New guest protocols, arts program, unveiled at Uluru as part of reconciliation week

There are new guest protocols at one of Australia’s iconic tourist attractions, unveiled alongside an arts program as part of national reconciliation week.

Uluru up close. Picture: File

Weeks after a foreign embassy apologised for its nationals damaging a sacred site, visitors to Uluru are now being asked to follow a new set of protocols, unveiled during national reconciliation week.

Starting from Monday, guests at the rock are being urged to: walk gently on ngura (country); support waltja (family); speak wangka (language); celebrate inma (ceremony); and listen to tjukurpa (stories).

The new protocols come nearly six years after the climbing on the rock was banned, and weeks after the Bhutanese embassy apologised for two of its nationals damaging a sacred site at Uluru.

Uluru. Picture: Photoholgic

The Anangu Advisory Group — made up of Uluru traditional owners – helped create the new protocols, which were released in a statement on Monday by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.

“These protocols help guests walk mindfully bridging understanding, respect, and connection,” the statement said.

Voyages operate Ayers Rock Resort and other tourism facilities at Uluru, and with the statement also detailing an arts program taking place during National Reconciliation Week.

National Reconciliation Week runs from Monday until June 3, with various films, cultural storytelling, and film screenings taking place at Voyage’s resort.

“Throughout the week, interactive displays and installations across the Resort’s Town Square will offer historical insights into key moments of Australia’s reconciliation journey, encouraging guests to reflect and connect,” the statement said.

The Gallery of Central Australia will showcase 40 years of Marku Arts – an Anangu art cooperative based out of Uluru.

Other activities include a live pinu carving demonstration on Friday by Billy and Lulu Cooley, with movies such as Mabo and more to be screened at the resort.

Originally published as New guest protocols, arts program, unveiled at Uluru as part of reconciliation week