‘Justice has been done’: Federal Court recognises Marlinyu Ghoorlie native title over Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Friday was the day Brian Champion Sr never thought he would live to see — formal recognition of the Marlinyu Ghoorlie native title claim over Kalgoorlie-Boulder. But the momentous occasion has come to pass, with the Federal Court on Friday recognising the Marlinyu Ghoorlie claimants as the rightful traditional owners of their native title claim area, which covers Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Kambalda and extends west across Southern Cross to Mukinbudin and the eastern Wheatbelt area. The decision marks the culmination of a long struggle for recognition by the Indigenous people widely known as Ka-purrn and paves the way for the making of a determination of native title over the claim area. Marlinyu Ghoorlie people in attendance at the Federal Court were overcome with emotion by the decision, which came on the back of several successful negotiated agreements with mining companies. It also followed formal registration of an Indigenous land use agreement with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to recognise a national park over Bungalbin and the Helena Aurora and Die Hardy ranges. Mr Champion, who was a key witness in native title hearings on country in 2023, said that he had given up hope that he would live to see a successful native title determination over Marlinyu Ghoorlie country but that the Federal Court decision had filled him with hope that justice had been done. The native title claimants will now look to engage with the State Government and the Federal Court early in the new year to progress the outstanding issues which must be dealt with before a determination of native title can be made.