Community and visitors return to Gunlom

Kakadu’s Gunlom has officially opened and welcomed its first visitors, following months of extensive preparation by rangers.

Jawoyn Traditional Owners, staff and visitors gathered to mark the opening after several years of closure.

Attendees were welcomed to Country by Traditional Owners. The celebrations included a traditional Bungul dance, followed by live entertainment and a ground oven feast.

Senior Jawoyn Traditional Owner and Chair, Kakadu National Park Board of Management, Ryan Barrowei said, “Gunlom is an important place for Jawoyn. This land holds stories about our culture, lore and our history. It is just as important for Jawoyn today as it was in Buwurr times (the Dreamtime). Our most powerful Ancestor, Bula, still resides on Jawoyn Country today.

“We welcome visitors to Gunlom and ask them to come and learn about our Country and show respect while here by staying on marked tracks and following safety directions.

“Our connection to this land is strong and we are happy that Gunlom is reopening. Once again, we will be able to gather here with our families, to share our traditions and keep culture strong.”