Gidarjil’s Nyamgim Gung Laboratory Becomes Australia’s First Aboriginal-Owned and Run Water Testing Laboratory

In a landmark moment for Indigenous self-determination and Australian science, the Gidarjil Development Corporation has secured full accreditation from NATA and international ISO/IEC quality standards for its water testing facility, Nyamgim Gung Laboratory, in Bundaberg, Queensland.

The achievement makes Nyamgim Gung the first water testing laboratory in Australia to be owned and run by an Aboriginal corporation.  

This historic decision, finalised on 10 September 2026, gives Traditional Owners the sovereign tools, data and scientific authority to protect the waterways of their Country. It also opens a new opportunity for the community. Because the accreditation is recognised internationally, Gidarjil can now generate its own income by providing water testing services to other organisations across Australia, and potentially further afield.  

“This accreditation means so much more than a piece of paper,” said Gidarjil Development Corporation CEO, Margaret Blackman.   

“It means our people can test our own water, on our own Country, to a standard the whole world recognises.  

Ngurari djulba bula – we are strong together, and this proves it.”  

A vision rooted in Country  

Gidarjil means ‘three big rivers’, reflecting the deep connection between Gidarjil’s Traditional Owners and the region’s waterways. It is fitting, then, that the corporation named its water testing facility Nyamgim Gung, meaning ‘Looking at Water’ in Gooreng language.  

The journey began with Gidarjil’s bold vision to manage the entire water quality lifecycle from end to end:   

• collecting samples  
• transporting them  
• carrying out rigorous laboratory analysis   
• producing precise local results.   

To bring this vision to life, Gidarjil hired environmental scientist, Nirali Vadgama. Drawing on her extensive background across water, soil and air testing laboratories, managing sewage treatment plants and leading complex laboratory studies, Nirali designed, built and made operational the facility from the ground up, guiding it through ISO/IEC certification and NATA accreditation. 

Building sovereignty: from field sampling to in-house innovation  

Previously, water samples collected on Country were routinely sent away to external facilities in Brisbane for analysis. Through meticulous research, Nirali sourced world-class laboratory instruments and independently developed the methodologies and quality controls the facility needed. Now, with the laboratory established and certified, Gidarjil can test its own samples in its own laboratory.  

A rigorous path to accreditation  

With instruments calibrated, quality systems in place and methodologies developed, NATA was formally engaged in 2024. The road to accreditation demanded rigorous dedication including a NATA initial advisory visit, followed by two comprehensive assessment visits.   

Through hard work, attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, the laboratory met every international benchmark, culminating in full NATA and ISO/IEC accreditation on 10 September 2026.  

What this means: Sovereignty, science and a new source of income  

Djaugi, gunggi – our country, our water. That connection sits at the heart of everything Nyamgim Gung represents.  

With full accreditation, Nyamgim Gung’s results now carry the same international standing as any laboratory in the world. For Gidarjil, that means faster answers for its own projects and greater independence in caring for its waterways. It also means a new opportunity.   

Gidarjil can now offer accredited water testing services to other stakeholders across Australia, and beyond, generating income that will support the community and its programs on Country for years to come.  

Empowering women to care for Country: A first all-female ranger group  

Alongside the laboratory’s accreditation, Gidarjil has also launched its first all-female ranger program: Dulba Muni, meaning ‘strong women’.   

The program will empower Gidarjil women to take a leading role in caring for Sea Country, continuing a responsibility Traditional Owners have held for tens of thousands of years.  

“Munibu bula belbendi djaunga – women looking after Country together,’ Blackman said. ‘Munibu gunggu yanggalim mindjiringa murul – women and water making everything come alive. That is exactly what our rangers will do, and this program will empower our mob to keep control of our Sea Country.” 

Growing local skills: Partnership with Yalga Binbi Institute  

Gidarjil is also investing in the next generation of land and sea managers. Through a partnership with the Yalga Binbi Institute for Community Development, students will complete a Certificate III in Country Management, trained by qualified Indigenous trainer Celestine Blackman.  

A proud leap forward for Indigenous science  

Reflecting on the milestone, Blackman said the achievement belonged to the whole community.  

“It was a long and hard process, but we have finally made it,” she said.   

“We are profoundly proud to establish Australia’s first Aboriginal-owned and run water testing laboratory. Nyamgim Gung being the first First Nations laboratory owned and run by an Aboriginal corporation in Australia is a truly big achievement for our company, our people and the future management of our Country.  

“Ngurari djulba bula – we are strong together, and together we will keep looking after Country for generations to come.” 

Nyamgim Gung Laboratory now stands ready to service regional and external clients, ensuring Traditional Owners hold the sovereign tools, data and scientific authority to protect Australia’s precious waterways.