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Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration.

By news@gippsland - 29th August 2025 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Danny Goss has led a history-making journey to far north Queensland to repatriate 37 precious cultural items from Baw Baw Shire back to the Lardil People of Mornington Island. Earlier today, Friday 29 August, the Mayor embarked on the journey to ensure safe delivery of the artefacts to their rightful owners.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss and Mornington Shire Mayor Mr Richard Sewter at the official repatriation ceremony on Mornington Island

Cultural items repatriated

Upon arrival, he was met by Mornington Shire Council Mayor Mr Richard Sewter who hosted a morning tea at the local Arts Centre, where the official handover took place. Also in attendance was the:

• Mornington Shire Council Deputy Mayor Robert "Bobby" Thompson OAM
• Councillor Jane Ah Kit
• Councillor Farrah Linden
• Councillor Renee Wilson
• Manager Arts Centre John Armstong
• Mornington Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Mr Gary Uhlmann

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss said the repatriation journey was deeply meaningful and a significant step on the path to reconciliation. "We're honoured to return 37 important cultural items to their rightful custodians - the Lardil People of Mornington Island. It's a small but significant step towards a more respectful and united future."

"These items are some of the first examples of works that the Lardil people began creating for commercial sale. Since learning of their significance and rightful origin, the council has been fully committed to returning these cultural treasures home. This is more than just returning objects, it's about doing what's right. It's about healing, understanding, and recognising the deep cultural connections that First Nations people have with their heritage," the Mayor said.

Honouring cultural heritage

Mornington Shire Mayor Mr Richard Sewter said that he extends his thanks and appreciation. "Mayor Goss is travelling several thousand kilometres to bring these important items to their rightful home," said Mr Sewter.

He went on to state, "Mayor Goss' gesture is not lost on our community. It's a quick visit; we're just hosting our visitors for morning tea before they get on a flight back to Cairns, but it's an extremely important visit. These artefacts form part of the Mornington Island community story and they'll be stored in our cultural keeping place, for future generations."

Artefacts returned home

The artefacts - bark paintings, jewellery, wood carvings, tools, and more - were originally brought to Warragul in 1982 by Colin and Elizabeth Goldberg, after their time living and working with the Lardil community in the 1970s. Colin was even honoured as an Elder by the Lardil People.

Later, the Goldberg family gifted the collection to the West Gippsland Arts Centre, where the artefacts were safely kept and displayed for a short time. After learning that it is culturally insensitive for them to be displayed, the artefacts were safely placed into storage, where they were rediscovered in 2023.

To council's knowledge, this process has not been embarked on before, outside of established galleries and museums. Council obtained letters of support from both the Elders of Kurnai Nations and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, and importantly, the Lardil People, who look forward to having the items returned to their rightful Keeping Place.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss and Mornington Shire Council and community representatives sharing in the joy of the repatriation ceremony

Restoring cultural heritage

Mayor Cr Danny Goss said this was a rare process - especially outside of national galleries and major institutions. "We hope this demonstrates how the local government can play a meaningful role in reconciliation."

"With the support of the Lardil People, the Kurnai Nations Elders, and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, we're proud to be part of a movement working to restore Indigenous cultural heritage," the Mayor said.

Repatriation journey begins

Following a special smoking ceremony on 9 May in Warragul, planning began for the artefacts' journey home where they will once again serve their true purpose: passing on culture, stories, and identity. "On behalf of Baw Baw Shire Council, I thank the Lardil People, the Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation, the Kurnai Aboriginal Corporation, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, and the Goldberg family for their support in this repatriation," the Mayor said.

The decision to repatriate the items was endorsed by Baw Baw Shire Council at the 5 February 2025 council meeting. The cost of repatriation was covered by the Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation who receive Australian Government funding to facilitate these types of projects. The Mayor personally funded his own return airfares to Mornington Island.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• Latrobe City Business Festival returns with free October events connecting businesses, employers, job seekers and industry partners
  Latrobe City’s 2026 Business Festival runs October 14–23, offering free jobs expos, workshops, networking, professional development and business events connecting employers, workers, students and industry.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• Open House Latrobe Festival offers behind-the-scenes access to region's unique buildings, stories, communities and cultural heritage from 9 - 11 October
  Open House Latrobe will run from 9-11 October, offering behind-the-scenes access to more than 30 sites while celebrating the region's history, culture, industries, environment and future.
• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• Dark fairytales spring to life as acclaimed Shake & Stir Theatre Co returns to Berninneit with GRIMM on 18 August 2026
  Shake & Stir Theatre Co returns to Berninneit on August 18 with GRIMM, a visually spectacular reimagining of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales for audiences aged 14 and over.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• Moondarra Reservoir gains new pathway and native garden beds, enhancing recreation, accessibility and Aboriginal cultural connections
  Gippsland Water has completed a new pathway and native garden beds at Moondarra Reservoir, improving visitor access, enhancing recreation and incorporating local flora, Aboriginal cultural information and community collaboration.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• Metung mother Lily Martyn establishes foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland
  Metung mother Lily Martyn has launched Do It For Foundation Gippsland, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families. The foundation has connected 95 East Gippsland families seeking support, understanding and practical solutions.
• East Gippsland's new disability network brings diverse community voices together to help shape council decisions and services
  East Gippsland’s new Disability Network has attracted 33 expressions of interest, bringing together people with disability, carers, families and sector representatives to help shape Council decisions and improve accessibility.
• East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion.
• Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band.
• Bass Coast offers free green waste disposal from 31 October to 22 November to help residents prepare for bushfire season
  Bass Coast Shire Council will accept domestic green waste free at its four waste facilities from 31 October to 22 November 2026, helping residents reduce bushfire hazards before summer.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• Sale residents urged to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals at free Detox Your Home event on 10 October 2026
  Wellington Shire residents can safely dispose of unwanted hazardous household chemicals at a free Detox Your Home event in Sale, helping protect waterways, people, animals and the environment.
• Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and target five percent annual public land fuel reduction
  The Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and work towards treating five per cent of public land annually, alongside cultural burning, improved transparency and targeted fuel reduction to strengthen bushfire preparedness.
• Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities.
• Danny O'Brien says bushfire inquiry exposes Labor neglect, leaving CFA volunteers under-resourced for escalating firefighting challenges
  Danny O'Brien says a parliamentary bushfire inquiry confirms CFA volunteers face declining numbers, ageing equipment and inadequate support, urging Labor to implement recommendations before the next fire season.
• Danny O’Brien urges Premier to delay Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November state election
  Danny O’Brien is urging the Premier to delay awarding VicGrid’s Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November’s state election, citing landholder concerns and unresolved environmental, financial and property impacts.
• Danny O’Brien urges premier to delay Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November state election
  Danny O’Brien urges the Premier to delay VicGrid’s Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November’s election, allowing community input and addressing landholder and environmental concerns.
• Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
  The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment.
• East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth thanks community members, reflects on achievements and highlights upcoming projects in final annual mayoral column
  East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth thanks residents for their contributions, highlights upcoming projects and community celebrations, and encourages feedback on the Bairnsdale 2050 Strategy before concluding her annual mayoral column.
• Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
  The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028.
• Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
  East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels.
• Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.