About Winyama

Winyama is an Indigenous-owned and majority-operated geospatial consultancy based in Boorloo (Perth), Western Australia.

We believe business is more than just business, and work with organisations that operate the same.

We are passionate about making a social impact. Winyama offers end-to-end geospatial solutions for those working across the Indigenous land estate, while facilitating the digital engagement of our First Nations people and communities. Our goal is to create opportunities for our clients and partners to meaningfully engage with Australia’s Indigenous community, and to ensure that Mob are empowered to make informed decisions on Country with their data.

Explore our impact

Why Winyama?

Our vision is full and equal participation of Indigenous people in the digital economy.

Two people in uniform with tablets standing in a field of tall grass.

We are one of Australia’s only Indigenous geospatial consultancies.

Winyama is one of the only Indigenous digital consultancies in Australia that specialises in geospatial information systems (GIS), which makes our combination of experience, knowledge and expertise unique.

Our business operates across two key areas:

Delivering tailored spatial and technological solutions.
Supporting First Nations communities through social impact initiatives that promote digital inclusion and capacity building.

Two people examining a folded map on a car hood, focusing on routes and landmarks.

We are a partner that can build culturally appropriate solutions.

Led by a team composed predominantly of Indigenous professionals, supported by culturally informed allies, we have Indigenous influence across every capability of our company. Our team have specialised backgrounds in; heritage, native title and government.

We understand Indigenous communities because we’re Mob. Your organisation can trust us with the sensitivities that are related to cultural protocols and engagement.

In an increasingly digital world, Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS) is at the core of everything we do. Our team upholds IDS principles across all our services, ensuring Indigenous communities retain control over their data and its use.

Two people standing on a rocky cliff overlooking a riverbend with dense green trees in the background.

We provide insight and expertise into potential cultural issues.

Winyama empowers Indigenous Australians to safeguard their technological futures and strengthen their connection to Country through innovative geospatial solutions. We understand the breadth of contextual information that is required for building solutions to service Indigenous communities.

This includes mapping or documenting sacred sites, natural land features and other cultural information that needs to be displayed in order for organisations and government bodies to understand claims, culture and Indigenous history more thoroughly.

Explore Our Core Services

Andrew is sitting outside with an Elder. They are on plastic chairs, discussing something on the laptop screen that both are looking at.

Our services reflect our passion to work at the intersection of tradition and technology.

Cultural Mapping • Geospatial Capability Building • Mapping Services

The Origin of Winyama

IMW participants working on laptops in a Curtin classroom with overhead screens displaying information.

Winyama’s story begins where all good stories begin. With a good introduction.

In 2016, Andrew Dowding, was the Director of cultural mapping consultancy, Taruru. Through a mutual client, Andrew was introduced to Paul Farrell, Director of geospatial consultancy, NGIS. This small introduction led to an 18-month courtship between the two, where they quickly found common ground in their work and passion for using technology for social good. Following this period, they decided to merge their talents, establishing a new company—Winyama.

Winyama means ‘sea eagle’ in Ngarluma, Winyama Managing Director, Andrew Dowding's traditional language. Like the sea eagle, Winyama overcomes limitations and sees from a larger perspective.

Inspired by its origins, Winyama remains committed to creating social good by empowering Indigenous talent to pursue careers in technology. Just as the sea eagle sees from a larger perspective, we aim to broaden horizons and opportunities. Join us in this mission by partnering with an Indigenous business.

Portrait of Paul. He is wearing a light purple shirt, standing against a plain background.

Learn more about Paul

Learn more about Andrew

Listen to our founders’ story

“Working with Winyama has been really beneficial to us because Andrew understands the space we are working in. There were things we didn’t have to explain to Andrew working on this project because he understood how the Mob works, the different technologies and knew how to tell the story in a way that was culturally appropriate.”

— Bradley Hall, Managing Director, Coongan Pty Ltd

Our Values

Our foundation and grounding. The relationships shared with your team; clients and broader community.

Hands grasping tree branches amidst green leaves.

We value Indigenous perspectives and embrace Indigenous knowledge as a guiding force in our work. Together, we strive for better outcomes for our mob.

Three people outdoors with two vehicles in the background on a sunny day. One person is holding a remote control, possibly for a drone.

We believe that business should be about more than just business, creating opportunities for ourselves and our partners to meaningfully engage with our First Nations communities.