Signing Ceremony at Government House for the South West Native Title Settlement

A significant signing at Government House today with the establishment of the Noongar Boodja Trust for the South West Native Title Settlement.

In a special ceremony, the official signing of the Trust Deed took place and Perpetual Trustee Company was appointed as the initial Noongar Boodja Trustee.

Over a decade in the making, the South West Native Title Settlement comprising six Indigenous Land Use Agreements formally commenced in February this year, with today’s establishment of the Trust the next significant stage.

It is a particularly momentous day for the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) Board and Noongar Elders who have been instrumental in bringing this settlement to fruition, working with the WA Government.

The Governor today welcomed SWALSC Chairperson Vanessa Kickett, SWALSC Ballardong member-elected director Mr Barry Winmar, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs The Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, Noongar Elders, Board Members and special guests to Government House for the historic signing.

The Settlement, which involves around 30,000 Noongar people and covers approximately 200,000 sq km of the south-west region is recognised as the most comprehensive Native Title agreement negotiated in Australia.

The Governor described today’s signing as a significant step forward in our state’s history and one of which he is enormously proud.

“This agreement allows the Noongar people to be recognised as the traditional owners of the south-west region and ensures the Noongar people’s strong and special relationship with their lands continue to grow and flourish,” said the Governor.

“I am truly honoured to have been allowed to be a part of this tremendous occasion.”

For more on the agreement, you can read the State Government’s media release here 

You can learn more about the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council here

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