Overview
WGAC exists to represent the Native Title rights and protect the cultural heritage of Muntulgura Guruma people.
Who We Are
Muntulgura Guruma people maintain a deep and continuous connection to Country, with responsibilities that include looking after their sacred places and heritage sites, caring for country and ensuring that knowledge is passed to younger generations. Healthy country is vital for community wellbeing.
Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation (WGAC) is the Prescribed Body Corporate representing the native title and cultural heritage interests of Muntulgura Guruma people. WGAC operates under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act and is governed by a Board of Directors elected by members. Our governance framework ensures transparency, accountability and culturally informed decision-making.
Muntulgura Guruma Country is one of the most resource-rich regions in Australia. Decades of large-scale mining activity have brought significant change to the landscape, including impacts to culturally significant heritage places. Mining tenements cover most of Muntulgura Guruma Country, and the land and people are under constant pressure from mining interests.
In the past, many aspects of native title administration, heritage management and agreement negotiations were undertaken by external entities on behalf of the community. Recognising the need for stronger self-determination, greater autonomy and direct control over its future, WGAC underwent a period of reform and renewal beginning in 2014. Since then, the WGAC has strengthened its governance, internal capacity and operational independence.
Today, WGAC directly manages its native title and heritage responsibilities and is focused on building a resilient, transparent and economically sustainable organisation. The Corporation is committed to ensuring that activities on Muntulgura Guruma Country deliver long-term cultural, social and economic benefits for all Traditional Owners — now and for future generations.
Our History
Native Title Determination
1997
The Eastern Guruma native title claim was lodged in the Native Title Tribunal by Muntulgura Guruma Elders, commencing a long process of collecting evidence, negotiations and Federal Court proceedings.
March 2007
After much work obtaining connection evidence and negotiating with the State and the other respondents to the claim, the parties reached an agreement over most of the claim area, which became known as the ‘Part A’ area. On 1 March 2007 Justice Bennett of the Federal Court made a determination of native title to Muntulgura Guruma people over the ‘Part A’ area at a ceremony held at Kings Lake.
This formal legal recognition was a significant milestone for Muntulgura Guruma people as it recognised their rightful connection to their land, a spiritual connection that existed for many thousands of years before the legal system was introduced into Australia.
November 2012
Muntulgura Guruma people continued working through collection of evidence, negotiations and court proceedings to process the ‘Part B’ native title claim in the Tom Price part of their Country. The ‘Part B’ determination was successfully made on 20 November 2012 by the Federal Court.
Our Board
Glenn Camille
Chairperson & Director
Terry Hughes
Director
Judith Hughes
Director
Justin Gilba
Director
Dawn Hughes
Director
Jocelyn Hicks
Director
Davis Hicks
Director
Kerry Howard
Director
Phil Paul
Independent Director
WGAC’s objectives include direct relief of poverty, sickness, suffering, misfortune, destitution or helplessness among Aboriginal people, especially the common law holders. WGAC is also charged with the protection, preservation and advancement of traditional laws, languages, culture and customs.
