As the La Perouse Museum marks the beginning of its transformation into a nationally significant First Nations cultural precinct, a historic exhibition of images of the landmark 1988 bicentenary protest march through Sydney are set to go on display.
1988: The Long March for Justice, Hope, and Freedom by internationally acclaimed documentary photographer, Juno Gemes, features images of Linda Burney, Mum Shirl, Gary Foley and other First Nations leaders gathered at the La Perouse headland, displayed together for the first time.
Randwick mayor Dylan Parker said the exhibition illustrates the significance of the Gamay Botany Bay area and the local Aboriginal community to the story of modern Australia.
"On 26 January 1988, over 40,000 Aboriginal people and allies marched through Sydney demanding First Nations land rights, justice, and recognition. It was a pivotal moment in our nation's history — and it began right here in La Perouse," he said.
"This exhibition and the Museum's transformation into a First Nations Cultural Precinct mark a long-overdue recognition of the deep cultural and historical significance of this area for Dharawal and Bidjigal people, to First Nations people across Australia, and to the entire community.
"Council looks forward to partnering with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council to make this dream a reality."
Photographer Juno Gemes spent 12 months visiting the Gamay Botany Bay area in the lead up to 26 January 1988, documenting the deliberations of First Nations leaders from across Australia—convened by the La Perouse Aboriginal community—that lead to the march.
"It all began at Gamay, La Perouse in 1788. Two hundred years later in 1988 a national action—the Long March for Justice, Hope and Freedom—was hosted and began at La Perouse," she said.
"The local Aboriginal community welcomed First Nations people from across the country and their allies in an historic action calling for truth telling in our shared histories. I was their photographer.
"It is a joy to bring these historic images back to La Perouse Museum as an inaugural exhibition at this important cultural precinct.
"My thanks to curator Blake Griffiths who created this exhibition, and to Randwick Council for supporting it. All strength to the La Perouse Museum into the future with its recognition as the important cultural precinct it has always been."
Ms Burney, a lifelong Aboriginal advocate and one of the organisers of the 1988 march, officially opened the exhibition at La Perouse Museum on Friday.
"Congratulations to Randwick Council for hosting this important exhibition", she said.
"1988 was a seminal year for Aboriginal people and a very important time for the First Nations movement in this country. La Perouse was the beating heart of that movement."
The La Perouse Museum will be open to the public from Saturday 20th September, with free entry to all exhibitions.
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