The Marlinyu Ghoorlie claimants were recognised by the Federal Court on Friday as the rightful Traditional Owners of the Marlinyu Ghoorlie (MG) native title claim area, which covers Kalgoorlie 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 MG Claim area.

Brian Champion Sr who was a key witness in native title hearings on country in 2023 said he had given up hope that he would live to see a successful native title determination over MG Country but the Federal Court decision filled him with hope that justice had been done.

MG enjoys a "strong, collaborative" partnerships with the mining industry in the region and the Applicant for the MG Claim welcomed the certainty that the Federal Court decision provides for industry and government in relation to dealing with native title and cultural heritage in the region.

MG People in attendance at the Federal Court were overcome with emotion by the decision which came on the back of a number of successful negotiated agreements with mining companies and the formal registration of an ILUA with DBCA to recognise a national park over Bungalbin and the Helena Aurora and Die Hardy Ranges.

The MG Native Title Claimants will now look to engage with the Western Australian government and the 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.