About Us
Kooyar Wongi is a 100% Nyungar owned and operated consulting business, based in the heart of the South West of WA on Nyungar Boodja and going from strength to strength since 2018. Kooyar Wongi means ‘Frog Talk/Talking/Yarning/Story’ in Nyungar language. Between our team members, we have more than 50 years’ expertise and experience in heritage protection, environmental management, community engagement, cultural awareness and education in the public and private sector.
Kooyar Wongi is Supply Nation certified, registered on the Aboriginal Business Directory WA and is a member of the Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Our Business
Kooyar Wongi means ‘Frog Talk/Talking/Yarning/Story’ in Nyungar language. The Kooyar was chosen as the icon for our business because it is the Bennell family totem and the frog Dreaming is central to their cultural identity.
Kooyars were used by Nyungar people traditionally as an indicator of waterway health (when frogs were singing in a waterway, the water was good, but if there were no frogs singing, the water was not). This illustrates the critical and intrinsic link between Nyungar culture and environment.
Frogs are also used as an indicator species for environmental health in contemporary science, as they are hyper-sensitive to their aquatic environment
Our People
Principal Director, William (Billy) Bennell: A proud Ballardong-Whadjuk Nyungar maarman with ancestral ties to Wilmen Boodja and the Bunbury area, he has nearly 30 years of experience in land management, cultural heritage protection, and Aboriginal community capacity development across Australia. Bill has extensive networks across the state and country, dedicated to bridging the gaps in cultural understanding and truth-telling between Aboriginal people and mainstream society.
Managing Director, Nerilee Boshammer-Bennell: Nerilee has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and is a Certified Environmental Practitioner with EIANZ. With 20 years of experience in environmental management and community engagement in the south-west of WA, specialising in Aboriginal community engagement, capacity building and enterprise development, Nerilee is committed to ensuring the sustainability of rural and regional areas.
Training Facilitator, Summer Bennell-Brinkworth: Summer is a Ballardong-Whadjuk Nyungar yorga who brings her unique flair to our training delivery, with her ability to share stories and cultural knowledge in a way that sets participants at ease. With a proficiency in graphic design and artistry, Summer also has extensive knowledge and experience in communication, administration and project management. Summer is a mother of 1 and achieved the NAIDOC Award for creative talent in 2024.
Training Facilitator, Jayd Kenney: A proud Indigenous woman with ancestral ties to Yamatji-Wajirri and Noongar-Yued Country, Jayd brings a wealth of experience to our training team. With a dynamic background spanning industries including heritage, mining, state government, childhood cultural education and tourism, Jayd’s journey has evolved into a fervent commitment to collaborating with Indigenous communities. Her passion and remarkable dedication to making a meaningful impact harmonises seamlessly with our vision.
Administration Assistant, Hannah Bennell: Hannah has been working as Kooyar Wongi’s administration assistant since February 2024. Hannah is a mother of two, an experienced early childhood educator, and is committed to ensuring that our cross-cultural awareness training sessions are organised, providing administrative and communications support to the business.
