Winyama Transitions to 100% Indigenous Ownership Stake

PERTH, AUSTRALIA—February 20th, 2026—Winyama, an Indigenous-owned and operated business, today announces its transition from 51% to 100% Aboriginal ownership. 

Founded in 2018 as a joint-venture, Winyama’s move to full autonomy marks a new era for the organisation. By removing dual ownership, Winyama solidifies its position as a truly self-determined Indigenous enterprise. 

Winyama’s growth mirrors the rapid growth of the Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC) market, fueled by the increase in native title determinations. Since the early 2000s, the sector has grown from a handful of entities to several hundred. Today, these corporations hold direct or shared responsibility for 40% of Australia’s lands and waters. This responsibility requires enterprise-level systems, governance and advanced geospatial capability so that they can champion their communities' rights and interests. 

Andrew Dowding, Winyama Managing Director noted, “With the custodianship for nearly half of Australia’s land mass sitting with Indigenous organisations, the need for guidance on geospatial capability has never been higher. Our team has an acute understanding of Aboriginal cultural nuances as well as the technical skills to action the cultural requirements in the digital space.”

The transition reinforces Winyama’s core values: putting Mob first, a commitment to being impact-driven and milyarngu (community) focused. While Winyama will continue to service the public and private sector, Indigenous organisations remain its first priority. 

“Our vision is full and equal participation of Indigenous people in the digital economy.” says Dowding, “That means creating space for Mob to thrive in tech, and also supporting Aboriginal organisations to build their own capacity and capability to prosper in this economy.” 

Winyama wouldn’t be where it is today without geospatial consultancy, NGIS. 

“Paul [CEO of NGIS], provided more than financial investment; he opened doors and showed us how large-scale consultancies operate. That support was instrumental in preparing us for this moment of independence,” says Dowding.

As Winyama enters this next phase, the team remains committed to advancing Indigenous rights and interests by means of geospatial technology.