The Albanese Government has marked 50 years since the historic Gurindji land handback, a defining moment in Australia’s struggle for Aboriginal land rights.
On 16 August 1975, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam poured soil into the hands of Gurindji leader Vincent Lingiari, symbolising the return of land at Wave Hill cattle station after years of protest. The image would go on to become an enduring symbol of the land rights movement.
The ceremony followed nearly a decade of struggle after 200 Gurindji, Mudburra and Warlpiri stockmen, domestic workers and their families led the Wave Hill Walk-Off on 23 August 1966. The strike, driven by both poor working conditions and dispossession, lasted nine years before the Gurindji people returned to their traditional Country at Daguragu.
Their courage paved the way for the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976, the first law in Australia enabling First Nations people to claim land rights where traditional ownership could be proven.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the milestone was both a moment to honour past courage and a reminder of unfinished work.
“Today we remember a mighty victory and we honour those who fought and won their long battle for justice,” Mr Albanese said.
“Yet as Gough said to Vincent on this historic day: ‘Your fight was not for yourselves alone’. There is more to do to ensure traditional owners can unlock the economic potential of their land and build long-term prosperity.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the walk-off and handback remain foundational moments in the land rights movement. “The soil passing from one hand to another is a defining moment in Aboriginal land rights and Australian history,” she said.
The 50th anniversary will be commemorated at the Freedom Day Festival, to be held from 22–24 August in Kalkarindji, where the Gurindji people and communities across Australia will gather to celebrate land rights, self-determination and solidarity.
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