Other national and international significance
There are many events which have occurred in the Park, and Anangu stories about the Park, which have achieved national and international significance.
After being awarded World Heritage status in 1987 and again in 1994, the Park won the UNESCO Picasso gold medal for World Heritage. Following this, the Park's Cultural Centre won the RAIA Tracy architecture award for the best public building in the Northern Territory, and was runner-up in the Royal Australian Institute of Architects award for the best public building in Australia. In 1997, the Park was a finalist in the culture/land category of the Australian Reconciliation Awards. More recently, the Park hosted the arrival in Australia of the Olympic torch on its journey to the Sydney Olympics.
While visitors to Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park are often aware of the national and international value of the place and its culture, they are often unaware of the significance of the actions of Anangu and non-Anangu who have lived, or are living, in the Park and surrounding communities. These people have invested their lives in building the Park's prominent profile and facilitating access to their place and culture.
Today, visitors and the tourism industry benefit from these tireless efforts – which include lobbying for land rights, appearing in films, writing books, presenting at international events, performing traditional ceremonies and collecting traditional foods. An Anangu woman has even dot-painted a QANTAS aircraft. Each of these things has raised the profile of the Park, and has helped people receive a living experience of Anangu place and culture when they visit.
The readings below have been included to give you an insight into three such people, who have helped to make Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park what it is today. While their efforts have received nation-wide recognition, readers should be aware that in Anangu culture, the labours of individuals are only a reflection of the value and support given by their whole community.
The further readings in the right-hand column are suggested for those who have the time and interest in pursuing added knowledge about this topic.
|
