Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, has been officially restored to its traditional name, K’gari, following an announcement made during a ceremony on the island last week.
The decision was published in the Queensland Government Gazette on 7 June, 2023, immediately putting the restored name into effect.
The name K’gari holds deep cultural significance as it comes from the Butchulla peoples’ creation story, which has been passed down orally for generations.
This Indigenous history will play a crucial role in future marketing efforts for the island, which is the Fraser Coast’s largest tourism drawcard.
“It was through disrespect to the Butchulla people that her name, K’gari – the home of the Butchulla people – was taken away. Thankfully it is now through respect to the Butchulla people that K’gari – her name – has been reclaimed,“ said Gayle Minniecon, chair of the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation.
To ensure a smooth transition, the name is pronounced GAH-ree, with the K being silent.
K’gari now becomes the sole name for the island, although references to the former name, Fraser Island, will be included in written materials to help people make the immediate connection.
“This change completes the picture for the Butchulla people and K’gari, by recognising and honoring their traditions, culture, and continued connection to their land.
“She has always been K’gari to the Butchulla people. Now this beautiful area will carry its true name in all aspects – the National Park, World Heritage Area, and the official place name,“ Resources Minister Scott Stewart said.
The restoration of the K’gari name represents one of the most significant name changes for a tourism asset in Australia since Ayers Rock became Uluru in 1993, highlighting the significance of preserving Indigenous cultural heritage.
The ceremony on the island was attended by representatives of the Butchulla people, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, government ministers, and industry stakeholders.
It was an emotional event where generations of Butchulla people and guests welcomed K’gari back home. The ceremony included a smoking ceremony, traditional dance and song, and a formal plaque unveiling.
“I’m proud that today we can officially welcome K’gari home and reinstate the name used by Traditional Owners for all these years,“ said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“We will continue to recognise Indigenous languages through place names, in the spirit of truth-telling and reconciliation as we walk the Path to Treaty. This always was and always will be Butchulla Country.“
The decision to restore the traditional name followed extensive consultation with Traditional Owners, tourism bodies, government agencies, and the Fraser Coast Regional Council. 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 were transferred to the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC. This land is dedicated for the benefit of its traditional owners, the Butchulla people.
“The Butchulla people have long shared K’Gari and their own culture and traditions with people from across the world, and this change recognises their generosity. So many people have been enriched by K’Gari’s unique history and their shared experiences with the Butchulla people,“ Minister for Treaty and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Leeanne Enoch said.
The restoration of the traditional name K’gari is a momentous occasion that honors the cultural heritage of the Butchulla people and acknowledges their deep connection to the land. By reclaiming the traditional name, Queensland takes a step forward on the path to reconciliation, recognizing the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and cultures. K’gari, the white spirit who shaped the land and seas for the Butchulla people, has found her rightful place once again, and her story will continue to be told and cherished for generations to come.
