Nanutarra Homestead

We are pleased to share an initial update on the Nanutarra Homestead Redevelopment Project—a transformative initiative to revitalise a site of deep cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura peoples. Drawing on our early community consultations, we have developed an initial interpretation of our vision. As we move into the master planning process, there will be intensive community consultation to refine and enhance these plans.

Our emerging vision rests on three big principles. First, we are committed to understanding, supporting, and sharing our rich culture and history—a commitment we capture in our heritage video. Second, we strive to lead education and thought leadership that begins within the PKKP community and extends throughout Pilbara, indigenous, and global indigenous communities. Third, the design of Nanutarra is focused on creating a self-sustaining precinct that generates ongoing revenue, drives education and engagement through tourism, and provides a vibrant space to celebrate Pilbara culture, serve as a community gathering place, and foster enterprise.

These guiding principles align with our five key priorities: to preserve our heritage in its entirety, to establish a strong base for on-country programs, to leverage tourism as a cornerstone for multiple facets of our operations, to create enterprise opportunities for our community, and to build a cultural hub for the Pilbara. To meet these priorities, our vision is built around five key components.

At the heart of the precinct is the Homestead Restoration. This element aims to meticulously restore our state-heritage listed buildings—including the remaining sheds, the meat store, and other structures—to their original condition in full compliance with Heritage Council guidelines. This restoration is not just about preserving physical structures; it is a tribute to the legacy of our Elders and the living history of our community. The restored homestead will serve as a cultural landmark and a vibrant gathering place for events that celebrate our past and inspire our future.

Central to our vision is the Nanutarra Cultural Centre, designed as a dynamic hub for training, cultural support, and creative expression. The centre will feature dedicated training facilities, an art gallery, and an artists-in-residence program, serving as the focal point where traditional knowledge is passed on alongside contemporary artistic expression. This centre is expected to generate long-term revenue, employment, and training opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to education and thought leadership.

Complementing the Cultural Centre is the Nanutarra Public Campsite, which will provide up to 60 camping sites for both PKKP members and visitors. This campsite will offer immersive cultural experiences—such as camping with custodians and hosting major community events—that underpin tourism and make the broader Nanutarra vision accessible despite our site’s remoteness.

The PKKP AC Ranger Program & Hub forms the operational backbone of our project. This facility will offer on-country spaces for our rangers, including dedicated areas for operations, accommodation, and office work. By blending traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation practices, the Ranger Hub will support land and water management while providing essential training and capacity-building opportunities, serving as the base for our on-country programs.

Finally, the Nanutarra Nursery is set to be a central feature in our efforts to regenerate the broader Pilbara landscape. Focused on cultivating native Pilbara species and supporting mine rehabilitation, the nursery will integrate closely with both the Ranger Hub and the Cultural Centre. This initiative is designed to generate long-term revenue and create meaningful employment and training pathways, reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and enterprise development.

Supporting these five core components are essential ancillary facilities, including modern office and meeting spaces, caretaker accommodations, a potential emergency airstrip, off-grid water and power systems, overflow event areas, and dedicated facilities for major community events. Together, these elements will ensure that the Nanutarra precinct functions as a cohesive, sustainable environment where our cultural, economic, and environmental aspirations converge. We are close to selecting an architect to begin the master planning process, and early engagement with public funding bodies has been very positive. We expect to draw upon their support to plan, design, and construct the Nanutarra Project. Your insights and participation remain critical as we continue this journey, ensuring that Nanutarra truly embodies our shared vision for a vibrant, resilient future.

Homestead Location

Sitting right next to PKKP country, the Nanutarra Homestead can almost be seen from Nanutarra Roadhouse, a common resting and refueling point for travelers using the North West Coastal Highway.

Nanutarra Homestead, on the south eastern edge of the property, is about 108 kilometres south of Onslow and 156 kilometres south east of Exmouth in the Pilbara region. The North West Coastal Highway runs through the property and the Nanutarra Roadhouse is within the station boundary. The Ashburton River and Henry River both traverse the lease.

Homestead History

The Station was originally used by Harry Higham as grazing land in the 1877, after he had overlanded stock to the property. He developed the homestead in 1884.

1877

Harry Higham overlands stock and begins using the land for grazing.

1884

Development of Nanutarra Homestead by Harry Higham.

1906

Nanutarra carries approximately 45,000 sheep.

1917

Harry Higham passes away. He had managed the station until 1902

1919

Nanutarra becomes one of the largest holdings in the region.

1925

Station is listed for auction — 319,507 acres, 8,617 sheep, 18 wells, and 17 paddocks.

1937

Higham family sells Nanutarra and Mount Stuart Station to Boololoo Pastoral Company.

2005

Nanutarra gains permanent status on the WA Register of Heritage Places.

2012

Nanutarra and Uaroo Stations sold to Andrew Forrest, Fortescue Metals Group Chairman.

June 2024

PKKP Aboriginal Corporation purchases 64 hectares including the Homestead — a milestone in cultural preservation and community empowerment.

Homestead Restoration

There is a lot of work to do and we have to consider the heritage listings, the history and culture but we also want to focus on the future. We want to create new stories on this very significant part of our history as we work towards true determination.