Traditional Custodians

Perth city, and its surrounding suburbs including Maylands, are located on the ancient country of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people, who have been the Traditional Custodians of the south west of Western Australia for at least 45,000 years. Noongar country extends from the Wheatbelt in the north down to Esperance in the south, encompassing 14 language groups, of which Whadjuk is based around the Perth area.

Whadjuk Nyoongar people inhabited the Maylands Peninsula for tens of thousands of years prior to the arrival of any Europeans. Here, they maintained the land and its waters, protecting booja (country) for hundreds of generations. Nyoongar peoples’ connection to land is holistic – Booja connects everything through meaning and purpose, as demonstrated through peoples’ spiritual and physical care of the land, waters, and sky.

The Maylands Historical and Peninsula Association acknowledges this deep connection to land, and acknowledges that the work we do takes place on the traditional booja of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people. We acknowledge Elders past and present, and acknowledge the everlasting contribution and connection Whadjuk Nyoongar – and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – have to the lands and waters on which we are privileged to live.

Find out more about the history of Maylands:

• People
• Timeline
• Places
• Organisations