Anniversary of the Wybalenna Land Handback

18 April

On 18 April 1999, the title deeds to Wybalenna on Flinders Island were handed to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community. The handback followed sustained Aboriginal advocacy, including the work of Aunty Ida West and other community members. It is a significant land-rights anniversary, connected to both the suffering experienced at Wybalenna and the determination of Aboriginal people to reclaim and care for it.

A place of grief and continuing connection

In the nineteenth century, Aboriginal people were forcibly confined at Wybalenna, separated from their homelands and prevented from living freely. Many died there. The people who survived its closure in 1847 were moved to Oyster Cove. These histories are not evidence of an Aboriginal people disappearing: Tasmanian Aboriginal families, cultures and community life continued, and continue today.

The return of Wybalenna did not happen without struggle. Community members occupied the property during the 1990s, asserting their connection and demanding its return. The titles were subsequently transferred to the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania.

What the handback means

Aboriginal ownership provides a foundation for decisions about remembrance, interpretation and care to be led by Aboriginal people. Community accounts describe Wybalenna as a place that can bring sorrow, pride and connection together. Work to make it more accessible for Elders and families supports the continuing relationship between the place, its ancestors and future generations.

The anniversary should therefore recognise the people who campaigned for its return, rather than presenting land rights simply as a gift from government. Returning title is an important milestone, not an end to the work of caring for Country or addressing the consequences of dispossession.

Reflecting with care

Begin with Tasmanian Aboriginal voices and respect the authority of the community over how this history is shared. Avoid asking Aboriginal people to recount family trauma for an audience. If planning a visit or learning activity, seek current guidance from the organisations responsible for the place. An anniversary is an invitation to listen, not an assumption of permission to enter, photograph or conduct activities.

Sources and further learning

Australian Museum: Remembering Truganini records the precise handback date and Aunty Ida West’s involvement.

SBS: Aboriginal community perspectives on Wybalenna explores the occupation, handback, continuing care and truth-telling.

Our related products and resources

Old Dar by Rex Greeno offers a connection to living palawa family and island cultural history. It is suggested as related reading, not as an account of the Wybalenna handback.