Rottnest Island Authority

Last Friday 31 October, Rottnest Island Authority proudly hosted the annual Volunteer Breakfast, recognising the valuable contribution of volunteers over the past financial year. Together, Rottnest Island volunteers contributed more than 48,000 hours preserving the natural, cultural, and recreational values of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Their work spanned conservation, education, emergency response, maintenance, and heritage protection. These efforts directly supported the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023–2028, which values and supports volunteers. Read more about the Rottnest Island Management Plan: https://bit.ly/47BBpt9 Learn more about our volunteer partnerships: https://bit.ly/49vTBqD

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Meeting Place 2025 has returned to Perth, with the first day held on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. The event enables tourism professionals to discuss ways to build Australia’s tourism export sector. Holding day one of the event on Rottnest Island provides a unique opportunity to showcase trade-ready island tourism businesses to key international tourism buyers. As one of the nation's largest tourism trade events, this event supports the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-28 focus area to diversify the visitor base and enhance the visitor experience. Learn more about the Rottnest Island Management Plan: https://bit.ly/3WZ0Qjn #MeetingPlace2025 #MP25

Last Friday 10 October, Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) opened the Connections to Wadjemup exhibition on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Curated by Emilia Galatis, the exhibition showcases works by 50 Aboriginal artists from across Western Australia. Through Dreamtime stories, natural landscapes, personal reflections, and the island's complex history as a site of incarceration, each piece offers a unique connection to Wadjemup. This exhibition supports a key initiative of the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023–28, to deliver RIA’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Read more about the Rottnest Island Management Plan: https://bit.ly/4mYfcuT Learn more about the exhibition: https://bit.ly/3L8BQn2

Together with the Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group, Rottnest Island Authority marked the completion of Kwoba Wirin-up, a cultural space on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. Meaning Good Spirit Place, Kwoba Wirin-up, an initiative of the Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group was developed to provide a cultural space for Aboriginal visitors and workers to reflect, connect to Country, and undertake cultural practices. This initiative progresses the strategic focus area of the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-28 to respect and engage with Wadjemup’s cultural heritage. Read more: https://bit.ly/4oJqwx5

RIA congratulates the Wadjemup Project Steering Group (WPSG) on receiving the Caring for Country and Culture Award at the 2025 National NAIDOC Awards, held in Boorloo / Perth. The award was presented to the advisory group for Stage Two of the Wadjemup Project and includes members Farley Garlett, Neville Collard, Herbert Bropho, Glenys Yarran, Sandra Harben, and Karen Jacobs (pictured). The Wadjemup Project is a state-wide Aboriginal-led project facilitated by Rottnest Island Authority with support from Department of Premier and Cabinet to reconcile the history of Aboriginal people’s imprisonment on Wadjemup between 1838 and 1931. The National NAIDOC Week Awards honour the remarkable contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who drive positive change within their communities and across the nation. This year marks 50 years since NAIDOC Week began. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/40oajTL

Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) celebrates the installation of 10 new pieces at the Wadjemup Museum Sculpture Garden art exhibition Yoowarl Koorl Djinang (meaning ‘Come Look See’). Since opening Wadjemup’s Sculpture Garden in December 2020, 36 artists have exhibited work in the outdoor space with pieces responding to the island’s natural environment, marine context, heritage, and history - resulting in a diverse and thought-provoking selection of work. Enhancing the visitor experience is a key initiative of the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-28. Read more: https://bit.ly/44JB07H

Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) Board Chair Hamish Beck has been honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2025. Hamish was awarded the OAM in the General Division for his service to conservation and the environment, including Rottnest Island Authority, Swan River Trust, and the Environmental Protection Authority. Hamish has played a pivotal role in shaping Wadjemup / Rottnest Island’s future. He is respected for his dedication to showcasing the island’s natural beauty while enhancing the visitor experiences. RIA congratulates Hamish for this deserving recognition. Read more: https://bit.ly/4jOPpUH

Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) marked National Reconciliation Week with reflections on the history of Wadjemup and our commitment and continued journey to reconciliation at events held on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island and Walyalup / Fremantle. RIA’s vision for reconciliation is a vision for opportunity, truth-telling, and respect and we will continue to work in partnership with the Aboriginal community. Read more about the five key cultural initiatives outlined in the Rottnest Island Managment Plan: https://bit.ly/4mJ50Yw

Volunteers are paramount to the continued success in conserving the natural, cultural and recreational values of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island and these partnerships are a strategic focus area of the Rottnest Island Management Plan (RIMP) 2023-28. Rottnest Island Authority thanks each volunteer group for their dedication and service and acknowledges their valuable contribution to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island during the 2025 National Volunteer Week. Read more: https://bit.ly/44HEKqV

The annual Recreational Expression of Interest is open for experienced business operators to bring new, innovative and dynamic businesses to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. The EOI is a key focus area of the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-28 to enhance the visitor experience. Applications close at 4 pm (AWST) Tuesday 29 April 2025. Expressions of interest are open via https://bit.ly/42Nr4ZW