The Wadjemup Wirin Bidi Commemorative Ceremony, set for Saturday, 9 November, offers a profound opportunity for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to gather in the spirit of healing and remembrance.
The event will acknowledge the painful history of Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), where more than 4,000 Aboriginal men and boys were incarcerated between 1838 and 1931.
While Rottnest Island is often associated with its picturesque beaches and quokkas, its Noongar name, Wadjemup, reveals a much darker history. Aboriginal men and boys, some as young as seven, were forcibly removed from their communities and imprisoned in the island's main prison, known as the Quod.
Most visitors to the popular tourist destination remain unaware of its tragic history. For many of the men sent there, Wadjemup became a place of no return. At least 363 of them are buried in unmarked graves, over which holidaymakers once camped, unaware of the significance of the ground beneath them.
Herbert Bropho, whose own grandfather Tommy Bropho was a traditional man from Wyndham imprisoned on the island against his will, reflects on this history.
"I don't want to spoil your holiday of coming over," he said told Fairfax.
"Or you taking photos of the quokkas, which in our Noongar way are part of our Dreaming—the spirits of our men.
"But at the end of the day, we want to teach you about the history of this place—that's all we want to do."
For 87 years, the Quod itself was repurposed as holiday accommodation, overshadowing its grim origins as a place of incarceration and suffering.
Wadjemup Wirin Bidi, meaning 'Spirit Trail,' is a cultural ceremony that promotes truth-telling, healing, and commemoration. Open to all, it will feature presentations from Traditional Owners and Elders, Aboriginal cultural activities, and Yarning Circles, offering spaces for personal stories and shared experiences.
The event recognises both men's and women's Sorry Business, creating a sacred space for collective mourning and reconciliation.
Part of the Aboriginal-led Wadjemup Project, this ceremony is a critical step toward confronting and acknowledging the island's history while fostering healing.
As Rottnest Island remains a popular tourist destination, the event underscores its dual identity, helping to educate the public about the historical trauma that lies beneath its surface. It is Australia's largest single death-in-custody site.
Through public ceremonies and private healing events, the Wadjemup Wirin Bidi invites all Australians to participate in this milestone of truth and remembrance, honouring those who suffered and ensuring future generations understand the island's painful legacy.
