Yandeyarra (also referred to as Mugarinya) is a large
Aboriginal community, located in the
Pilbara
The Pilbara () is a large, dry, thinly populated region in the north of Western Australia. It is known for its Aboriginal peoples; its ancient landscapes; the red earth; and its vast mineral deposits, in particular iron ore. It is also a glo ...
region of
Western Australia
Western Australia (commonly abbreviated as WA) is a state of Australia occupying the western percent of the land area of Australia excluding external territories. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to th ...
, within the
Town of Port Hedland
The Town of Port Hedland is a local government area in the Pilbara region of Western Australia containing the twin settlements of Port Hedland and South Hedland and the industrial precinct of Wedgefield. It had a population of approximately 1 ...
.
History
Yandeyarra was established in 1964 and has a population of approximately 400 people. The community is located within the Yandeyarra pastoral station. The original buildings on the site formed an outstation of the original pastoral station.
In January 2019, over 1,000 cattle died on Yandeyarra Reserve, including 760 which were euthanised after being found in poor health. The Mugarinya Community Association Inc. and eight associated individuals were charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty in January 2021. In December 2023, the Mugarinya Community Association pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and was fined $50,000. As part of a pre-trial agreement, the charges against individuals associated with the deaths were dropped and the association agreed to reimburse the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development nearly $500,000 in costs associated with the cattle's deaths.
Native title
The community is located within the registered
Kariyarra people (WAD6169/1998)
native title
Aboriginal title is a common law doctrine that the land rights of indigenous peoples to customary tenure persist after the assumption of sovereignty under settler colonialism. The requirements of proof for the recognition of aboriginal title, ...
claim area.
Education
Children of school age at Yandeyarra attend the
Yandeyarra Remote Community School. The school caters for years K – 12 with approximately 40 students enrolled.
Town planning
Yandeyarra Layout Plan No.1 has been prepared in accordance with State Planning Policy 3.2 Aboriginal Settlements. Layout Plan No.1 was endorsed by the community on 6 July 2001 and the
Western Australian Planning Commission
The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) is an independent statutory authority of the Government of Western Australia that exists to coordinate strategic and statutory planning for future urban, rural and regional land use. The authori ...
on 1 August 2001.
References
{{reflist
External links
Native Title Claimant application summary
Towns in Western Australia
Aboriginal communities in Pilbara