Kokatha and Arabana Communities

The Kokatha and Arabana lands have been inhabited for tens of thousands of years. Despite the damage done to the people and the land since European settlement, the communities have survived, thrived and continue to maintain their connection with Country. The Arabana were officially granted Native Title Consent Determination in 2012, and the Kokatha in 2014. There is now an opportunity for healing and new partnerships that empower and support the development of the neighbouring Kokatha and Arabana peoples.

The Peter Newman Foundation first supported the Arabana community in 2006, and following the return of the artefacts (described in the article below) to the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation in 2024, is building a long-term partnership to continue to strengthen and support these communities in South Australia.

Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation

Funding to purchase and donate to the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation (KAC) a magnificent painting of the Seven Sisters creation story created collaboratively by the Ken sisters from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia. This painting will be displayed in the foyer of the new KAC office and community space in Port Augusta along with the artefacts from Woomera and other artefacts that are held by the community. This display will help deepen understanding and connections and aims to encourage other artefacts that have been removed from Country to be returned where they belong.

Kokatha and the Newman Family
Aboriginal artefacts found in Woomera on Kokatha land
Two twisted wooden sticks and a flat wooden tool laid on a white surface, with a color calibration chart below.
Collection of seven stone tools of various shapes and sizes, along with an identification chart, laid out on a white surface.
Chris Newman and Chris Larkin

Pam Newman, Clive Wansbrough, Joyleen Thomas, Khatija Thomas, Chris Newman, Rosey Haas and Chris Larkin at the return of the Artefacts and the Seven Sisters painting donated to the Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation

Arabana Warli

In 2025/26, the foundation funded the Arabana Aboriginal Corporation to commission local artists to create artworks for the bedrooms and living spaces of the new Arabana Warli in Marree. The Warli is a vital gathering place on Country for Elders, families and community members to reconnect with their land, share stories and practise traditions. The artworks are now complete, and the Warli officially opened in September 2026. It is now up and running and welcoming people returning to Country.

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Four women standing on a wooden deck outside a building with a metal exterior, with a grill on the right, wearing casual clothing and sunglasses, under a partly cloudy sky.
Arabana
Arabana Warli Yarning Circle

Jodie Warren, Rosey Haas, Indra Haas and Joyleen Thomas at the new Arabana Warli in Marree.

More about the connections between the Newman Family and the Kokatha and Arabana communities

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Kokatha, Arabana and the Newman Family – Connecting generations
Kokatha, Arabana and the Newman Family – Connecting generations

When Chris and Pam Newman unearthed a trunk of Indigenous artefacts linked to their grandfather's time at Woomera, it sparked more than nostalgia—it deepened their family's connection with the Kokatha and Arabana Traditional peoples of South Australia. Through the Peter Newman Foundation, they've returned cultural treasures, funded local art, and forged lasting relationships rooted in respect, story, and shared healing. This evolving partnership reflects a powerful legacy of personal connection driving community-led renewal.

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