WARNING: Aboriginal people are warned that this web site includes pictures of people who are deceased
WARNING: Aboriginal people are warned that this web site includes pictures of people who are deceased
The Dambimangari Traditional Owners of some of Western Australia’s most significant heritage-listed coastal country have established a code of conduct and visitor registration program for the increasing flow of tourists to the region.
The initiative will help to protect some of the pristine environment and iconic cultural sites of the Native Title and Aboriginal Reserve areas between Robinson and Prince Regent Rivers north of Derby. The changes will also improve visitor safety and public appreciation of the country’s heritage value.
Landscapes of the region were made famous by Dambimangari artist Donny Woolagoodja who designed the spectacular Indigenous welcome for the opening of the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.
The visitor information program includes a chart of 75 popular tourist locations. Visitors to these areas will be required to register their plans and secure approval from the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation.
Many of the sites are in Aboriginal Reserves where tourists will also need permits from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.
The Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation has been working with ocean-going tour operators to develop the management process. Most of the coast, which includes the Horizontal Falls, is accessible only from the sea.
Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation Chairman, Francis Woolagoodja, said the introduction of the code of conduct would encourage people to appreciate the importance of the region and its significance to Western Australia.
He said the code set out a series of practical rules to protect the artworks and cultural icons of Dambimangari country.
“Visitors are welcome in our country, but we expect them to respect our culture and heritage,” he said.
“In some cases, we recommend that site visits are led by experienced Indigenous tour guides.”
For more information on the Dambimangari Visitor Guide go to:
