex, especially when disputes arise regarding cultural heritage approvals. Storey & Ward ~ Lawyers. Mediators. Consultants. are well-equipped to assist clients through these matters, offering clear guidance and expert legal support every step of the way. Our commitment to protecting Indigenous cultural heritage and ensuring legal recognition reflects our dedication to justice and equity. Want to know more? Contact us on info@storeyward.com.au or check out our website here: 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 #CulturalHeritage #CulturalHeritageRights #TraditionalOwners #LandJustice #LegalAdvocacy Matthew Storey

Next Saturday 26 October, Alexandra Hill and Dr Matthew Storey from Storey & Ward ~ Lawyers. Mediators. Consultants. will be speaking at the Australia ICOMOS - AICOMOS 2024. 👉🏽 👉🏽 👉🏽 At the invitation of the National Scientific Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage, they’re participating in the panel on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from 9-10.15am AWST. Since UNESCO adopted its Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003 there has been much debate within ICOMOS around the connections between ICH and tangible heritage. How do we manage the relationship between ICH and its interaction with the physical heritage place? The values of ICH to different communities and groups, notably the Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, must also be incorporated into protections and understandings of place. Tickets for the Symposium are still available 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽

Cultural Heritage and Women in STEM 👉🏽 👉🏽 👉🏽 Meet Gullara McInnes, a young Indigenous woman pioneering the use of drone technology for cultural and environmental preservation, including mapping cultural heritage sites. As a member of the CSIRO Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy and a science and law student at James Cook University, Gullara collaborates with the Elders of the Wallara clan of the Koko-Muluridji people to ensure their traditions and land are safeguarded. At Storey & Ward Lawyers, we often hear Traditional Owners express the need for culturally appropriate methods of managing Country, and for their communities to harness technology in ways that align with their values. While cultural heritage mapping isn't always the solution governments assume it to be, empowering young women like Gullara is a step towards genuine progress. Read more about Gullara here: 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 #IndigenousInnovation #STEMLeadership #CulturalPreservation #EnvironmentalStewardship #DroneTechnology #TraditionalKnowledge #WomenInSTEM #CulturalHeritage #CountryCare #FutureLeaders

Who we are and what we do at Storey & Ward ~ Lawyers. Mediators. Consultants. 👉🏽 👉🏽 👉🏽 Storey & Ward ~ Lawyers. Mediators. Consultants. specialise in providing expert legal & policy services tailored to the needs of Traditional Owner organisations, particularly in the areas of Native Title, Indigenous Cultural Heritage Law, and Land Rights. We are committed to supporting First Nations communities in achieving self-determination and protecting their cultural heritage through comprehensive legal and policy support. We can help with: 👉🏽 First Nations Cultural Heritage Law: Navigating the complex process of statutory recognition of Traditional Owner rights and responsibilities for cultural heritage can be challenging. Our team has specialised experience working within state and commonwealth jurisdictions to achieve formal recognition. 👉🏽 Native Title and Land Rights: With decades of experience in Native Title law, we assist clients in navigating the statutory land rights processes, representing both applicants and respondents to achieve land justice outcomes. 👉🏽 Natural Resource Management Law: As the legal landscape around critical minerals, water, carbon, geothermal, and genetic resources evolves, we are at the forefront of policy development, helping Traditional Owner Corporations engage with these critical issues. 👉🏽 Mediation: Mediation is a vital component of Native Title processes. We offer culturally sensitive mediation services to support nation-building discussions and facilitate positive outcomes for native title and community matters. 👉🏽 Policy Development Consultancy: Achieving Traditional Owner rights requires deep understanding and expertise in jurisdictional levers. Our firm has a proven track record in delivering impactful policy outcomes at both state and commonwealth levels. 👉🏽 Expertise Development and Training: We offer thought leadership in the sector through seminars, symposiums, and professional development training, ensuring that Traditional Owners are equipped to navigate the regulatory and legislative environment effectively. Contact us for expert legal advice on Native Title, Indigenous Cultural Heritage Law, Land Rights, and Natural Resource Management. We provide culturally sensitive mediation, policy development consultancy, and training to support Traditional Owner rights and navigate the regulatory landscape. Read more about us here: 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 #NativeTitle #IndigenousCulturalHeritageLaw #LandRights #LegalSupport #TraditionalOwners #SelfDetermination #LegalAdvocacy #CulturalHeritage Matthew Storey

📢📢📢 Upcoming Training Seminar: Native Title & Indigenous Cultural Heritage Law, Wednesday 13 November 2024 📢📢📢 Are you looking to deepen your understanding of Native Title and Indigenous Cultural Heritage Law? 👉🏽 👉🏽 👉🏽 Storey & Ward ~ Lawyers. Mediators. Consultants. are offering an all-day, in-depth training seminar designed specifically for professionals working in heritage advisory, planning, environmental regulation, or community policy. This seminar covers essential topics like native title theory, the future acts regime, and the complex legal frameworks surrounding Indigenous cultural heritage in Australia. Beyond legal theory, you'll have the chance to hear directly from experts and engage in meaningful discussions on how these laws impact rights and responsibilities to culture and Country. An opportunity to engage with senior Traditional Owner Liz Allen will offer a real-world insight into the challenges Indigenous communities face today. Why Attend? ➡️ 💡Gain practical knowledge to apply in your work 💡Ideal for professionals in planning, environmental regulation, and community policy 💡Earn up to 6 CPD points (depending on your jurisdiction) If you’re ready to expand your expertise, connect with others in the field, and gain direct insights from a Traditional Owner, this seminar is an excellent opportunity. Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance your understanding of one of Australia’s most significant legal and cultural frameworks. For more details, including how to register, check out the link below. 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 *Special rates apply for participants from Traditional Owner organisations, contact training@storeyward.com.au for more information. #NativeTitle #CulturalHeritage #ProfessionalDevelopment #LandRights #LegalTraining Matthew Storey

