MURUJUGA CELEBRATES WORLD HERITAGE LISTING WITH COMMUNITY EVENT AT HEARSON COVE
BY ASAD KHAN AND MARLI RYAN
Decades of Advocacy Recognised as Ngarda-Ngarli Lead the Celebration
Murujuga will mark a major milestone this month, with the community invited to a free family event celebrating the World Heritage listing of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.
The celebration will take place on Sunday, 23 November 2025, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Hearson Cove on Murujuga.
The listing, formally inscribed by the World Heritage Committee in July 2025, recognises the global significance of Murujuga’s cultural heritage, a landscape shaped by more than 50,000 years of continuous connection, knowledge, and care by Ngarda-Ngarli.
A Cultural Landscape of Global Significance
Murujuga includes Burrup Peninsula, the 42 islands of the Dampier Archipelago, and nearby marine areas.
It is home to one of the largest, oldest and most diverse collections of rock art on the planet, as well as songlines, stories and ceremonial places that remain central to Ngarda-Ngarli identity.
Yindjibarndi man and Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation Director Vincent Adams Credit: Eloise Dortch/MAC
Yindjibarndi man and Murujuga spokesperson Vincent Adams said the listing honours the work of Elders who pushed for protection long before the process began.
“Our old people fought for recognition because they always knew what this place is, a living archive of our ancestors, our stories, and our law. World Heritage doesn’t give Murujuga its value. It just confirms what we’ve always known,” he said.
He said the community celebration is not just an event, but a moment to look forward.
“This listing is for our Elders, our young ones and those still coming. It tells the world that Murujuga matters, and that Ngarda-Ngarli are still here, still looking after Country.”
Community Invited to Celebrate Together
The event at Hearson Cove will include:
Live bands and acoustic performers
Food trucks, a free sausage sizzle, damper and stew
Children’s activities
Cultural elements and community art
Free buses will run to and from several Karratha locations to support community access.
Organisers say the celebration is a chance for families across the Pilbara to gather, acknowledge the long road to recognition, and honour the teamwork between Elders, families, partners and the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation.
Honouring Elders and Looking Ahead
The decades-long campaign involved detailed cultural research, international assessments and united leadership from the five Traditional Owner groups — the Ngarluma, Mardudhunera, Yaburara, Yindjibarndi and Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo peoples.
Mr Adams said the listing strengthens the commitment to protect Murujuga for future generations.
“Our job now is to keep looking after Country the way our ancestors taught us. This is Ngurra. This is who we are.”
An Open Invitation
Organisers are encouraging all residents, families and visitors to join the celebration.
“Wayiba, come along, be part of it. This is a historic moment for everyone in our community,” he said.