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Richard Prowse

Introduction

Richard Prowse is an advocate deeply committed to working alongside Indigenous communities, land councils, local councils, and governance boards across Australia.

Over the past 27 years, he has spent time in the Northern Territory, South Australia, the APY Lands, Queensland (Cairns), Uluru, Darwin, Tiwi Islands, and Groote Eylandt, listening, learning, and supporting Traditional Owners in their fight for land rights, economic development, and improved community services.

His work is not just about policy and negotiations—it is about real people, real communities, and real challenges. Every discussion, every journey across thousands of kilometers of remote land, and every moment spent sitting with Elders reinforces his belief that Indigenous people must lead their own future, with the right support, funding, and policy backing.

Richard has witnessed both the beauty and the struggles of life in remote Indigenous communities. He has watched stunning sunsets over the desert, sat under the stars in the heart of Country, and listened to the wisdom of Elders who hold knowledge passed down for generations. He has joined Traditional Owners in fishing and hunting, tasted bush foods, and learned about fire management practices that have sustained the land for thousands of years. At the same time, he has seen firsthand the challenges—overcrowded housing, a lack of employment, high rates of kidney disease and diabetes, poor water quality, and the ongoing battle to protect sacred sites from development.

His vision is clear: to walk alongside Traditional Owners, Elders, and community leaders to ensure their land, rights, and future generations are protected and empowered. This is a long-term commitment—one that requires patience, trust, and a willingness to put in the time and effort to make real change.

A Commitment to Long-Term, Meaningful Change

The issues affecting Indigenous communities are complex, requiring continuous engagement, deep understanding, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders—from Elders and local councils to state and federal governments. Every trip to a remote community, every policy discussion, and every meeting with Indigenous leaders is part of a much bigger goal: ensuring Indigenous people have control over their own future.

“The time spent in meetings, on the road, in remote communities, and around the table with Elders is never wasted. Every conversation is part of a bigger picture—helping to create a future where Indigenous communities have full control over their land, resources, and economic opportunities. This is not just work. It is a lifelong commitment.”

Key Areas of Focus

Richard has identified several key areas that require ongoing attention and support, based on what he has observed and learned directly from the communities he has worked with.

Strengthening Indigenous Land Rights and Governance

One of the key issues Richard has seen over time is the ongoing need to strengthen Indigenous land rights and governance. He has engaged with key organizations, including:

  • Central Land Council
  • Northern Land Council
  • Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Land Council
  • Tiwi Land Council
  • Groote Eylandt Aboriginal Trust

Richard understands that protecting Indigenous land from external pressures, development, and policy changes is an ongoing challenge. He hopes to contribute by supporting Traditional Owners in efforts such as:

  • Advocating for stronger Native Title protections, ensuring Indigenous land cannot be taken or developed without proper consent.
  • Supporting fair and transparent land-use agreements, ensuring that mining, agriculture, or infrastructure projects directly benefit Indigenous communities rather than outside corporations.
  • Raising awareness about the need for legal recognition and funding to protect sacred sites, cultural heritage, and environmentally significant areas.

Land councils play a vital role in self-determination and governance, and Richard remains committed to ensuring they have the resources, political support, and financial backing they need. However, he also recognizes that land rights are just one of many critical areas that require attention, and he is equally committed to supporting Indigenous communities in other areas that impact their daily lives.

Health Challenges in Indigenous Communities

One of the most pressing issues Richard has observed is the urgent need for improved healthcare services in Indigenous communities, particularly in remote areas where medical resources are scarce.

Fighting for Better Healthcare

Richard is committed to advocating for:

  • More dialysis units in remote communities, so people do not have to leave their families and homes for treatment.
  • Better funding for community-led health programs, ensuring that Indigenous people receive culturally appropriate care.
  • Programs to improve nutrition and access to fresh food, reducing the risk of diabetes and related illnesses.

Clean Water and Sanitation

Many Indigenous communities still lack access to clean drinking water, a basic human right. Richard hopes to contribute to:

  • Pushing for government action to ensure all Indigenous communities have access to safe, high-quality drinking water.
  • Advocating for better infrastructure and sanitation projects, reducing waterborne diseases and improving overall health.
  • Supporting Indigenous-led water management programs, ensuring that Traditional Owners are responsible for caring for and protecting their water sources.

Creating Long-Term Employment and Economic Opportunities

One of the biggest challenges in Indigenous communities is unemployment and the need for economic independence. Richard has seen firsthand how many communities lack access to sustainable jobs, proper training, and long-term investment. His focus is on helping to build economic opportunities that respect cultural traditions while providing real financial stability.

This includes:

  • Ensuring mining and resource projects provide real employment and training opportunities for Indigenous workers.
  • Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses and enterprises, particularly in eco-tourism, land management, and cultural industries.
  • Advocating for government and corporate investment in Indigenous economic initiatives, so communities are not reliant on short-term funding.

Richard strongly believes that Indigenous communities must have control over their own economic future and that the best solutions come from within the community, not imposed from the outside.

Explore Indigenous Australia: Visit These Cultural and Sacred Sites First

Before traveling overseas, Australians should take the time to explore their own country and its deep Indigenous history. There are countless significant Indigenous sites across Australia, each with its own unique cultural, historical, and environmental importance. Here are some of the most breathtaking and culturally significant places to visit:

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (NT)
  • Kakadu National Park (NT)
  • Arnhem Land (NT)
  • Tiwi Islands (NT)
  • Daintree Rainforest (QLD)
  • Mossman Gorge (QLD)
  • Cape York Peninsula (QLD)
  • Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park (QLD)
  • The Kimberley Region (WA)
  • Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) (WA)
  • Murujuga National Park (WA)
  • Ikara-Flinders Ranges (SA)
  • Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) (SA)
  • Mutawintji National Park (NSW)
  • Wollumbin (Mount Warning) (NSW)
  • Budj Bim Cultural Landscape (VIC)
  • Wilsons Promontory (VIC)
  • takayna/Tarkine (TAS)

“Everyone needs to visit Uluru or another outback place at least once—to witness the sights, the stars, the sunsets and sunrises, and most importantly, to meet the people. Only then can you truly begin to understand the depth, resilience, and beauty of Indigenous culture and Country.”

Richard Prowse

CEO