Perth Airport Recognises Traditional Custodians Across Australia

Perth Airport has become the first major airport in Australia to reflect the rich indigenous cultural heritage of the country by acknowledging Traditional Custodians of destinations across Australia.

Boarding gates will now show both the commonly used name of the destination, along with the name of the Traditional Custodians of that place.

Displayed on the screens at each boarding gate, the initiative has been rolled out across Terminal 1 Domestic, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4.

The screens will rotate between the commonly used place name and the name of the Traditional Custodians.

A flight to Adelaide will be displayed as Adelaide/Kaurna Country and flights to Newman will be Newman/Nyiyaparli Country.

Perth Airport CEO Kevin Brown said that acknowledging Country and Traditional Custodians is an important part of the Reconciliation process.

“Acknowledging Country demonstrates respect for Aboriginal traditional cultural practices and promotes greater appreciation and respect,” Mr Brown said.

“This is a small but meaningful step in our efforts to create a better understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture and traditions.

“Reconciliation is about connections and beginning to acknowledge Country is a way to connect with the First Nations peoples of Australia in genuine and meaningful ways.

“Perth Airport sits on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation which once formed part of their traditional travelling networks.

“Today, we are a part of a modern travelling network – one that takes Western Australians to all corners of the globe and, also welcomes people from around the world to our home.

“Our airport is often the first and the last point of connection to the vibrant and unique cultural heritage of our State’s Aboriginal people, so it makes sense to recognise the Traditional Custodians of destinations for departing passengers.

“We also know that international travellers in particular are fascinated by Aboriginal culture and want to understand and experience it first-hand.”

Background

Terminal 2 is not included in the roll out as there are no screens at the Gates within the walkways. Terminal 1 International features a Welcome to Country for Arrivals but all destination ports from this terminal are international.

Perth Airport’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 – 2023 is available here.