Rachel Hagan, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

After almost a 60-year run, Scotch College will soon be vacating its secluded camp spot on Mayibarrdu/Goose Island with the island soon returning to the Narungga Nation.

Since 1966, Scotch College has had a licence agreement with the Department for Environment and Water which has allowed them to use Mayibarrdu/Goose Island for immersive outdoor camp experiences.

The island is west of Point Pearce and north of Wardang Island.

Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Doug Milera said the board was thrilled the island was returning to the Narungga people, who plan to open it up for everyone to use and visit.

Mr Milera said the Federal Court’s recognition in 2023 of the Narungga people as the Native Title holders of Yorke Peninsula had heralded a new era for Narungga and they were finally in a position to improve health, education, employment and business opportunities.

“We want to connect spiritually and run some cultural programs over there (on Mayibarrdu), but also for the ranger program to be involved with the conservation and protection of the island,” Mr Milera said.

“From an economic point of view, we will develop and package up cultural and ecotourism opportunities.

“We’re unlocking the island — we’re not going to lock it up — we’re opening it up for everyone to come and visit and be a part of understanding what Narungga’s connection is.”

Scotch College’s licence was due to expire in 2027, however after several months of good faith negotiations between the college and DEW, the school was informed the licence would end in December 2024.

Scotch College principal Trent Driver said the college made every effort to negotiate a solution and it would keep lines of communication open with the Narungga Nation.

“For 2024’s Year 10 cohort, our plans for their outdoor education camps in Term 4 are unchanged,” Mr Driver said.

“The program they have worked towards all year, including their upcoming visits to Point Pearce, will proceed as planned.

“Our staff are looking forward to 2024’s camps, and giving this year’s groups a wonderful experience on the island.”

The college said the licence on Mayibarrdu/Goose Island allowed students to take part in remarkable environmental and water-based activities, and was an integral part of the senior SACE curriculum for Outdoor Education students.

Students were able to build relationships with the Point Pearce community, which Mr Driver hoped to continue into the future.

“Those relationships have also helped shape our school’s approach to reconciliation and our understanding of our nation’s need to engage proactively with Aboriginal Australians,” he said.

The Year 10 cohort for 2025 will not miss out on the outdoor education experience, and details of the upcoming year will be released to students and parents at a later date.

“As we conclude our time on Goose Island, we celebrate the impact that our programs have had on our community and culture, and look forward to embracing the opportunities to provide extraordinary outdoor experiences for our students in the years ahead,” Mr Driver said.  

This article appeared in  Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 10 September 2024.