Sharing Culture, Creating Connection and Growing Opportunity in Dumbleyung
How Grant and Anne Riley are building a cultural tourism business that celebrates local history, culture and community
For Grant and Anne Riley, tourism is about more than welcoming visitors—it is about creating meaningful connections to culture, Country and community.
Based in Dumbleyung, Wuddi Aboriginal Cultural Tours has spent the past nine years sharing local Aboriginal history, cultural knowledge, bushfoods and significant sites with visitors from across Western Australia and beyond. Through guided tours and their Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Grant and Anne have created a place where stories can be shared, understanding can grow and visitors can experience the region through an Aboriginal lens.
Their work is grounded in a passion for preserving and sharing cultural knowledge while creating opportunities for future generations to remain connected to history, culture and Country.
Over the years, Wuddi Aboriginal Cultural Tours has become an important cultural and tourism asset for the region, attracting visitors seeking authentic experiences and deeper cultural understanding.
Strengthening the Foundations for Growth
While Wuddi Aboriginal Cultural Tours had established a strong reputation within the community, Grant and Anne recognised opportunities to further strengthen the business and position it for future growth.
Through support provided by WAITOC and the Aboriginal Tourism Academy, they participated in mentoring, business development and industry networking opportunities designed to help them build a more sustainable and resilient tourism enterprise.
Key areas of support included business planning, marketing development and strategic mentoring, providing practical guidance on future growth opportunities and helping establish clearer pathways for business expansion.
Participation in tourism exchanges, including the South West Exchange and engagement with programs such as the Gnowangerup Rangers Program, provided valuable opportunities to connect with new partners, strengthen networks and share experiences with other operators across the region.
Beyond the practical business outcomes, these engagements helped Grant and Anne build stronger industry relationships and increase their visibility within Western Australia's growing Aboriginal tourism sector.
Turning Relationships into Results
The impact of this support has been significant.
Through increased industry engagement, networking opportunities and stronger business planning, Wuddi Aboriginal Cultural Tours has experienced a noticeable increase in visitation, bookings and revenue.
Since March, the business has seen growing cash flow, an increase in visitors accessing the Cultural Centre and stronger demand for cultural experiences. Increased exposure through industry events, networking opportunities and familiarisation activities has helped raise awareness of the business among tourism stakeholders and potential partners.
One particularly exciting outcome has been the development of a collaborative relationship with the local Shire to explore grant funding opportunities. This partnership reflects growing recognition of the value that Wuddi Aboriginal Cultural Tours brings to the region and the role it plays in attracting visitors while sharing important cultural knowledge.
For Grant and Anne, the growth of the business means more opportunities to connect people with culture and to continue sharing stories that might otherwise remain untold.
Creating Impact Beyond Tourism
The impact of Wuddi Aboriginal Cultural Tours extends well beyond visitor experiences.
Every tour creates an opportunity for people to learn about the history, culture and traditions of the local area directly from Aboriginal people. Every cultural experience helps strengthen understanding, respect and appreciation for Country and community.
The Cultural Centre provides an important platform for cultural education, while the tours encourage visitors to engage more deeply with the region and its stories.
As the business continues to grow, it also creates opportunities for broader community benefit. Increased visitation contributes to the local economy, strengthens regional tourism and helps demonstrate the value of Aboriginal-led cultural experiences within Western Australia's visitor economy.
Most importantly, Grant and Anne's work ensures that cultural knowledge continues to be shared, celebrated and preserved for future generations.
Looking Ahead
Grant and Anne have ambitious plans for the future.
They hope to expand their range of cultural experiences, increase retail opportunities through the Cultural Centre and grow their corporate and educational offerings. They also see significant potential to attract more domestic and international visitors who are seeking authentic Aboriginal tourism experiences.
Central to their vision is creating employment opportunities for other Aboriginal people, ensuring that the benefits of tourism extend beyond the business itself and contribute to broader community outcomes.
With continued growth, Wuddi Aboriginal Cultural Tours has the potential to become an even stronger cultural and economic contributor to the region.
Grant and Anne's story demonstrates the value of investing in Aboriginal-owned tourism businesses that combine cultural knowledge, community leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. Through mentoring, strategic planning and industry engagement, Wuddi Aboriginal Cultural Tours has strengthened its position, increased visitation and expanded opportunities for future growth.
The result is more than a successful tourism business. It is a platform for cultural preservation, community connection and the sharing of stories that continue to enrich the lives of visitors and locals alike.
