Traditional Owners heritage monument officially opened near Weipa, Australia

The scarred tree monument at Red Beach, Prunung near Weipa in northern Australia, was officially opened during a ceremony held by Traditional Owners and Rio Tinto Alcan.

The 17 scarred trees have spiritual and cultural significance to the Traditional Owners, as the trees have each been cut by ancestors to remove wild bush honey.

Grace John and Richard Barkley unveil the sign at the Prunung monument

The scarred tree monument was erected in 2007 following heritage management negotiations between Thanikwithi Traditional Owners and Rio Tinto Alcan. Approximately 80 people came to the opening, which featured singing, a traditional smoking ceremony, and speeches by Traditional Owners Richard Barkley, Grace John and Thanakupi, and by Rio Tinto Alcan representatives.

Senior Traditional Owner Richard Barkley encouraged all members of the public to visit Prunung to see the trees and learn about their significance from the information signs in place. 

"Prunung is a very important place. It's a very important place for future generations, our children and also for everyone else," Richard said.

"Now when people visit, they can learn about our culture and see the heritage of our ancestors and the region," he added.

Thanikwithi Traditional Owner Thanakupi, shared her childhood memories about the mission where she grew up, when there was only one axe to share between 300 people. "I remember sitting with my family and waiting and waiting until it was our turn to use the axe," she explained.

"There was only one axe between so many people and when it came our turn to use the axe we could go out and collect wild bush honey. Wild honey was used in crushed corn for breakfast in the dormitories for school children, so when we could eat the native honey, it was wonderful."

General manager, Weipa, Rob Atkinson acknowledged the significance of the monument and the path that led to its development.

"To me, this display really shows that so long as people are able to sit down and talk together, solutions can be found to every situation," Rob said. "I hope that visitors to Prunung will look upon the display for many years to come, recognising and respecting the work of the ancestors and appreciating the rich history of this land."