The Reconciliation Rocks memorial combined with the new Waalmbal Birri Heritage and Culture Centre and the rebadged and refocused Cooktown Museum are helping establish Cooktown as an important destination for understanding reconciliation.

‘Bama Ancestral Elder’ is a portrait representing the Ancestral Elder who initiated the reconciliation with Captain Cook in Cooktown.

Cooktown Mayor Peter Scott said the new monuments were an opportunity to embrace history and show it can be celebrated inclusively by all Australians. “Reconciliation is not about tearing down statues, but ensuring the Indigenous side of the story is accurately and meaningfully told, shared and commemorated,” Cr Scott said.

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The project, while delayed due to Covid 2020 Restrictions, was designed and delivered within budget for the rescheduled opening in June 2021. In 2022, Reconciliation Rocks received the AILA QLD Award for Cultural Heritage.

In collaboration with LA3