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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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• Danny O'Brien urges families to claim up to $200 for kids' sport through Get Active program by 31 December 2025
  Danny O'Brien is urging families to apply for the Get Active Kids program, offering up to $200 for children's sport and recreation costs to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage participation.
• Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
  Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for decade-long failure to fund replacement CFA stations in Foster and Mirboo North
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for failing to replace outdated Foster and Mirboo North CFA stations, saying volunteers face unsafe conditions despite years of promises and growing community contributions.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
  Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region.
• Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
  Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor's repeated 'Better Roads Blitz' claims as Gippsland roads continue crumbling
  Nationals MP Danny O'Brien has slammed Labor's latest "Better Roads Blitz," saying Gippsland roads remain neglected, unsafe, and underfunded, with locals enduring potholes, hazards, and long-term speed reductions instead of real maintenance.
• Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
  Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection.
• Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
  Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to donate early to Giving Trees and help bring Christmas joy to foster children
  Gippslanders are encouraged to donate early to A Better Life for Foster Kids' Giving Trees, helping ensure every child in out-of-home care receives a Christmas gift this festive season.
• West Gippsland CMA champions healthy waterways, culture, community, and sustainability across the catchment
  West Gippsland CMA celebrates World Rivers Day by highlighting river health, cultural significance, and restoration efforts. Caring for 40,000km of waterways, they partner with communities to ensure resilient, thriving rivers.
• South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
  South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring.
• Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
  Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences.
• Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
  Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit.