Boola Kep Boola Koort – Many Waters, Many Hearts
Boola Kep, Boola Koort Water Roundtable Held at Murdoch University
On 21st and 22nd July, Murdoch University and the Coolamon Research & Advocacy Centre proudly hosted the 2025 Water Roundtable, Boola Kep Boola Koort – Many Waters, Many Hearts.
The Boola Kep, Boola Koort Water Roundtable marked a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to secure safe, clean and reliable water for Aboriginal homeland communities.
Hosted by the Coolamon Research and Advocacy Centre, with support from the Homelands Advocacy Hub, the Roundtable brought together representatives from ten Homeland communities across Western Australia and the Torres Strait Islands, alongside researchers, service providers and government partners. The gathering focused on shared challenges around water quality and supply and strengthening action on long‑standing water access and safety issues.
Designed as a culturally grounded Aboriginal leadership space, the Roundtable centred Aboriginal voices and lived experience. Through shared stories and collaborative discussion, participants strengthened community‑led approaches to water justice and care for Country, with government and service partners engaging in a spirit of listening, learning and genuine partnership.
Purpose of the Roundtable
The Roundtable was designed to:
- Revisit recommendations and priorities identified through earlier gatherings held since 2019
- Hear directly from communities about current challenges, progress and local solutions
- Identify emerging issues that must shape future water policy, service delivery and research
- Set a clear direction for the next phase of work, including collaborative research projects and strengthened policy influence
What happens next:
This Roundtable has strengthened networks, highlighted practical solutions, and set the stage for future action, including a proposed NHMRC Partnership Grant to advance safe water, sanitation and hygiene in Homelands. The commitment shared in these rooms must now translate into systemic change, led by Aboriginal communities, supported by partners, and acted on by government and service providers.
 Uncle Brendon Cook |
This page contains images of the 2025 Water Roundtable, group discussion, Elders and community leaders. Uncle Brendon Cook is pictured sharing knowledge with the roundtable attendees. |
Click the image below to access the Summary Report.
Figure 1. Group photo of (left to right): P.Green, J.Katzenellenbogen, C.Jones,A.Richard, R.Holme, D,Muscedere, N.Mclvor, P.Wood-Kenney, R.Strickland, M.David, M.West, B.Cook, J.Drummond, C.Beal, D.Sibosado, S.Cox, E.Lukale,S.Barba,E. Mosby, A.Le, M.Rind, T.Sibosado, S.Bourke, R.Walker, T. Zirakbash, C.Macfadyen, K.Fell, A.Kumar Gain, J.West, V.Stroud, M.Woodley.