Fanny Balbuk facts for kids
Fanny Balbuk (1840–1907), also known as Yooreel, was an important Whadjuk woman. She lived in Perth, Western Australia when the Swan River Colony was just starting. Fanny Balbuk is famous for strongly believing in Aboriginal land rights. She showed her disagreement when new buildings and fences were put up in Perth. These new structures were built on land she felt still belonged to her people.
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Fanny Balbuk's Early Life
Fanny Balbuk, also called Yooreel, was born in 1840. Her birthplace was Matagarup (Heirisson Island) in the Swan River. This area is near the causeway on Whadjuk country. Her father, Coondenung, was a skilled hunter. Her mother, Joojeebal (Doodyep), was known for her "cheeky" sense of humour. Balbuk was a descendant of Yellagonga, an important Noongar leader. Her family's traditional land included the Perth city centre area. She would gather gilgies (small freshwater lobsters) and vegetables. She found these in the swampy areas where Perth now stands.
Standing Up for Land Rights
Balbuk was well known among the British settlers who grew up around her. When she was young, she traveled to places like Northam, Moore River and Dandaragan. She even attended a friendship ceremony at Moore River, where she was given the name Yooreel.
She is remembered for her strong belief in her people's land rights in Perth. As the colony grew, new buildings and fences appeared. But Balbuk would still walk her traditional path. This path went between her birthplace and the railway station. She walked it no matter what new structures were in her way.
Daisy Bates, a writer, shared a story about Balbuk. She wrote that Balbuk would often stand at the gates of Government House. She would complain loudly that the stone gates and guards were on her grandmother's burial ground.
Noongar elder Noel Nannup tells a similar story. He said, "That was her songline, her dreaming. She just kept going and didn’t take any notice of the new city going up. That’s a story of defiance and determination." This shows her strong will and refusal to give up her connection to the land.
Fanny Balbuk's Lasting Legacy
Fanny Balbuk is remembered for her strong commitment to Aboriginal land rights. She showed her disapproval as British settlement spread onto traditional Noongar lands.
Balbuk shared important information with Daisy Bates about traditional Noongar lands around Perth. This information became very important later. In 2006, it was used in a native title claim. The Federal Court of Australia decided that Noongar people did have Native Title rights over the Perth area. However, this decision was later changed by the full Federal Court.
Death of Fanny Balbuk
Fanny Balbuk passed away in 1907.
