A group of First Nations’ students from St Aloysius Catholic College travelled to Bruny Island to witness an historic event on Thursday, March 17,
In what was a special day for Tasmania, an abalone deed agreement was signed between representatives of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and the Tasmanian Government, encouraging Aboriginal people to enter the fishing industry.
A total of 40 abalone quota units were signed over to the Land and Sea Aboriginal Corporation of Tasmania (LSACT), establishing a cultural fisheries program, allowing Aboriginal Tasmanians to fish abalone in a commercial way for cultural purposes.
Previously, fishing rights were limited to non-commercial, cultural purposes.
The three-year deed agreement allows for new economic relationships between Aboriginal Tasmanian people and the Government, to explore new ways to care for Sea Country under Aboriginal leadership.
LSACT chairman and palawa Elder Rodney Dillion signed the deed agreement, returning the resources to Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
St Aloysius Catholic College, Aboriginal Student Success Teacher, Anne-Marie McWatters said the palawa students were very proud of Uncle Rodney Dillon.
“A group of palawa students travelled to Bruny Island to witness the handing back of 40 abalone units to the Aboriginal community,” wrote Anne-Marie McWatters.
“The children celebrated the historic day with Uncle Rodney Dillon and Dr Emma Lee, two Elders who have campaigned tirelessly for many years to help make this happen.
“Speeches were made before official documents were signed.”
Dr Emma Lee is an Associate Professor at Swinburne University, with research work spanning over 25 years on indigenous affairs, land and sea management, policy and governance of Australian regulatory environments.
“Palawa Elder, Dr Emma Lee, spoke to the students about the cultural significance of Sea Country and Uncle Rodney Dillon spoke to the group about the historical significance of the day,” noted Ms McWatters.
“The children ate some freshly cooked abalone and enjoyed sharing cake before spending time at Trumpeter Bay.
“The children enjoyed the excursion, especially the presence of local media and the ferry ride, when they saw the artwork by fellow student Carmela Harris, displayed on the top deck of the new SeaLink ferry.
“It was a wonderful, memorable day and a very special experience for our students.”
Year 5 student Archer McMeekin said it was “amazing to be part of such an historic day”.
"I'm so proud of how long Uncle Rodney fought to get our abalone rights returned,” said Archer.
“He never gave up.”
St Aloysius Catholic College Principal, Mr Eamonn Pollard, said St Aloysius is very proud of its ongoing, positive relationship with the Aboriginal community.
The historic event coincided with the National Close the Gap Day, which raises awareness around the health and life expectancy of indigenous people in Australia.
The Close the Gap campaign recognizes that health is also a human rights issue and poverty, education and employment all have a long-lasting impact on the health of a community.
Closing the gap in early childhood development, schooling, housing and employment is recognised as central to closing the health gap.
The agreement facilitates Aboriginal Tasmanian connection with Sea Country in healthy ways and with support from industry, research, government and communities.
The deed agreement allows Aboriginal people to develop skills in managing and governing abalone in new economic settings for their own cultural benefit.
