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‘‘This always was and always will be Butchulla Country.’’

Annastacia Palaszczuk Queensland premier

iginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the government would continue to recognise Indigenous languages through place names, in the spirit of truthtelling and reconciliation.

‘‘While steps like this can’t change the wrongs of the past, it goes a long way to building a future where all Queenslanders value, trust, and respect each other,’’ she said.

‘‘This always was and always will be Butchulla Country.’’

In 2017, the Fraser Island section of the Great Sandy National Park was renamed K’gari (Fraser Island) and in 2022, the island’s World Heritage Area was renamed K’gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area.

To coincide with the restoration of K’gari, more than 19 hectares of land was transferred to the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation.

Butchulla land and sea ranger co-ordinator Chantel Van Wamelen said the official recognition honoured the elders who had fought for the change.

‘‘Part of the process is truthtelling and for people to recognise that it’s always been named K’gari,’’ she said.

‘‘It is insulting to us to have our island named after a woman who did tell lies about our people, which led to a lot of our people being removed from the island and massacres.

‘‘We’ve got such a unique ecosystem over here and there’s such rich cultural and environmental values on this island.

‘‘It’s very special for us to call this place home.’’

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the official name change recognised the traditional owners.

‘‘She has always been K’gari to the Butchulla people,’’ he said.

‘‘Now this beautiful area will carry its true name in all aspects, the National Park, World Heritage Area and the official place name.’’ –

World

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2023-06-08T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-08T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/281938842311989

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