Our Story
About Yarramoup Aboriginal Corporation
Yarramoup Aboriginal Corporation (ICN 1614) is a community-controlled, Aboriginal organisation incorporated in 1992 under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.
YAC represents members of the Gray family connected to Minang, Goreng & Wudjari Country in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. Our Board spans three generations, reflecting our commitment to intergenerational leadership and cultural continuity.
Our Cultural Heritage
The name “Yarramoup” originates from the traditional Noongar name for Jerramungup, meaning “place of the tall yate trees.” These trees symbolise resilience, strength and continuity, values that guide our organisation.
For decades, our families have contributed to the preservation of cultural sites and the protection of heritage across the region.
Our Vision
Preservation and continuity of Noongar history and culture to create bright and prosperous future generations.
Our Mission
To build capacity and inspire the next generation to embrace and celebrate our cultural legacy through:
-
Self-determination
-
Cultural preservation
-
Environmental stewardship
-
Education and employment pathways
-
Economic sustainability
Our Strategic Direction
YAC’s work is guided by three key pillars:
-
Governance, Financial Sustainability & Capacity Building
-
Environmental Stewardship & Cultural Heritage
-
Partnerships & Community Development
This framework guides our decisions, partnerships and long-term planning.
OUR Elders
YAC represents the descendants of Colin Gray and Kathleen Gray (née Knapp), whose lives and cultural strength continue to guide our organisation.
kathleen knapp
In Honour of Kathleen Knapp
Kathleen Knapp was a proud Noongar woman born at Warriup WA, carrying a deep and enduring connection to Minang, Goreng and Wudjari Country.
Her life reflects the strength of Noongar women, resilient, grounded and committed to family and culture. Through her, the Gray family maintains strong cultural affiliation and occupation across:
-
Jerramungup
-
Bremer Bay
-
Ravensthorpe
-
Gnowangerup
-
Albany
-
Fitzgerald National Park
These places are not just geographic locations, they are part of identity, history and responsibility.
The Gray family has made significant contributions to the preservation and maintenance of cultural sites and history within Minang, Goreng & Wudjari Country.
That cultural foundation comes through Kathleen and her lineage.
Yarramoup Aboriginal Corporation continues her legacy by:
-
Preserving Noongar history and culture
-
Protecting significant Aboriginal camping areas
-
Strengthening governance and cultural voice
-
Ensuring future generations remain connected to Country
The vision of preserving and continuing Noongar history and culture for bright and prosperous future generations reflects the values Kathleen carried throughout her life.
colin gray
In Honour of Colin Gray
Colin Gray was a strong family man whose life became deeply connected to Minang, Goreng & Wudjari Country through his marriage to Kathleen Knapp.
While Colin was not Noongar by birth, he stood alongside his wife and family with respect for culture, Country and community. Through marriage and family, he became part of a lineage that carries deep cultural ties to the Great Southern region.
Colin’s legacy is reflected in the strength and unity of the Gray family today. His commitment to family, responsibility and continuity helped lay foundations for future generations.
Yarramoup Aboriginal Corporation exists because of family strength. That strength includes the role Colin played in supporting and standing beside Kathleen and their children, helping ensure the family remained connected and resilient.
His contribution is part of the story of Yarramoup a story grounded in family, respect and continuity.
_edited.jpg)