The Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC) is the official registered native title body corporate managing nearly 45,000 square kilometres of the Eyre Peninsula including Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Lincoln on behalf of the Traditional Owners.
Registered in 2018, BDAC is a financially autonomous corporation committed to advocating for our people’s rights and principles, protecting their culture and country, advancing their economic and social wellbeing and representing them in native title matters.
BDAC is experienced in negotiating meaningful and transformative Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA) for major projects on Country.
BDAC works proactively and respectfully with private enterprise and governments to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Through these partnerships, strong leadership, robust governance and meaningful engagement, we will enhance education, healthcare, housing and employment opportunities for Barngarla people.
Our Board
Our corporation is a community-led Aboriginal organisation that is guided by a board of 12 directors who oversee strategic decisions and policymaking.
Elected by our members on two-year terms, the directors represent Nomination Groups of Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Lincoln and the surrounding regions of Barngarla Country.
The responsibilities of the directors and board and the ways they conduct themselves are governed by our constitution and our policies and procedures. These include a code of conduct that describes and requires ethical standards of behaviour.
The board is supported by staff and contracted consultants including an operations coordinator, executive assistant, legal team and advisors who provide strategic advice and direction, and help with day-to-day activities, in consultation with the chairperson and directors.
Port Augusta
David Paige
Director
Judith Nelson-Paige
Director
Debra Brown
Director
Jeanne Miller
Director
Whyalla
Awhina Smith
Director
Peta Eyles
Director
Rebecca Pearce
Director
Andrew (AJ) Davis
Director
Port Lincoln
Jason Bilney
Chairperson
Eric Richards Snr
Director
Kingsley Bilney
Director
Brenton Richards-Nelson
Director
Executive Committee
Jason Bilney
Chairperson
Andrew (AJ) Davis
Deputy Chairperson
Jeanne Miller
Secretary/Contact Officer
Rebecca Pearce
Treasurer
Values & Culture
Our core purpose is to protect our culture and Country for future generations, while empowering all Barngarla individuals holistically by working towards self-determination and self-reliance.
We work together for our people, striving for the highest standards of conduct in every interaction and decision we take. We are proud of who we are and we are determined to shape our own agenda for our future.
Our Values
Country and connection
We care deeply for our Country, preserving it for present and future generations. Our ancestral connections bind us together across all time.
Unity
We work together for the wellbeing of current and future generations. We value commitment, respect, and care for our people, culture, land and waters.
Self-determination
We assert our right to self-determination. Self-determination guides our actions and decisions towards collective goals for our people, culture, land and waters.
Integrity
We prioritise honesty and integrity in all interactions. We keep our word, maintain confidentiality, and build trust through truthful, reliable and respectful communication and behaviour.
Collaboration
We collaborate with government and industry stakeholders with our eyes open. We prioritise sustainability and beneficial outcomes for Barngarla people, culture, lands and waters in all of our negotiations.
Quality
We set and meet high standards in all we do. We try to predict future needs and to continuously improve our work for the sustainable benefit of our people, culture lands and waters.
Barngarla People Charitable Trust
Australian Executor Trustees (AET) is the independent Trustee of the Barngarla People Charitable Trust.
BDAC works with AET to ensure funds paid into the Trust are managed and distributed in the best interests of our members.
A Trust Advisory Committee, comprising of six members, a director and a community representative from each Nomination Group will determine community priorities for funding.
Applications for funding in the 2025/2026 financial year are available to Barngarla members who were registered and approved before the Trust opened on the 10/11/2025.
Download an assistance form or contact AET on 1800 078 680 or barngarla@aetlimited.com.au
The AET call centre operating times are Mon-Fri, 9am - 1pm Western Australia (WA) time.
What happens after you call AET on the toll free number above?
You will hear the names of two other Native Title groups, please ignore these names and don't press any numbers just stay on the line and a "team member will be with you shortly."
Please be patient as many people may be trying to access the Barngarla People Charitable Trust.
It will also take a while for access to the Members Portal because your application initially will be submitted to the AET Information Technology (IT) department.
Once the IT department have processed your application you will receive a link via email to access your individual Members Portal.
Please be aware that it can take up to 3 days to process your Members Portal application.
