On the 1st July 2019 we, formerly Kuruma Marthudunera Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, proudly moved forward under our new corporation name, Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC.
In 1999, the Robe River Kuruma people lodged their native title application in the Federal Court. At this time orders were made that the application be amended to combine the application of the Kuruma People and the Kuruma Marthudunera People – henceforth known as the Kuruma Marthudunera application. The native title application was divided into Part A and Part B.
The Part A area was determined in November 1, 2016, with an on-Country Federal Court hearing. The consent determination recognised the Robe River Kuruma people’s exclusive and non-exclusive rights to an area about 4,123 square kilometres in size. The Part B area was determined on the 26th April 2018. The Part B determination area includes the Robe River, the Bungaroo Valley and the Buckland Ranges, and covers an area of around 5, 720 square kilometres. The Part B area is particularly significant as the Robe River, or Jajiwura, has long been considered the lifeblood of the Robe River Kuruma people, and the ‘main artery of Robe River Kuruma country’.
With their native title rights and interests recognised and the Federal Court acknowledging that “…native title in the Determination Area is held by the Robe River Kuruma People”, the community have voiced their desire to rebrand the identity of the Corporation in line with the identity of the community. This was officially resolved 17th April 2019 at the Annual General Meeting.
Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC will continue to hold native title in trust as the registered native title body corporate for the Robe River Kuruma people. The Corporation will continue its role as the provider of community projects, programs and services developed and delivered for the benefit of the Robe River Kuruma people.
The change of company name was dated on 17th May 2019 and a new Certificate of Incorporation upon the change of name of the company was issued by ORIC. All other details and structure of the corporation remain unchanged.
Should you have any queries regarding the change of Corporation name, please don’t hesitate to contact Aoife McMahon, Chief Executive Officer on 9185 5005.
