Date: Saturday, 23 October 2021

Time: 9am – 12:30pm – please arrive by 9.00am for the 9.30am start.

Place:  Commences Victoria Gardens, Royal Street, Perth (walk ends near Optus Stadium, where speeches will take place)

Whadjuk Noongar Country will play host to the “Walk for Cultural Heritage” on this Saturday 23 October from 9am.

A partnership between Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, Native Title Services Goldfields and National Native Title Council – the Walk is set to show opposition to the proposed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill 2021 and show support for the highest possible protection of Australia’s unique and globally recognised cultural heritage.

The Walk is set to begin at Victoria Gardens in East Perth at 9am, where walkers will cross Matagarup Bridge and head towards the Nicky Winmar statue outside of Optus Stadium to hear from speakers about why protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage in WA is so important.

The release of A Way Forward, the final report from the Northern Australia Committee Inquiry into the destruction of 46,000 year old caves at the Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, emphasises the need for change to happen to ensure cultural loss in Australia does not continue.

The time is now to send a clear message to government that Aboriginal people must have the final say on what happens to their cultural heritage. We must take the time to get things right and introduce new laws that benefit ALL Australians.

From this Friday evening through to Saturday morning, Optus Stadium will be illuminated with the colours of the Aboriginal flag in support of this event. We thank Optus Stadium for their support.

Walkers are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen and bring their own bottle of water.

To register for the Walk and for more information regarding the Bill and learn more about our concerns, please visit www.ProtectAboriginalCulturalHeritageWA.org.au

Traditional Owner speakers can be available for media interviews at the conclusion of the event, which will be coordinated on the day.

Media contacts: For more information or interviews please contact

NNTC: Sarah Easson on 0419 228 642 or email sarahjaneeasson@gmail.com

YMAC: Jane Mitchell on 0427 463 796 or email jmitchell@ymac.org.au.

SWALSC: Amanda Rainey on 0421 391 719 or email Amanda.Rainey@noongar.org.au

NTSG: David Lanagan on 0439 997 373 or email davidlanagan@ntsg.org.au