Speech delivered on Saturday 25 October at Uluru-Kata Tjutu National Park, NT

Thank you and for the beautiful inma and singing from the children. 

Thank you for welcoming us to this place. 

I am so pukulpa to be here. 

I would like to acknowledge the Anangu Traditional Owners, and their elders past and present, and the Senior Anangu who are here this afternoon. 

I also acknowledge the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are here today, especially those who have travelled from far away. 

There are many important guests who have already been welcomed, and I acknowledge them, too. 
Thank you, Dom [Dominic Barry] for translating my words. 

I would like to acknowledge the members of the Uluru Kata Tjuta [JULTA] National Park Joint Board of Management, including Chair Tapaya Edwards, Reuben Burton, Alison Carroll, Selina Kulitja, Rita Okai, Harry Wilson and Craig Woods. 

I think it is extraordinary that, only ten days ago, with Reenie Kulitja and Sammy Wilson, at Australia House in London, King Charles chose to visit and celebrate with all of you. 

Through song – and your dancing, Reenie – you showed him the importance of this celebration of the 40th anniversary of the handing back of Uluru and Kata Tjuta [JULTA]. 

And now you have come home, bringing with you the King’s message of respect and thanks to Anangu. 

Tomorrow we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the day when former Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen, handed to Anangu the title deeds to this land. 

It is very special for me, as your Governor-General now, and the representative of the King in Australia, to come here, 40 years later, and celebrate with Anangu. 

40 years is only a moment in time. The Anangu have painted, sung and danced here since the beginning of time. 

Just as you told King Charles, Sammy, ‘When you heard us singing our song, it's from our grandmothers and grandfathers. That place has always been ours, from a long way back’. 

I have seen the fire of Anangu, strong in culture and connection in so many different ways – in painting, dancing and singing, but also in community and leadership. 

And last night, National Indigenous Training Academy graduation, I saw the flame of future Anangu leadership ignited in the hearts of graduates from all over the country, who will take that spirit back with them to their communities. 

It is the same fire that led us to this anniversary. 

Here, now, we celebrate the Anangu – your belonging, your custodianship and your care …  
… and show our love for these places – Uluru and Kata Tjuta [JULTA] – their spirit and their stories, their beauty. 

I have been welcomed to Uluru before, and sat with Anangu women, who have shared with me their lessons of balance, culture, connection and creation. 

And just earlier today, I sat with NPY Women’s Council, which began 45 years ago in 1980. 

Anangu mob and First Nations people are sharing, always sharing -- generously, gently, with kindness and respect -- they offer the path we can walk together, as friends and family. 

It is the voice of yesterday, today and tomorrow.  

It is a voice we hear at this place, as a guide and teacher, for all who choose to listen. 

This afternoon, on the anniversary of the handback, and always, I say thank you to the Anangu.  

This place truly is rikina.