Cultural items repatriated to Mornington Island after almost 50 years

Several items of cultural significance have been formally repatriated to Mornington Island after almost half a century, after making the long journey home from regional Victoria.

By Lyndsay Jameson

The items were repatriated at a ceremony held at the Mornington Island Arts Centre on August 29.

Several items of cultural significance have been formally repatriated to Mornington Island after almost half a century, after making the long journey home from regional Victoria.

The items – including spears, ceremonial dance hats, boomerangs, carved dugongs, fish nets, necklaces, and bark paintings – were taken from Mornington Island in the 1970s after being gifted to, and purchased by, a couple who were teaching on the island.

Mornington Shire Council Corporate and Community director Skye Price said the items remained in a private collection for a number of years before being gifted to Baw Baw Shire Council, in the West Gippsland region of Victoria.

Baw Baw Shire Council recently discovered the items after carrying out an audit of the artworks in their collection; a formal resolution was taken to a Council meeting to ensure the items were repatriated to Mornington Island.

Baw Baw Shire mayor Danny Goss and Arts and Culture coordinator Melissa Forlano travelled to Mornington Island on Friday, August 29, to formally present the items to Elder Edgar Wilson and Mornington Shire mayor Richard Sewter.

Cr Sewter greeted Cr Goss and Ms Forlano at the Gununa Airport before taking them to the Mornington Island Arts Centre.

The day’s proceedings included a smoking ceremony, a Welcome to Country conducted by Roxanne Thomson, and Johnny Williams playing the didgeridoo. Also in attendance were councillors Farrah Linden and Renee Wilson, and community members.

Laxton Roberts later smoked the items in a ceremonial manner, cleansing them because they have formerly moved around a lot and were originally made by people who have passed away.

Ms Price said the items’ return was of great emotional and cultural significance for the island’s residents.

“All of the people who made the items have passed away now, but there were some sons in attendance whose parents had prepared some of the items, like bark paintings,” Ms Price said.

“Council is very pleased to have hosted the Baw Baw Shire Council representatives, and to receive the items back at the Mornington Island Arts Centre.

“In time, Council hopes to secure funding for Stage 2 of our Indigenous Knowledge Centre, which will be a cultural keeping place.”

Cr Sewter said he extends his thanks and appreciation towards the Baw Baw Shire Council representatives.

“These artefacts form part of the Mornington Island community story and they’ll be stored in our cultural keeping place for future generations,” Cr Sewter said.