Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground Memorialisation
Overview
The memorialisation of the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground (WABG) is a key part of Stage Two of the Wadjemup Project.
Aligned with the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2023-28, this project will respectfully honour the Aboriginal men and boys who died in custody on Wadjemup between 1838 and 1931. It will provide a place where all Western Australians can reflect and pay their respects to those men and boys who were forcibly removed from country and incarcerated on the island.
Confirming the boundary for the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground (WABG) is a key milestone for the project. Aboriginal representatives, State Government agencies and professional heritage practitioners have collaborated over many decades to determine the boundary and at least 10 ground penetrating radar surveys have been conducted to assist with this process.
In 2023, further ground penetrating radar assessments were conducted around the existing boundaries of the Aboriginal Burial Ground and Quod. These surveys revealed anomalies within the soil that indicate additional burial sites.
Further surveys were carried out in early 2024 and following the demolition of intrusive houses abutting the Burial Ground.
Following determination of the boundary, statewide consultation was undertaken with Aboriginal communities to guide the approach to memorialisation. Detailed design of the WABG memorialisation was completed in 2025. The design includes a boardwalk, ceremonial spaces, areas for reflection, landscaping and interpretative features.
The contract to carry out the works to develop the agreed design was awarded to Colgan Industries in December 2025 following a procurement process. Work on the memorialisation is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
Key benefits
Location
Frequently asked questions
The boundary for the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground (WABG) has been mapped over multiple decades through collaboration between Aboriginal representatives, state government agencies and professional heritage practitioners (including anthropologists, historians and scientists).
In 2023, further ground penetrating radar assessments were conducted in proximity to the existing boundaries of the Aboriginal Burial Ground and Quod. These scans revealed anomalies within the soil that indicate additional burial sites.
In January and July 2024, RIA carried out additional surveys to reconfirm the extent of the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground, as requested by the Wadjemup Project Steering Group. Confirming the boundaries of the Burial Ground is a key milestone of the Wadjemup Project.
Further GPR was undertaken in the second half of 2024 following the demolition of intrusive houses abutting the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground.
Contact and further information
Funding
