Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Native Title Claim

Claim Area

The Claim Area covers all of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country – from the Werribee River in the west, north to beyond the Great Dividing Range, east towards Mt Baw Baw and south to Mordialloc Creek. The claim also includes a portion of Port Phillip Bay.

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Claim Group

The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung native title claim group are those Aboriginal people who are descended from one or more of the following 14 named apical ancestors or any other person living at or before 1836 who is attested as a member of a Woi-wurrung speaking can or family.

And identify themselves as Wurundjeri, Woi-wurrung, Yarra Yarra or Yarra Tribe under the traditional laws and customs applicable to the claim area.

Native Title Rights and Interests Claimed

The native title rights and interests claimed include rights to:

• “speak for” the land and waters;

• make decisions about the use and enjoyment of the land and waters;

• have access to, remain on and use the land and waters for any purpose;

• have access to and take the resources of the land and waters;

• protect places, sites, areas, and things of cultural significance on the land and waters; and

• maintain their distinctive spiritual, cultural, material, and economic relationship with the land and waters and other resources.

In some areas, the right to possession, occupation, use and enjoyment to the exclusion of others has been claimed. This right has been claimed in limited areas where native title rights and interests have not been impacted by colonialisation.

We encourage all Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to participate in upcoming meetings and share and discuss information about the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung native title application with family members.

We encourage all Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to participate in future native title meetings and discuss the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung native title claim application with members of the Applicant, family members and other members of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Community.

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung work to defend Native Title Claim by Boonwurrung

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people are also involved in defending Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung native title rights and interests in the overlapping Boonwurrung native title claim.

The Boonwurrung people have made a claim over a significant portion of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation’s southern RAP area, which includes traditional Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Negotiations are yet to commence with Boonwurrung.

How Native Title helps

Native title recognition cannot be revoked. It also overrides Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) recognition under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic). With other groups seeking native title over Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country, it is essential for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to secure Native Title recognition to prevent others asserting rights to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country

Securing native title would be deeply meaningful for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, offering significant economic opportunities for the entire community. It would establish a lasting legacy, ensuring benefits that generations of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung leaders have long worked towards.

Evidence Gathering

The legal team (Slater and Gordon together with barristers Peter Willis SC and Anne Sheehan) has been diligently gathering various forms of evidence. Both Wurundjeri Claim Group members and historical documents hold valuable insights. We welcome any information you may have that could be helpful. This could include:

• Family photos showing gatherings on Country
• Stories passed down through generations
• Information on cultural activities you or your family have been involved in

Register

If you would like to be involved, have information to share, or simply wish to stay informed, please register your details in the form below.

There is no cost to register, and doing so will ensure you are kept up to date.

The most recent Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung native title newsletter is available on request. Please email us for a copy.

If you have any questions about the proposed Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung native title claim you can contact us via Wurundjeri.NT@slatergordon.com.au