On Wednesday the 7th of June, the Queensland government officially reinstated the name of Queensland finest (in my opinion) sand island, four-wheel drive and camping location. Fraser Island is out, and K’gari in.
What’s the story?
This name change was announced at a historic ceremony. It was attended by government officials. As well as huge number of traditional land owners. K’gari which means paradise in the native Butchulla language, is an absolutely perfect title for the sand island. Being so beautiful it attracts tourists from all around the world every year.
In fact, it’s been quoted that in 2022 alone there were more than 800,000 visitors that travelled to K’gari.
This name change has been in the works for decades. Annastacia Palaszczuk, the Premier of Queensland saying her and her team worked closely with the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, tourism bodies, government agencies and the Fraser Cost regional Council to delicately handle the name change from Fraser Island to the traditional name. K’gari.
“K’gari comes from the Butchulla people’s creation story of the island, which has been passed down orally for generations. 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 Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk from the ceremony.
“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.”
What has changed on K’gari?
With the news of the official name change from Fraser Island, to K’Gari, more than 19 hectares of land has also been transferred to the traditional owners. This land can never be bought, sold or mortgaged. The only use being for the benefit of the traditional owners, the Butchulla people.
Gayle Minniecon, who is the Chair of the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation added the following.
“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. Our oral history, our creation story will now be told and learnt as it should be.”
