Truth telling, return and standing together on Country

In February, Palawa Community gathered at Wybalenna on Flinders Island, coming together on Country to honour this place and mark an important moment of truth telling and restoration.

Wybalenna is internationally significant. It is a site of genocide, and it is a sacred place for Tasmanian Aboriginal people. This is a place where our ancestors were taken, where lives were controlled, and where immense loss was carried. It is also a place where strength endured. That truth sits in the ground, in the stories, and in the memory of our people.

Over the past two centuries, our Community has fought to reclaim what was nearly taken. We have rebuilt identity, brought language back to life, and regained connection to Country, including the return of lands through the Aboriginal Lands Act 1995. While Wybalenna has been returned to Aboriginal ownership, the history held here remains present. The impacts of attempted assimilation and genocide are not in the past. They are part of what we carry, and part of why gatherings like this matter.

Coming back to Wybalenna together was deeply emotional. For many, it was the first time returning in years. For others, it was the first time in generations. Being back on this Country as a Community brought both heaviness and healing. There was grief, but there was also strength in standing together again.

Across the weekend, people gathered to yarn, reflect and reconnect. Stories were shared, memories honoured, and space was made to simply be together. It was not just about looking back, but about holding truth in a way that allows us to keep moving forward.

The gathering also recognised the Elders and families who worked for Wybalenna to be returned to Aboriginal control. It marked the beginning of restoration works that are already changing what is possible on this site, creating a place where our people can stay, gather and continue connection to Country.

Inside the Chapel, Nunami Sculthorpe-Green shared her journey in developing the truth-telling installation that now lives within that space. Her words brought depth and clarity to the stories held there. The accompanying audio tour, carried through Palawa voices, ensures that these truths will continue to be heard and understood.

At the Open Day, Wendy Moore, Aunty Ida West’s granddaughter, alongside Maggie Blanden and Ruby Moore, her great granddaughters, announced the reprint of Pride Against Prejudice. Their words carried both pride and emotion, and the books quickly found their way back into community hands.

Aunty Lillian Wheatley welcomed everyone to Country with strength and honesty, setting the tone for the weekend. Her words grounded the gathering in respect, truth and connection, and stayed with people long after.

The presence of friends, allies and the wider Flinders Island community added to the strength of the weekend, showing a shared respect for the significance of this place.

A great deal of work sat behind what people experienced. ALCT staff, Truwana Rangers and TAC worked together to prepare the site, transport equipment and supplies, and support the logistics across the weekend. This included moving goods by boat and plane, setting up spaces and making sure everything could run safely and smoothly, while still being part of the gathering itself.

ALCT extends sincere thanks to all who contributed to making this gathering possible. We acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre for walking alongside us in this work, including the Sea Country IPA Team, Junior Rangers, Pakana Rangers and the catering team.

We also recognise the many Community members who stepped in without being asked, helping with meals, accommodation and transport, and the close friends who gave their time and energy across the weekend.

We thank the Tasmanian Government for supporting the Truth Telling at Wybalenna project, and acknowledge Flinders Council, Hydro Tasmania and the wider Flinders Island community and businesses for their support.

Thank you to Jillian Mundy for documenting this gathering through photography.

Wybalenna is not just a place of the past. It is a place of truth, of survival, and of ongoing connection. Gathering here was a reminder of where we have come from, what has been carried, and the strength that continues forward.