Purnululu National Park, located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, covers almost 240,000 hectares of remote area managed as wilderness. 

It is located 300 kilometers south of the small regional town of Kununurra. It includes the Bungle Bungle Range, a spectacularly incised landscape of sculptured rocks which contains superlative examples of beehive-shaped karst sandstone rising 250 metres above the surrounding semi-arid savannah grasslands. 

Unique depositional processes and weathering have given these towers their spectacular black and orange banded appearance, formed by biological processes of cyanobacteria (single cell photosynthetic organisms) which serve to stabilise and protect the ancient sandstone formations. 

These outstanding examples of cone karst that have eroded over a period of 20 million years are of great beauty and exceptional geological interest. 

The site was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2003 for its outstanding natural value under Criterion vii and viii. Whilst Purnululu National Park is not currently listed for its cultural values, the site remains an incredibly significant place for the Traditional Owners of the Gija, Jaru and Malngin language groups. Native Title was determined over the park in December 2022.

The Purnululu World Heritage Area Advisory Committee serves as an advisory body to the Minister for the Environment, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). 

Its role is to provide informed advice on the identification, protection, conservation, and presentation of the Outstanding Universal Values of the World Heritage Property.

Committee members are appointed by the State Minister for the Environment, following endorsement by Cabinet, for a term of two or three years. They are selected for their individual expertise in areas relevant to World Heritage management, including science, conservation, tourism, Indigenous knowledge, and community engagement. Members do not represent specific organisations but contribute in their own right to the Committee’s work.

For Traditional Owner representative positions, candidates are nominated by the respective Aboriginal Corporation to ensure cultural authority and connection to Country. Appointed individuals participate as independent members rather than organisational delegates.

The committee meets twice a year in person in Kununurra or at a location within the World Heritage area with potential for additional video/phone meetings as required. It is expected that members will prioritise in person attendance at meetings. Members may be required to provide advice out of session however shall not be remunerated for any work outside of attendance to meetings.

• Providing advice to the Minister for the Environment, DBCA, and DCCEEW on the identification, protection, conservation, presentation, and transmission of the Outstanding Universal Value of the Purnululu World Heritage Area.
• Supporting research and monitoring by advising on research priorities that enhance understanding and conservation of the Purnululu World Heritage Area’s natural and cultural values, in alignment with relevant Western Australian and Commonwealth frameworks.
• Respecting Traditional Owner culture, rights, and aspirations for the Purnululu World Heritage Area.
• Conducting Purnululu World Heritage Area Advisory Committee business consistent with the Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct, and in accordance with the Western Australian Government’s policies and guidelines for boards and committees, including standards for ethics, conduct, and decision-making.
• Engaging respectfully, ethically and collaboratively with stakeholders including government agencies, researchers, community groups, and industry representatives to ensure inclusive and informed management of the World Heritage Area.

Remuneration for Purnululu World Heritage Area Advisory Committee members is set by the WA Public Sector Commission and outlined in the Premier’s Circular: Premier’s Policy Circular.

Members are not remunerated for work conducted out of session.

Costs associated with travel, accommodation, and meals are included for eligible members attending face-to-face meetings.

Renumeration for sitting fees may not apply if a member is:

• A full-time employee of local, State or Commonwealth government
• A current Member of Parliament
• A retired judicial officer
• A non-academic staff member of a public university.

Eligible members may include:

• Part-time public servants (working in their own time)
• University academics (primarily teaching staff)
• Elected local government councillors
• Volunteers or those on leave without pay.

• Familiarity with, and have a demonstrated interest in, the Purnululu World Heritage Area.
• Familiarity with Australia’s obligations under the World Heritage Convention and the implementation of its operational guidelines.
• Qualifications, experience, or expertise in research disciplines relevant to the Purnululu World Heritage Area (e.g. botany, zoology, ecology, geomorphology, archaeology or a related field).
• Strong understanding of ecological processes, conservation science, or heritage management, particularly in terrestrial environments in Northern Australia.

• Complete the application form including written responses to all selection criteria
• Provide a current resume (maximum of four pages – including two referees).

The closing date for expressions of interest is 5pm Friday 15th May, 2026.

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, please email pwhaac@dbca.wa.gov.au

More information can be obtained by phoning DBCA's, Purnululu World Heritage Area Project Manager, Alex Bouma on 0439 589 048 or emailing pwhaac@dbca.wa.gov.au