Support First Nations Cultural Heritage: Commemorating 40 years of Joint Management at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National

October 1985 marked the end of years of lobbying by Aṉangu people to have the title deeds to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park handed back from the Australian Government.

Since then, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park has been jointly managed by Aṉangu Traditional Owners and Parks Australia.

In 2025, to mark the 40th anniversary of the historic event, this project is organising a publication that chronicles the contribution of the Joint Board of Management to sustainable management and conservation. The project will present the history through Aṉangu eyes.

As time passes, fewer of the senior Aṉangu who were involved in the land rights movement and establishing Joint Management at Uluṟu can contribute to the project. The 40th anniversary celebration and book will recognise and celebrate this generation – and enable them to hand over their stories to younger Aṉangu.

Called the ‘Nyiri Ulurunyatjara’ (meaning ‘paper about handback’), community engagement is central to this project. Six Aṉangu members have been elected to the project committee and Dr Diana James, an Honorary Research Fellow at the School of Humanities and Arts at the Australian National University and the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music at Adelaide University has been engaged as the project coordinator.

In a great way to get the ball rolling and build excitement, Dr James hosted a workshop with the project team and other community members to start brainstorming ideas for the publication and exhibition, including exploring photo collections and oral histories with Elders.

The publication will be made available at the UKTNP Cultural Centre, Connellan Airport, Ayers Rock Resort retailer, bookstores and online.

Workshop Day held in Mutitjulu 26^th September. A timeline of key Land Rights events was set up alongside a photo album table to build community excitement.

Project Coordinator Dr Diana James, at the Workshop Day interviewing Yuka Trigger and Reggie Uluru.

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The National Parks Conservation Trust acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of Country and recognises their continuing connection
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Public Statement from The National Parks Conservation Trust

To our Donors, Supporters and Partners,

After 6 years of supporting transformational projects in and around Australia’s six Commonwealth national parks, 60 marine parks and the Australian National Botanic Gardens, The National Parks Conservation Trust we will be ceasing operations on June 30, 2025.

This was not an easy decision. It comes after a thorough review of our mission, impact and sustainability in today’s philanthropic landscape. We are deeply proud of what we have achieved together.

We want to express our deepest gratitude for your donations and your thoughtful participation, which has made our work possible.

While The National Parks Conservation Trust will no longer operate as an organisation, our mission continues through the people and communities we’ve worked with across the Commonwealth national parks and marine parks.

As we wind down, we are committed to a responsible closure: we are ensuring all remaining funds and assets are distributed in line with our Deed and charitable purpose. Rest assured all current projects underway will be seen through to completion by Parks Australia. Honoring these commitments is a key priority for us during this period.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’ve made a difference to the conservation of Commonwealth national parks and marine parks.

If you have any enquiries, please contact [email protected].

With deep appreciation,
Chair, Rhondda Dickson and all the Trustees