The Mutawintji Blockade

The Mutawintji Blockade in September 1983 was an action to demand a sudden change from the insults of the past. The blockade may have been a surprise and inconvenience to some white people, but it very clearly showed that Aboriginal people regard this place as of special significance. It is sacred. We cannot compromise on this. But controlled tourism can be agreed on as long as Aboriginal people are involved in settling the conditions and explaining Aboriginal culture to visitors. This is the task we are working on.

John A Quayle speaking in 1984, from Allen Fox and Associates, Supplement to Draft Plan of management, Mootwingee National Park, Mootwingee Historic Site and Coturaundee Nature Reserve Plan of Management, National Parks and Wildlife Service of NSW, Western Division, Broken Hill, 1986, p 284