Did you know that Storey & Ward ~ Lawyers. Mediators. Consultants. specialise in supporting Traditional Owner Corporations with expert legal advice and governance solutions? 👉🏽 👉🏽 👉🏽 These corporations often face complex regulatory environments, balancing the Corporations Act, the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act (CATSI), and additional legislation related to trusts, employment, tax, and cultural heritage laws. Our team is highly experienced in helping navigate these challenges to ensure that Traditional Owners can achieve the best economic outcomes. We also provide strategic planning and consulting services to strengthen business practices and governance structures within these organisations. Beyond legal expertise, we offer mediation, ethics training, and practical consulting, ensuring that Traditional Owner Corporations have all the tools needed for success. Whether dealing with cultural heritage issues or managing business growth, our comprehensive approach provides long-term solutions that benefit both the corporations and their communities. Want to know more? Contact us on info@storeyward.com.au or check out our website here: 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 #IndigenousBusiness #TraditionalOwners #CulturalHeritage #BusinessConsulting #Lawyers #NativeTitle #EconomicOutcomes #Governance Matthew Storey

This month at Storey & Ward Lawyers, we are celebrating women we admire in STEM 👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽 Our Special Counsel, Romany Tauber, admires Lose (Rose) Fonua. Lose (Rose) Fonua is the Chief Executive Officer for the First Nations Eye Health Alliance (The Alliance). Lose is a Wiradjuri woman trained in leadership, public and population health and has a long professional history of working in health promotion, medical research, prevention, capability building and strategy at a local, state, and national level. Lose has been heavily involved in setting up The Alliance and making sure the ideas born out of key discussions at the 2022 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NASTIEHC) on Larrakia Country in Darwin, NT have become a reality. The Alliance is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation focused on improving the eye health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within Australia. The Alliance utilises traditional and contemporary knowledges/pathways to develop equitable health approaches that stop preventable vision loss and blindness in First Nations people. The Alliance carries the vision of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to see the enactment of equitable improvements in eye health and vision care outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Lose’s work in leading The Alliance makes an essential contribution to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, building towards a collective national approach to empower First Nations communities so that they are healthy and flourishing. The Alliance provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in the eye care and vision sector along with their allies, a space to connect, learn and be supported. By becoming a member of The Alliance, you can help to strengthen First Nations leadership and voice within the eye health and vision care sector. Romany writes: “I’m inspired by Lose’s dedication and commitment to fostering this organisation that brings critical medical and scientific knowledge and resources to Indigenous communities around the country.” You can learn more about Lose & the First Nations Eye Health Alliance here: 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽

Today is World Mental Health Day (10 October), a global event aimed at raising awareness and promoting mental health care. Established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, the day shines a light on the importance of education and the need to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. It’s also an opportunity for organisations and individuals to reflect on the progress made in mental health care and how much more remains to be done. In countries like Australia, it’s part of a broader initiative like Mental Health Week. If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling with mental health, support services like Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are available. Remember, you’re not alone.

On this day in 1989 the Sámi Parliament of Norway (Sametinget) was officially opened in Karasjok, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of Sámi political and cultural rights. Established as a representative body for the Sámi people, the parliament is dedicated to promoting and protecting Sámi heritage, language, and land rights, giving Sámi communities a stronger voice in decisions that impact their lives and territories. The Sámi Parliament’s purpose extends beyond political representation; it serves as a platform for cultural autonomy, ensuring that the rights of Sámi people are upheld, particularly in relation to language development, cultural heritage protection, and education. Over time, its responsibilities have expanded to include managing cultural funds, language development, and protecting cultural heritage sites. The Parliament building itself, inaugurated in 2000, is a symbol of Sámi identity. Designed by architects Stein Halvorsen and Christian Sundby, the building’s design pays homage to Sámi architectural traditions, with its striking peaked structure resembling the traditional Sámi tipis. Located in Karasjok, a cultural hub where 80% of the population speaks Sámi, the building also houses a Sámi library, cultural organisations, and institutions focused on preserving and promoting Sámi culture. This iconic building reflects the rich heritage of the Sámi people and stands as a beacon of their ongoing efforts to maintain their cultural identity and political influence. You can read more about the Sámi Parliament of Norway on their website here (in Norwegian and Sámi languages): https://buff.ly/4gj1qBa. Earlier this year the Directors of Storey & Ward ~ Lawyers. Mediators. Consultants., Dr Matthew Storey and Donna Ward Storey, had the privilege of visiting the Norwegian Sámi Parliament. Take a look at some of their photos from this insightful experience 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 #SamiParliament #OnThisDay #SamiCulture #IndigenousRights #CulturalAutonomy #SamiHeritage #SamiArchitecture #Karasjok #IndigenousGovernance #SamiHistory #IndigenousEmpowerment #CulturalHeritage

Coming up next month! 📢 📢 📢 Keen to better understand the world of Native Title and Indigenous Cultural Heritage Law? Then check out our upcoming training seminar on Wednesday 13 November! ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ #nativetitle #culturalheritage #learn2024 #trainingcourse #cpd Matthew Storey / Liz Allen / Ash Finn