Keeping Culture, Creating Jobs: First Nations Sandalwood Harvesting in Remote Towns

A reflection by Jade Malanczak

Acknowledgement

I recognise that sandalwood harvesting is a politically and environmentally complex issue, with policies, regulations, and industry dynamics constantly evolving. While I am not an expert in forestry, this piece reflects my personal experiences and insights gained through working in the space with First Nations people.

As a Wadjula*, my perspective has been shaped by the knowledge, conversations, and experiences shared with me by the Communities and individuals I have worked with over the years. This piece is not an exhaustive analysis and I do not claim to speak on behalf of Aboriginal people. Rather, my aim is to highlight the benefits of supporting people to work on Country and to acknowledge the broader positive impacts of sustainable employment in this sector.

Context

I was recently approached to provide a letter of support for a project aimed at enabling existing Aboriginal sandalwood harvesters to hire additional workers through grant funding - opportunities that would otherwise be financially unattainable. These were my thoughts…

As Managing Director of The Wander Collective, a consultancy deeply focused on regional economic development, I am committed to supporting sustainable employment initiatives across remote communities.

Having previously worked in the Aboriginal Economic Development team at DPIRD from 2021 to 2022, I have witnessed firsthand the critical role that sustainable employment plays in strengthening Aboriginal communities, particularly in remote and regional areas.

During my tenure with DPIRD, I worked directly with Aboriginal contractors in the sandalwood harvesting industry across the Goldfields region. This experience provided deep insight into the economic and cultural significance of this work. Sandalwood harvesting offers not only economic independence but also a means of preserving and continuing traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and land stewardship. Wander has also worked with the Forest Products Commission, further solidifying our understanding of the value of Aboriginal participation in sustainable harvesting industries.

The cultural significance of sandalwood cannot be overstated. Aboriginal people have harvested and used sandalwood for generations, incorporating it into ceremony, medicine, and trade. Ensuring that Aboriginal people have the opportunity to engage in this work allows for the continuation of these traditions, strengthening cultural identity and fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer. We know that when Aboriginal people work on Country, the benefits extend far beyond simple economic gains. There are immense, if sometimes intangible, advantages when one has healthy Country – it equates to healthy bodies, healthy spirit and mental well-being, which leads to a reduced likelihood of engaging in negative or antisocial behaviours. Connection to Country through meaningful work fosters pride, purpose, and a deep sense of belonging, which in turn supports the overall social fabric of remote communities.

Moreover, sustainable employment within remote communities generates far-reaching benefits that extend well beyond the individual worker. Employment enables financial stability within Aboriginal family structures, where economic gains are typically shared across multiple generations. This means that wages from these roles contribute directly to supporting elders, children, and extended kin, fostering stronger family units and improving overall well-being.

As most are aware, employment opportunities in remote towns are extremely limited, making initiatives like this all the more critical. The alternative for many is welfare dependence or leaving their community in search of work, which further disrupts cultural continuity and community cohesion. The ability to work on Country in a culturally significant industry like sandalwood harvesting ensures that individuals do not have to choose between economic participation and staying connected to their land, their families, and their traditions.

Moreover, employment in remote areas significantly contributes to the local economy. Workers spend their earnings within their communities, supporting small businesses, service providers, and micro-economies in towns that often struggle with economic sustainability. This circular economic effect strengthens the broader regional landscape and creates further employment and business opportunities. The impact of stable jobs in remote areas cannot be overstated—it builds resilience, strengthens communities, and in this instance, enhances the economic self-determination of Aboriginal people.

I believe that projects such as this are an investment in economic, cultural, and community sustainability—an opportunity with no downside.

Jade on a sandalwood trip in Bullabulling (just outside of Kalgoorlie)