Koolan Island: A New Chapter for Our Country and Our People
Koolan Island has been a place of industry for many years, and as one chapter ends and a new one begins, Dambeemangaddee people — as Traditional Owners of this Country — are at the centre of shaping what that future looks like.
Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation (DAC) supports Crestlink’s agreement to take over the Koolan Island operations from MGX Resources. This is a moment we have been working toward — one built on a relationship with Crestlink that has grown properly, through respect, listening, and time spent together on Country.
What excites us most about this new arrangement is what it means for our people. Dambeemangaddee people will have a real opportunity to return to Country — to live there, to work there, and to run our own businesses on Country.
As DAC’s Chair, Gary Umbagai has said, our long-term goal has always been to see our people return to Country in a healthy and sustainable way. This partnership gives us real hope that Koolan Island’s future will honour that vision — protecting Country, upholding our cultural responsibilities, and creating something meaningful for the next generation of Dambeemangaddee people.
We also acknowledge MGX and thank them for the working relationship we have shared over many years on Koolan, and for the opportunities provided to our community during their time on Country.
There is still work ahead, and completion of the transition is expected in late 2026 or early 2027. But we are at the table, we are part of the conversation — and that is something we have fought hard for over many years. Our old people handed that fight down to us. Our ancestors walked this Country, looked after it, and we carry that responsibility now. Seeing our people return to Country — to live, to work, to raise their families and build businesses on their own Country — is what this has always been about. We want our children and their children to know that we never stopped fighting for them and for this Country.
Media Enquiries: Kate Sutton media@dambi.org.au | 0418 202 546