One nation, many stories Day six was our trip to Rottnest, and we were up early in the morning to jump straight onto the ferry and make our way to the holiday island. Our first appointment was with Walter McGuire, a local Whadjuk Nyungar man who gave us an insight on the Aboriginal perspective on Rottnest Island’s history. Our tour with Walter started with a traditional Welcome to Country ceremony, so that we could pass freely and safely on Wadjemup (the Whadjuk Nyungar name for Rottnest Island). It was an enriching experience to be immersed within Aboriginal culture and it was my first time ever taking part in a traditional Aboriginal ceremony.
Craft workers
Hearing about the way the Indigenous people were treated and imprisoned for years for what was usually seemingly insignificant crimes really helped enlighten us about the hardships faced on Wadjemup. What I found really interesting was the way Ian, our second guide, explained the formation of the island to us by utilising sand and water to show the formation of Rottnest to explain how the island came to be. Getting to hear such distinct stories allowed us to have a more enriched understanding, and also allowed us to form a more rounded opinion of the matter. .
We cycled away from the settlement along a series of salt lakes, framed against a stunning vista. The Oliver Hill Battery showed to us the entire island and views of the lakes and turbine. Our tour guide, Ian, took us through the battery which was an important part of the Fortress Fremantle concept - a World War Two defensive strategy relying on a series of forts to protect shipping and the naval base at Fremantle. Rottnest is a historical sanctuary situated outside the bustling metropolis of Perth which showed us that, even on a small island, decades of rich history could be tapped into anywhere. 2021 Premier's Anzac Student Tour | 13
