For the past 30 years Undalup cultural custodian Wayne Webb has been mapping places of cultural significance in the Cape to Cape region.
Mr Webb has mapped more than 120 heritage sites in the region, with work was recently recognised by Yaka Dandjoo Events which honoured him with a lifetime achievement award during NAIDOC Week.
Mr Webb said it was great to be recognised for the work he and his wife Toni had done throughout the past three decades.
“We have listed all the heritage sites in the Cape to Cape region and further afield,” he said.
“In 2016, which was a really good year for us, we went and repatriated 13 skeletal remains in the caves, which we called the devil’s house.
“I think that was just to keep the children out back in the day, so we would not go in and mess around with the people sleeping on country for rest.
“It is great to be awarded for something you have done over time, it would be great if everyone else got out and did the same sort of stuff.
“Everyone would be better off for that experience, from non-Indigenous people as well, cause now we can move ahead and do things like tourism and showcase our heritage by putting it right out there now.”
The Undalup Association, which promotes Wadandi culture – the traditional owners of the South West WA – also received an award for caring for country.
The organisation shares Aboriginal culture through events events and projects, which they hope will lead to more reconciliation and respect giving everyone a sense of belonging and cultural awareness.
Undalup cultural custodian Iszaac Webb said the award recognised the environmental work the Undalup Assocation did with Busselton Senior High School students.
Mr Webb said the students planted more than 800 plants and their organisation also ran a junior ranger program and worked with other schools on environmental projects.
