Guildford – 2006
On 19th Sept 2006, the Federal Court brought down an historic judgment in favour of Noongar Native Title over the Perth metropolitan area: it is known as Bennell v State of Western Australia [2006] FCA 1243. Justice Wilcox found that Native Title continues to exist within an area in and around Perth. This is the first judgment which recognised Native Title over a capital city and its surroundings.
Evidence in support of this claim was heard at Guildford – the very same site where Noongars camped at the time of Europeans claiming our land. Justice Wilcox found the Noongar community had continued to exist and still practice many of our lores and customs. We did so despite the disruption resulting from being forced off our land as a consequence of white settlement and Government policies.