An Aboriginal sacred site has been vandalised in Tasmania's far north-east, leaving the state's Indigenous peoples deeply shocked and heartbroken while receiving broad condemnation from political parties.
First investigated by Tasmania Police on Monday and confirmed by the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania on Tuesday, the desecration at Wybalenna, a sacred site for Tasmanian Aboriginal people on Flinders Island in the state's far north-east, has seen vehicle burnout tracks significantly damage the grounds of the Island's former mission.
ALCT chairperson, Greg Brown, said the sacred place has been treated with "reckless disregard", leaving the grounds damaged and vital resources compromised.
"The sight of burnouts and tracks marking the grass is devastating and a painful reminder of the disrespect shown to a place that holds immeasurable meaning for the Aboriginal community," Mr Brown said.
Operating from 1833 to 1847 as a mission and forced settlement, Wybalenna is broadly considered a site where more than 200 Aboriginal men, women and children experienced poor living conditions, cultural suppression and high mortality.
Nowadays it is a place of remembrance, healing and cultural connection for the state's Aboriginal people.
"The tireless work of the ALCT, TAC and Truwana Rangers has transformed it into a cared-for and respected site, yet these recent actions threaten to undo decades of dedication," Mr Brown said.
The ALCT said in addition to damage to the grounds, a water tank on site has been drained, wasting a limited resource while adding to the devastation of seeing the area treated in such a thoughtless way.
"Wybalenna is a place of memory, of grief, and of resilience. It embodies the history of Tasmania's Aboriginal people and their enduring connection to the land," Mr Brown said.
"The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania and the Truwana Rangers call on the wider community to stand together to protect this sacred site."
On Wednesday the Tasmanian Government condemned the act of vandalism, with Tasmanian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Bridget Archer, saying she was "shocked and appalled at the needless damage" caused by vandals.
"Wybalenna is a site of profound cultural and historical significance for Tasmanian Aboriginal people, and this deliberate damage is a deeply distressing act of disrespect to community, culture, and heritage," Ms Archer said.
"The historic site was handed back to Tasmanian Aboriginal people in 1999, and its importance as a place of deep cultural connection cannot be overstated.
"We acknowledge the pain this has caused to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, including the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania, the Truwana Rangers, and the wider community, and we extend our support as they deal with this event."
The Greens also condemned the act of vandalism, saying they stand in solidarity with the ALCT and the Truwana Rangers.
"Wybalenna is an historic site, the place of Australia's first mission, where Tasmanian Aboriginal people were detained and prevented from returning to their Country," Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said.
"It is now a sacred place for the Aboriginal community, where people go to remember the tragedy and grief that people endured, to heal together, and connect through culture.
"The Aboriginal Land Council, Tasmanian Aboriginal Council and Truwana Rangers have worked tirelessly to transform Wybalenna. It should be treated with respect.
"The acts of vandalism that occurred are vicious and disrespectful, and stand in stark contrast to the care and love that has been poured into restoring Wybalenna."
Mr Brown said Wybalenna is more than a place on a map.
"It is a living testament to our ancestors and a place where respect, remembrance, and cultural connection must be honoured," he said.
Members of the public with information relating to the vandalism are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.
