The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people have initiated a native title claim with the federal court, aiming to assert their ancestral rights over Melbourne and its neighboring areas.

This claim encompasses a vast expanse of metropolitan Melbourne, stretching from the northern reaches of the Great Dividing Range, extending eastwards toward Mount Baw Baw, reaching west to the Werribee River, and extending south to Moradialloc Creek.

In their filing on Friday, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people are pursuing legal acknowledgment of their enduring ties and customary rights to this land.

This move follows closely on the heels of Victoria’s historic step as the first Australian state to legislate a treaty with its Indigenous communities.

Perry Wandin, an elder of the community, emphasized the importance of recognizing the traditional lore and customs of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.

“Wurundjeri people have fought for decades for recognition and respect, and have been at the forefront of protecting culture and country in Melbourne and surrounds,” he said.

Elder Uncle Andrew Gardiner added, “We are doing this for our ancestors and for our future generations.”

Native title is the legal recognition of the traditional rights and interests that Indigenous people have over land and waters according to their own laws and customs.

It would grant the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people greater opportunities to exercise their traditional rights, such as fishing, gathering resources, caring for the country, protecting places of significance and maintaining their relationship with land and water. 

A claim does not affect private homes, businesses or public infrastructure and can coexist with other land uses, such as Crown land, reserves and waterways. 

If successful, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people’s claim would be the eighth native title determination to be granted in Victoria.

It would also make Melbourne the third capital city to be encompassed under a native title claim, following the Kaurna people’s recognition over an area including Adelaide in 2018 and the Noongar people over an area including Perth in 2021. 

The National Native Title Tribunal will now decide whether to register the claim.

The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung elders intend to work with the state government and neighbouring traditional owner groups to reach an agreement.

All claims, including the seven previously granted and the several currently before the courts, encompass the majority of Victoria.