The City of Melville sits within the cultural region of Beeliar. The district was bounded by Melville Waters and the Canning River on the north through to Katamordo (Darling Ranges) on the east, the moomboyet (sea) to the west and by the line due east from Mangles Bay on the south.

 

The Noongar Beeliar cultural group, lead by Midgegooroo and Yagan, was the first Aboriginal group in Western Australia to suffer the full impact of European settlement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the settlers reduced Aboriginal access to essential food sources, violent conflict continued. Many hundreds of Aboriginal people died or were forcibly removed. Beeliar survivors fled to Coolbellup / Walliabup lake area, which is an ancient principal campsite for all south west Noongar people. 

 

In 1997, the City of Melville, led by Gail Beck, consulted with key stakeholders and elders of Noongar Country with links to the specific areas to coolate and create the Noongar Heritage Report and Brochure.