Dear BNTAC Members,
I am delighted to share some exciting news with you today. Fraser Island, a jewel of the Australian landscape, is once again officially known by its traditional name, K’gari. This
change is a significant milestone in recognizing and respecting the cultural heritage of the Butchulla people and their deep connection to this remarkable island.
As the General Manager of Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC), it brings me immense joy to witness this transformation and share the story behind this remarkable achievement.
Reclaiming a Cultural Heritage
Fraser Island, located off the eastern coast of Australia, is renowned for its breathtaking seascapes and landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and pristine beaches. But it is not only its natural beauty that sets it apart; Fraser Island is also a place of profound cultural significance to the Butchulla people, the Traditional Owners of the land.
The Butchulla people have a deeply grounded connection to K’gari, stretching back for thousands of years. K’gari is a place of stories, traditions, and spirituality, making it a living cultural landscape. The name “K’gari” itself means “paradise” in the Butchulla language, and it encapsulates the deep reverence and love the Butchulla people have for their ancestral land.
A Journey of Recognition and Respect
The journey to restore the name K’gari to this pristine island has not been an overnight. It is the result of tireless efforts by the Butchulla community, who have fought to have their cultural heritage acknowledged and respected. In December 2020, Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science officially recognised K’gari alongside Fraser Island as the dual name for this World Heritage-listed site.
The dual naming of K’gari and Fraser Island is a significant step toward reconciliation and understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. It acknowledges the island’s rich cultural heritage, while still respecting its history and the people who have come to know it as Fraser Island over the years.
In 2021, the Queensland Government started the process to rename Fraser Island to K’gari. In this year, the Fraser World Heritage Area was also renamed to K’gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area.
Then, on 7 June 2023, the island was officially renamed K’gari.
What the Future Holds
For the Butchulla people, this change represents the beginning of a new era. It is an opportunity to share their stories, their culture, and their connection to K’gari with the world. This change is not about erasing history, but about celebrating diversity and recognising the importance of cultural heritage in shaping the identity of a nation.
Visitors to K’gari can now immerse themselves in the rich Butchulla culture, guided by Butchulla Rangers, who offer cultural tours, educating people about the history, stories, and traditions that make K’gari the unique place it is.
We encourage all visitors to K’gari to embrace the cultural significance of the island and show the respect it deserves by acknowledging its traditional name, K’gari.
In Closing
The recognition of K’gari is a beautiful example of how we can honour and celebrate our cultural diversity and the importance of preserving and acknowledging the indigenous heritage of this land. As General Manager of BNTAC, I am proud to be part of this journey and look forward to a future where all Australians, and visitors from around the world, come to know and love K’gari for what it truly is – a paradise that has been cherished by the Butchulla people for millennia.
Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey of cultural recognition and respect. We hope to see you soon on the shores of K’gari, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable experience.
Warm regards,
Veronica Bird, General Manager, BNTAC – Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation