Anangu leaders meet King to mark Uluru handback
A group of Australian locals met King Charles at Australia House in London to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the return of Uluru National Park.
Charles attended the memorial service at the diplomatic mission in central London, where he met nine Aboriginal representatives and the owner of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which Charles visited with Diana, Princess of Wales in 1983.
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, and Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, are some of central Australia’s most iconic sights.
These areas, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, are sacred sites of the Anangu people, who regained ownership of the land after the Australian government returned the title deeds on 26 October 1985.
Thursday’s celebration included a performance of traditional dance and song by nine Anangu Traditional Owners, some of whom have never visited the UK before.
Sammy Wilson, whose lyrics were translated into English by Anangu representative Harry Wilson, said: “When you hear us sing, it comes from our grandmothers and grandfathers.
“That place has always been ours since time immemorial.
“Our land is sacred. That’s the song we sang.”
In his commemorative speech, Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Stephen Smith said Anangu people had lived in the area around Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for more than 30,000 years.
Alison Carroll, who spoke as interpreter to Mr Wilson, said: “In the past, when I was young, before that the Queen and the King had ownership of Australia.
“But now we’re in the process of saying that some land should be given back to Aboriginal people, and that it should be given back with a sense of ownership of where we belong.”
Asked if they would like the King to visit Uluru again, Harry Wilson, Alison Carroll and Sammy Wilson smiled and gave a thumbs-up, adding: “Yes, we would like him to come and visit.”
At Australia House, Charles was first welcomed by High Commissioner Smith and then proceeded to the building’s Downer Room, where Anangu representatives Rueben Burton, Craig Woods, Sammy Wilson, Alison Carroll, Rita Okai, Selina Kulitja, Rene Kulitja, Tapaya Edwards and Harry Wilson shook hands with him.
Charles also gifted the Anangu community a decorative plate created by Scottish clotted potters Fitch & McAndrew.
In a video message addressed to the King and shown to viewers at Australia House, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked the King for “taking the opportunity to meet with traditional owners ahead of a hugely important anniversary”.
“This was a turning point for Aboriginal land rights in Australia and a powerful moment in the story of our continent,” Mr Albanese added.
“Uluru is instantly recognized around the world as Australian.
“In Australia, this stands as a monument to our people’s love for the country and their determination to see justice done.
“It really is a very spiritual place.
“Thank you to the Anangu community for embarking on this long journey to share your rich cultural history with their friends in the UK.”
Charles’ visit to Australia House on Thursday was his first as monarch and his last visit to Australia House, where he was accompanied by the late Queen Elizabeth II. It dated back to November 2018, when he was accompanied by Elizabeth.
Following the Uluru Return in 1985, the Anangu people signed an agreement to lease the park back to the Australian Parks and Wildlife Service, creating a joint management arrangement for a period of ninety-nine years.
