Photo courtesy Wilcannia News.
In 1983, the local Aboriginal people set up a blockade at Mutawintji.
Why: Aboriginal people wanted control over their own heritage. They wanted respect for Aboriginal culture.
The demands: Snakes Cave (a traditional men’s initiation site) and Mushroom Rock (a traditional women’s birthing site) were to be immediately closed to the public for an indefinite period of time.
The existing campground needed be relocated outside of the historic site due to its nearness to Snakes Cave. Walking trails needed to be realigned to prevent further damage or disturbance of culturally significant sites.
William Murray remembers driving the old school bus out for the blockade, with “a big heap, a full bus load. Put the bus across the ramp and we camped alongside of it. Blocking anyone that was going down there.”
Photo courtesy Wilcannia News.
gratefully update the names on the file.
Photo courtesy Wilcannia News.
Fifteen years later, Mutawintji was returned to the Traditional Owners who now lease the land to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) NSW, to continue as a National Park.
It is run by a Board of Management having a majority of Original Aboriginal Owner family representatives.
They ensure the employment and training of local Aboriginal people as Caretakers, Field Officers, and Tour Guides of the National Park.
This article appeared in Wilcannia News, 19 August 2025.
