I am incredibly moved to let you know that the two plaques, which have hurtfully and incorrectly commemorated the Wesleyan Mission Farm / Native Experimental Farm at Yellagonga Regional Park, on Whadjuk Noongar Country since 1998 - have been removed today.

The call for the responsible government agencies to speak with the appropriate Noongar people, about the truth of the mission site - and about what they felt was appropriate action in regards to these plaques, fell on deaf ears for 6 years - but we never gave up. 

We continued to talk, to show up, to generously show the path forward, even when we were tired. Eventually the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) heard our concerns.

DBCA took it on, and began the process of engaging the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation’s Cultural Authority Committee on the truth of this site - which has seen this as an outcome. 

There is now room for the truth to be told. 

The place already feels lighter. 

Thank you, deeply, for your support in raising awareness of this issue. We can all push for things to be right, one step at a time. This is no longer a fight that our children will have to take up. 

We’d also like to extend this gratitude to DBCA & the City of Wanneroo - for hearing us, and showing action. 

But most of all, I want acknowledge all of our Elders that have fought for the truth of this site to be respected over decades, and show deep gratitude and understanding that this was a long time coming. 

If you’d still like to help, we are continuing to call on the City of Joondalup to engage meaningfully with the Noongar Community, to re-name the park from Sir Reverend John Smithies Park (the missionary) to another, more respectful name - especially considering it is situated within the broader park named after our respected Noongar leader, Yellagonga.

Thank you.