The Tasmanian Aboriginal Land Council (ALCT) has launched the Giving Land Back website, to encourage members of the public to return private land and make donations to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.

The ALCT was also granted charitable status, making public donations, which would go toward the purchase of plots of land across the state, tax-deductible.

“Today is the first time our community has come forward and asked the general public in Tasmania for support and concrete action to take,” said ALCT Director Rebecca Digney.

“Making the land look like a countryside is our response to seeing the generosity of others, outside of the indigenous community.

“It’s about seeing that there’s a need, it’s about giving ordinary people the opportunity to help,” she said.

Crown land returns have not taken place in Lutruwita/Tasmania since 2005, but in 2019 Tom and Jane Tenniswood returned over 100 hectares of their east coast property to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.

“They (Tom and Jane Tenniswood) have demonstrated, through incredible generosity, that it is possible to take a moral stance and address some of the wrongdoings committed against Indigenous peoples,” Ms Digney said.

“The reconciliation is positive but there is too much talk, too much paperwork and little or no action,” Jane Tenniswood said.

“Giving back the land is a real action that can truly move us all forward together.

“I don’t think (land return) is up to governments either…we have to work with each other, in partnership, in collaboration, not all pulling in different directions. And I think this gift of earth can be a symbol for all of us together,” Ms Tenniswood said.

Less than 1% Indigenous-owned

ALCT President Michael Mansell said land restitution is a way to honor the country’s importance to indigenous peoples.

“Because without our Earth, we are a diminished people,” he said.

“We cannot honor our past and our ancestors without our Earth.”

According to the ALCT, less than one percent of Lutruwita/Tasmania is Indigenously owned.

“Current demands for the return of unallocated Crown land are being ignored by the government,” Ms Digney said.

Through the website, members of Tasmania’s public/private landowners have a number of ways to help restore land to indigenous people.

They can make monetary donations starting at $2, offer parcels of land or bequeath land to the indigenous community at the end of their life.

“Some people in the state of Tasmania have a lot more land than they need,” Ms Digney said.

“Some people have land they can’t manage, because what they have is so vast. Some people have land, and they don’t have anyone to pass it on to, and some people who have land just want to have the opportunity to take a step, to walk right past wrongs.”

In 2005, truwana/Cape Barren Island was returned to the Aboriginal community.

Fiona Maher is the coordinator of the Truwana Rangers on the island and explained how this land restitution has had positive results for the local indigenous community.

“The return of Cape Barren Island brought country, culture and community together,” she said.

“We’re connected, and that’s how we’re meant to be.

“It has created and increased cultural knowledge, pride and many cultural, social and environmental benefits.

“These are the benefits we get from working on our own Earth.”