Raymond Island’s Aboriginal History: The Gunaikurnai People and Their Efforts to Restore & Protect

Raymond Island is a small island located off the coast of Victoria, Australia, and home to the Gunaikurnai people.

It has held great importance to the Gunaikurnai people for tens of thousands of years and has been used as a place of refuge, a place to observe their surrounding area, a place to collect swan eggs, and more.

Today, the Gunaikurnai people are working in collaboration with the Raymond Island Landcare Group and the Koala Island Foundation to restore and improve the island.

History & Significance of Raymond Island

Raymond Island has been part of the Tatungalong clan’s home territory for tens of thousands of years.

It was once used as a place of refuge, providing a line of sight to monitor the surrounding area.

Evidence of scar trees, burial sites, and artifacts have been found on the lagoon system, suggesting the island was also used as a place to collect swan eggs.

The Gunaikurnai people have a deep connection to Raymond Island and their efforts to restore it is an important part of their cultural heritage.

Collaborative Efforts to Restore & Protect

The Gunaikurnai Rangers are working to revegetate large parts of the island, while the Koala Island Foundation is working to improve trails and information signs and build a resting place for all visitors to enjoy.

By working together, the Gunaikurnai people and the Raymond Island Landcare Group, and the Koala Island Foundation are helping to ensure the island is preserved and enjoyed for years to come.

Respect & Appreciation

As we pay our respects to the Gunaikurnai people, the Traditional Owners of the land, and the elders past, present, and emerging, let us take the time to appreciate the efforts of the Gunaikurnai people to restore and protect Raymond Island.

The island is an important part of the Gunaikurnai people’s cultural heritage, and we are privileged to be able to share in its beauty and history.