Keewong family descendants, the Ngiyampaa-Ngemba clan, together with other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal extended family members represented by Winangakirri Aboriginal Corporation (WAC), have long fought for access and rights to look after their traditional ngurrampaa (Country) to continue the role of their ancestors.
For Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people, the Mawonga Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) is a significant part of their traditional lands. Located on Mawonga Station in central-western New South Wales, 95 kilometres north of Hillston.
Mawonga IPA was historically an important place for ceremony, hunting, family and clan interactions and part of a young novice's journey through initiation. Today, it continues to be an important place of teaching, learning and connection for Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people.
The Mawonga IPA was dedicated in 2019 and provides an economic and cultural base for Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people, WAC members and the Aboriginal community. It gives them means to maintain, strengthen and promote Aboriginal culture in Western New South Wales.
