News edition for 21 September 2026. Added to Nungya on 22 October 2026 as part of our retrospective news archive. Reporting reflects information available by the edition date.

Reliable electricity is part of the everyday work of caring for Country. At Mawonga, a remote property on Ngiyampaa Country in central-western New South Wales, an upgraded solar and battery system is being developed to support accommodation, ranger operations and cultural activities.

The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation reported on 21 September that almost $50,000 in funding will help Winangakirri Aboriginal Corporation obtain a 17kW system with battery storage and a backup diesel generator.

Mawonga covers 22,373 hectares and belongs to the Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people. Five Indigenous rangers work across cultural heritage protection, fire management, pest control and biodiversity monitoring. The Shearers Quarters also accommodate cultural camps and activities on Country.

The existing off-grid system has struggled with demand, increasing dependence on diesel. The ILSC estimates that the property’s combined solar systems could reduce annual diesel spending by almost $20,000, allowing money to return to land management.

These are projected benefits as the installation progresses. The practical point is already clear: energy reliability affects food storage, working conditions and the ability to host people. An improvement to power supply can support many parts of community life at the same time.