Office of Native title staff rubbed shoulders with Hollywood at the recent Nyangumarta native title determination, held on-country near Eighty Mile Beach south of Broome.

Among the 200 strong crowd were Australia star Brandon Walters, and well known film Director, Baz Luhrmann. 

Brandon, who played Nulla in the movie, was an active participant in the proceedings, joining his Nyangumarta family as they escorted the Judge, Justice Anthony North, into the bush Court.

In true Hollywood style, amidst flashing cameras and scribbling journalists, Justice North handed down the determination recognising the Nyangumarta people as the native title holders of approximately 32,000 square kilometres of land in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The Nyangumarta native title holders now hold exclusive possession native title rights and interests over vast areas of unallocated crown land and one reserve.  Exclusive possession means the Nyangumarta people have the right to occupy, use, and enjoy the land and waters (except flowing and subterranean waters) to the exclusion of all others.

Non-exclusive possession native title rights and interests were recognised in relation to the inter-tidal zone, all or part of three pastoral leases, and a number of unvested reserves.  Where non-exclusive possession native title exists, the Nyangumarta people have the right to hunt, fish and gather traditional resources, to erect shelters, to engage in ritual and ceremony, and to care for and maintain sites of significance.

To record the historic occasion, Baz Luhrmann directed a small camera crew throughout the day, and eagerly assisted novice photographers in the crowd, to set up shots worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster.

Absent a camera, but an equally enthusiastic participant in the day’s activities, was the Office of Native Title’s Principal Claims Manager for the Pilbara region Rae Markham.

Ms Markham worked closely with staff from the State Solicitor’s Office to negotiate the terms of the determination.

“As is the case for many Pilbara claims, a determination such as this takes some time to negotiate,” she said.

“There are numerous parties involved, including the State and Commonwealth Governments, fishers, pastoralists, Telstra, and the applicants, and we try to negotiate an outcome that will satisfy all their interests.”

“It is always very rewarding when we are able to successfully conclude a negotiation and a final determination is made.”

“I commend all the parties on their good will in this matter.”

With the formal determination made, a number of dignitaries made speeches, including Nyangumarta elder Nyaparu Rose, both the Federal and State Attorneys General, and representatives from the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation.

To cap off the proceedings, Brandon and the Nyangumarta dancers entertained the crowd with their traditional dance.