Finish line of epic 4X4 trek gets major change to recognise traditional owners

Watch as one of Australia’s most famous signs is taken down and replaced in historic moment.

The finish line of a major four wheel drive pilgrimage has been given an important update to recognise traditional owners.

The Pajinka sign, which marks mainland Australia’s northernmost tip, was replaced on June 20 to acknowledge the Gudang Yadhaykenu people’s ownership of the land and the area’s cultural significance.

Western Australian tradies Mathew Peters and Mathew Haines stumbled upon the changing of the sign while on holiday and lent local land and sea rangers a hand. Picture: Matthew Peters

The sign is visited by an estimated 60,000 tourists every year and marks the end of the notoriously difficult journey to Cape York.

Former Mayor of the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council and Gudang/Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation chair Bernard Charlie said the new sign was about telling a story.

“As an Australian we should stand proud when taking a picture as the sign tells three stories,” he said.

“The geographic locations of Australia, the Indigenous tribes who occupied that area and the organisation that holds the land.

“Good storytelling for us to be proud of.”

The previous sign, which had been peppered by bullets in recent years. was reclaimed by rangers and returned to council. Picture: Constable Will Healy

The previous sign, which had been peppered by bullets in recent years, was removed with the help of five land and sea rangers and two Western Australian tradies who happened to stumble onto the event and lent a hand.

Local resident Jacqui Rhodes was at the site during the removal and said after relocating from Brisbane she now understood why recognition was so important.

“Previously to living here I would have thought, what’s all the hype? Why does it need to have the Indigenous name and all that sort of stuff,” she said.

“But there’s so much knowledge about the wiping out of the Aboriginals in Tasmania and I think it’s just important to have the heritage of where did white men come into the Indigenous country originally.

“We need to recognise that. It is all of our land. We are all owners of this land, but traditionally it is their land and they can do what the hell they want with it.”

Mr Charlie urged tourists to see the new and improved landmark and visit the spectacular area.

“This was a moment to say this country here belongs to these people but not only the traditional owners, but under the Gudang/Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation as well,” he said.

“As a human being, everywhere we go we have to be aware of which house or place we are and respect them all.

“For all the tourists that travel up every year please safe travels, drive safe.”

Originally published as Finish line of epic 4X4 trek gets major change to recognise traditional owners