Vandalism at Wybalenna Sacred Site Condemned

The sacred grounds of Wybalenna [located on Flinders Island ], a site of profound remembrance and healing for Tasmania’s Aboriginal people, have been devastated by a senseless act of vandalism.

The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania (ALCT) and the Truwana Rangers are heartbroken and outraged after discovering burnouts and vehicle tracks across the grass, alongside the complete draining of a critical water tank. The Tasmanian Greens unequivocally stand in support condemning the acts of vandalism.

Media release – Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania, 30 September 2025

Vandalism at Wybalenna Sacred Site Condemned

The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania and the Truwana Rangers are deeply shocked and heartbroken by the recent acts of vandalism at Wybalenna.

This sacred place has been treated with reckless disregard, leaving the grounds damaged and vital resources compromised. The sight of burnouts and tracks marking the grass is devastating and a painful reminder of the disrespect shown to a place that holds immeasurable meaning for the Aboriginal community.

Wybalenna is not just a historic site.

It was Australia’s first mission, operating from 1833 to 1847 as an open-air detention location for over 200 Aboriginal men, women and children.

Today, it is a place of remembrance, healing and cultural connection. The tireless work of the ALCT, TAC and Truwana Rangers has transformed it into a cared-for and respected site, yet these recent actions threaten to undo decades of dedication.

Alongside the damage to the grounds, a water tank has been completely drained.

This senseless act endangers a precious and limited resource and adds to the devastation of seeing Wybalenna treated in such a thoughtless way.

Wybalenna is a place of memory, of grief and of resilience. It embodies the history of Tasmania’s Aboriginal people and their enduring connection to the land. The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania calls on the wider community to stand together to protect this sacred site. Any suspicious activity must be reported immediately to prevent further harm.

Wybalenna is more than a place on a map.

It is a living testament to our ancestors and a place where respect, remembrance and cultural connection must be honoured.

Media release – Rosalie Woodruff MHA, Greens Leader, 30 September 2025

Greens Condemn Wybalenna Vandalism

The Greens stand with the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania and the Truwana Rangers in condemning acts of vandalism at Wybalenna.

Wybalenna is an historic site, the place of Australia’s first mission, where Tasmanian Aboriginal people were detained and prevented from returning to their Country.

It is now a sacred place for the Aboriginal community, where people go to remember the tragedy and grief that people endured, to heal together and connect through culture.

The Aboriginal Land Council, Tasmanian Aboriginal Council and Truwana Rangers have worked tirelessly to transform Wybalenna. It should be treated with respect.

The acts of vandalism that occurred are vicious and disrespectful and stand in stark contrast to the care and love that has been poured into restoring Wybalenna.

We call on the Tasmanian Government to condemn these attacks and to do what is needed to help the Aboriginal community restore this highly significant place.

Government condemns vandalism at Wybalenna 

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