Yellagonga, a highly respected Nyoongar birdya (Nyoongar boss) and warrior, led his people through a time of great change. It is believed Yellagonga came from the hills and held vast stretches of land through his wives cultural connections.
When Europeans arrived in 1829, Yellagonga was known as a mediator, popular for his skills in resolving disputes. Many were indebted to Yellagonga for protecting their lives and property and for helping to preserve Nyoongar traditions
Despite his efforts to maintain peace, the arrival of settlers brought great disruption to Yellagonga’s people and to the country they cared for over generations.
After being displaced from his favourite place along the ridge where Perth’s city centre now stands, he guided his people north of the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River estuary) to Lake Galup (Monger), into Mooro country where his wife Yingani’s family lived.
