Aboriginal tourism on Country in Western Australia
Our Story

Empowering Aboriginal Entrepreneurship in Tourism — Uniquely in Australia

ATWA exists to fund the foundation under WA's Aboriginal tourism sector — built by Aboriginal leadership, governed for the long term.

Origin

Why ATWA exists.

ATWA was created as a charitable subsidiary of WAITOC — the peak body for Aboriginal tourism in Western Australia — to diversify funding and sustainability, moving beyond cyclical State Government dependence.

Registered as a charitable body, ATWA accepts philanthropic funding, donations and corporate sponsorships. We hold Charitable Collections Licence No. CC23582 and are endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient — all donations of $2 and over are tax-deductible within Australia.

Through WAITOC, ATWA empowers communities through advocacy, capacity building and marketing of tourism businesses — promoting authentic experiences, collaborating with stakeholders, and leveraging resources for sustainable growth.
Statewide reach

On Country, in region.

Mentors and Support Hub Coordinators based where Aboriginal tourism happens.

  • Perth
    Whadjuk Noongar Country
  • Broome
    West Kimberley
  • Albany
    South West
  • Geraldton
    Mid West / Coral Coast
  • Kununurra
    East Kimberley
By the numbers

The contribution of Aboriginal tourism to WA.

$0M

Contributed to State incomes by Aboriginal tourism businesses in 2021/22.

$0.0M

Contributed to WA's gross state product in 2021/22.

100+

New and existing businesses supported through our programs.

186

Youth in Tourism program graduates.

Our People

Aboriginal-led, by design.

Robert Taylor
CEO — ATWA & WAITOC

Robert Taylor

Robert, a Nhanda Yamaji man from Western Australia, has worked for over 10 years as Chief Executive Officer for WAITOC. He has transformed the organisation from a marketing body into a full business development engine for Aboriginal tourism, securing funding at local, state and federal government levels.

Darren 'Capes' Capewell
Chair

Darren 'Capes' Capewell

A proud descendant of the Nhanda and Malgana Peoples of Gutharraguda (Shark Bay) in the Yamaji region. Capes is owner and operator of Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures and leads on-country eco cultural experiences as a Traditional Custodian and ambassador for his people and Country.

ATWA · WAITOC

ATWA is the philanthropic and fundraising arm of WAITOC — the peak body for Aboriginal tourism in Western Australia.

Visit WAITOC