QUOBBA BLOWHOLES ABORIGINAL RECOGNITION 

The Blowholes are a natural phenomenon and world class tourist site located 75 kilometres north of Carnarvon. Situated along the Quobba Coastline, powerful ocean swells push water through sea caves and out of narrow holes in the rocks, forcing jets of water to erupt into the air. The Blowholes area is an important place for Baiyungu and Yinggarda people. 

The Gascoyne Development Commission saw the need to recognise the important cultural history of the Blowholes for both Traditional Owners and the Carnarvon Aboriginal community, who have a long history associated with the site.

In August 2020, the Commission confirmed that it would work with Traditional Owners and Carnarvon Aboriginal community members to achieve this goal. It was agreed that a day-use shelter with interpretive signage would provide a place for Aboriginal people, tourists, and residents of Carnarvon and surrounding areas, a central point to visit and connect. A shelter would also provide a place to learn about the area and rich Aboriginal cultural history, while wayfaring signage will educate people about the lands on which they visit.

Quobba Blowholes, image courtesy of Tourism WA

The Commission partnered with the Shire of Carnarvon and Rio Tinto to fund and deliver this project.

The infrastructure was officially opened on Friday 7 July 2023 as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations.

The ceremony began with a Welcome to Country from both Baiyungu and Yinggarda elders. Speeches were given by GDC, Shire of Carnarvon and Rio Tinto. They outlined the successful collaborations between key stakeholders, the importance of the Blowholes to the Aboriginal people and how the new structure will help attract more visitors to the area.

The large crowd was excited to watch the ribbon cutting ceremony and to hear the stories behind the artwork and signage.

The new structure will now be owned and managed by the Shire of Carnarvon.

                 

The signage on the shelter has been written by Traditional Owner and Baiyungu woman Hazel Walgar, with artwork by Carnarvon local Naomi McMahon.

Hazel Walgar with the shelter sign at the opening ceremony

Representatives from the GDC, Rio Tinto, Shire of Carnarvon and Traditional Owners official open the day shelter