Johani Mamid is a proud Yawuru, Karajarri, Nyul Nyul, and Bardi man, born and raised in Broome, Western Australia. As the founder and Managing Director of both Mabu Buru Tours and the Mabu Buru Foundation, Johani is deeply committed to sharing the rich cultural traditions of his people and promoting a deeper understanding of Aboriginal heritage.
Through Mabu Buru Tours, Johani offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience his people’s spiritual and physical connection to the land, guiding them through the ancient landscapes of Broome and the West Kimberley region. His tours are enriched by traditional storytelling, deep cultural knowledge, and a passion for preserving Aboriginal practices and lore.
Before founding Mabu Buru Tours, Johani was a Yawuru Country Manager Coordinator, part of an Indigenous ranger group conducting environmental surveying, monitoring, and research across both land and sea Country. His experience in environmental management further enhances the cultural and ecological insights he brings to his tours.
In addition to his role at Mabu Buru Tours, Johani is also a Crocodile Wrangler and works as a Crocodile Feeding Tour Guide at the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park. His passion for the world’s most dangerous semi-aquatic ambush predator shines through as he educates visitors about the behaviour of these remarkable creatures and teaches them how to stay croc-wise while visiting, or travelling through, the northern regions of Australia. His expertise in crocodiles, combined with his engaging tour guiding skills, provides visitors with a thrilling and educational experience.
Johani also leads a company called iSupply AU, a Supply Nation-registered business, which aims to foster stronger partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses across corporate Australia. This work reflects Johani’s belief in building understanding and reconciliation through collaboration.
The Mabu Buru Foundation, which Johani also founded, focuses on protecting and strengthening Aboriginal lore and culture in the West Kimberley region. The foundation addresses contemporary threats to cultural practices, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
As a community leader, Johani serves as an elected Director of the Western Australia Indigenous Tourism Operator Council (WAITOC) and is an elected local government Councillor for the Shire of Broome. His roles across tourism, business, and local government reflect his dedication to his community and the broader goal of reconciliation.
Johani encourages everyone to learn about his people’s spiritual connection to country and to gain a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal culture. His work, whether through tours, business partnerships, or community leadership, continues to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, contributing to the greater good of reconciliation for all.
Born in Broome on Yawuru Country and shaped by the rich multicultural influences that make the town so unique, Buna-Tuaty is a proud Nyikina woman who belongs to the Martuwarra (Fitzroy River). She derives strength and empowerment from her profound, reciprocal relationship with Country, which she perceives not as a possession but as a living entity that nurtures and sustains her. Buna maintains strong connections to both her freshwater and saltwater families, grounding her identity in cultural knowledge, kinship, and place.
As a dedicated advocate for the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Buna promotes self-determination, connectivity, and community-led initiatives. Her unique approach blends a solid background in youth engagement, community development, and culturally responsive service delivery with the belief that Aboriginal people deserve culturally safe and empowering opportunities. Having extensive experience working closely with Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley, she possesses a deep understanding of the social, historical, and cultural factors that impact the lives of young people.
Actively involved in grassroots efforts, Buna also engages with local committees and cultural advisory groups. Her contributions play a key role in shaping initiatives that prioritise healing, resilience, and cultural pride. With a strong sense of integrity and a profound understanding of both community and systemic frameworks, she adeptly navigates these spaces. Her ability to bridge both worlds fosters collaboration, ensuring that programs are culturally safe, community-driven, and impactful. This approach strengthens connections and improves outcomes for Aboriginal families and youth across the Kimberley region.
As a board member of Jalygurr Guwan, the only stand-alone Aboriginal Community Controlled early learning centre in Western Australia. Her commitment is focused on promoting early childhood education and enhancing family well-being. She emphasises the significance of culturally appropriate and community-driven approaches to childcare, parenting, and early childhood development. This holistic approach to well-being illustrates that when families receive the right support, the development and overall well-being of children greatly improve.
Driven by a lifelong dedication to her people and a heartfelt belief in the potential of the next generation, Buna is committed to building a future where culture is celebrated, identity is valued, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have real opportunities to thrive.
Anna Dwyer is an award-winning Research-Fellow and Associate Lecturer at the Nulungu Research Institute at the University of Notre Dame Australia, Broome Campus. She is a Karajarri Woman from Karajarri Country, 190kms South of Broome in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia. Anna’s professional background is in Education and Linguistics. Anna has been a Cultural Educator and Aboriginal Researcher with the Nulungu Research Institute for 16 years. She is currently enrolled in a master’s degree by Research through the School of Arts & Sciences at Notre Dame University. As Associate Lecturer she has taught in the Indigenous Studies and Diploma of Nursing programs, particularly around the Silent History, Relationship to Land and Country, Kinship, Language and Cultural protocols.
Anna is an outstanding Researcher at Nulungu, producing and engaging in regional and national projects on topics such as Energy Usage, Caring for Country, Health and Wellbeing, Climate Change, Language Maintenance and Education. Her interest is working closely with her people and doing research that will assist both her own people and the wider Aboriginal Community. Anna is a Director for the Karajarri Wanjira and Nangkariny Foundation and continues to represent her people through her research on issues of Law/lore and Culture, Health, and Climate Change. In 2018 she was awarded the Kullarri NAIDOC Person of the Year and received a Vice Chancellor’s award for Initiatives that Enhance Student Learning in recognition of excellence in Indigenous Education. In 2020, coming from her exceptional work in Broome, she received a citation for her outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for the Australian Awards for University Teaching.
Thomas (Tee Jay) was born and raised in the Kimberley and has cultural connections through Aboriginal lore and traditional practices throughout the Kimberley’s West, East, Central and Desert communities.
He has strong cultural knowledge, an ability to connect with people from all walks of life and has previously provided cultural navigation, cultural awareness & capability training, consultancy, and interpretation services to a range of organisations.