Rottnest Island: Human remains at Rottnest Island not discovered near Aboriginal burial ground

Human remains discovered on Rottnest Island have puzzled traditional landowners with the bones unearthed near a bus stop, and in an area that is not a known grave site.

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Leon Ruri said the bones were found during construction work at Catholic Holy Trinity Church on Wednesday.

“It wasn’t expected that they would find any bones in this particular area,” Mr Ruri told The West.

“They’re just carrying out maintenance work on the island though so I suppose, given the historic nature of the site, it wouldn’t necessarily be unusual for bones to be found anywhere in this vicinity on the island.”

In the early 1800s the area was known as the Rottnest Island Aboriginal Establishment — a prison which incarcerated thousands of Aboriginal boys and men in a forced labour camp.

Remains have been found on the island before, but Mr Ruri said they were usually in close proximity to known burial sites.

On Thursday morning police confirmed the bones had been brought to Perth to undergo forensic testing to determine how old they were.

Construction work is underway to upgrade the main bus stop with new shelters, seating and decking, with a new ramp also being added to the entrance of the church.

The Rottnest Island Authority has been in contact with the WAC following the discovery.

“We’re always aware that there’s the possibility that this might happen out there on Wadjemup. So we’re always mindful that on any given day that there could be a find,” Mr Ruri said.

“They keep in contact with us, and I think one of the things about them is that makes our relationship so strong is their high respect and regard for not only Noongar culture, but for all of those that come from around the state as well.

“They’re aware of the impacts and the flow on effects that happens when there’s a significant find like this.”

He added the event highlighted the importance of Aboriginal heritage monitors, introduced under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 to protect cultural sites during development, construction, or land management activities.

“I think this just reiterates the importance of having heritage monitors present for any significant works through this previous knowledge of Aboriginal heritage sites, and that this ensures that there’s protection for everyone.

“It’s really important to have those heritage monitors there. It ensures another layer of safety both culturally and procedurally as well.”

While mystery surrounds whether the bones belonged to someone indigenous or non Indigenous, Mr Ruri stressed the importance of them being adequately honoured.

Police minister Reece Whitby said on Thursday assessments were being completed to determine more about the bones.

“It’s confirmed that they are human remains,” he said.

“They were found near the old church on Rottnest, so what we need to do now is to work out how old they are, whether they are historical or recent.

“That’s a very important matter to confirm, but that works happening now.”