Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people as the Traditional Owners of Wadjemup, their continued connection to the island and its waters, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
We pay our respect to all Aboriginal people affected by the historical use of Wadjemup as a place of unjust incarceration, especially the men and boys who still remain there, and to the families and descendants who lost them.
Content Warning
Attendees are advised that the Ceremony content may be distressing for Aboriginal people and that cultural care services will be available.
Wadjemup Wirin Bidi Commemorative Ceremony
The Whadjuk Noongar people are the Traditional Owners of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, and their connection to the island is long, significant, and enduring.
From 1838-1931 Wadjemup was used as a place of incarceration, segregation and forced labour for over 4,000 Aboriginal men and boys who were forcibly taken from regions across Western Australia. Historic records indicate that at least 373 of these men and boys were buried in an area now referred to as the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground.
Wadjemup Wirin Bidi, meaning ‘Spirit Trail’, is a cultural Ceremony for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to gather together to facilitate healing and commemorate those affected by the past incarceration of Aboriginal men and boys on Wadjemup.
Attendance is free but registration is required before 1 November 2024.
Program
The public Commemorative Ceremony will be held on Wadjemup on Saturday 9 November 2024. The Ceremony is men's and women's Sorry Business and the program will include truth-telling from Traditional Owners and Elders, Aboriginal presentations, Yarning Circles, and cultural activities.
While every intent is for events to go ahead as planned, in some circumstances they may have to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Where is the event located?
Wadjemup Wirin Bidi will take place on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.
A Welcome to Country and Smoking will be available at North Thomson Beach for all visitors to the Island.
The Commemorative Ceremony will be held at Wadjemup Oval, which is 10-minute walk or 750 metres from the Main Jetty, along flat pathways. Access is via Strue Road.
Wadjemup Museum is located close to the Main Jetty, and access is via Digby Drive.
Travel to Wadjemup
Limited complimentary ferry travel to Wadjemup is included for registered event attendees.
A promotional code and instructions for how to book your complimentary ferry travel will be provided to you within 24 hours of your event registration.
Please note that you must register and book your complimentary ferry travel by 1 November 2024. Conditions apply.
The Wadjemup Project
The Ceremony is delivered through the Wadjemup Project, which aims to formally acknowledge and reconcile Aboriginal prison history from 1838 to 1931 on Wadjemup through truth-telling, ceremonies to facilitate healing, and memorialisation of the former prison sites, including the Quod and the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground.
Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
You can register up to four people to attend this free event by following the prompts online . Please ensure you register everyone attending with you, including children.
Is the event family-friendly?
Participants of all ages are welcome and dedicated children’s activities will be on offer, but parental supervision is required for children.
Will there be health and support services available?
We acknowledge that Aboriginal attendees may find it distressing to be on Wadjemup. Cultural care services will be available.
Is ferry travel included with my ticket?
There is limited complimentary ferry travel available for registered event attendees. Further details on how to book will be provided following registration. Please note that complimentary ferry travel must be booked by 1 November 2024 and conditions apply.
For more information on ferry services to the island, please click here.
Will there be security at the ceremony?
There will be appropriate security to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Will there be alcohol facilities at the event?
No, the event is alcohol-free and drug-free.
What happens if it rains?
While every intent is for the event to go ahead as planned, in some circumstances they may have to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If this happens, we will provide an update to you via the details you registered with.