Chairman’s Report 16th October 2016 A lot has happened since our last Annual General Meeting and I would like to thank many people and organisations for helping the Rottnest Foundation (RF) achieve all that we have over the last year.

Starting with our passionate and dedicated Board Members; Courtney Wheatley, Pauline McMullan, Pauline Casey, Monica Radomiljac, Alessio Capelli, John Smoker, Giles Thomson, Denise Hilsz and of course Pat Barblett AM, Founder of the Foundation, Vice Chair and Inaugural Life Member.

Special thanks to Pauline Casey our Treasurer and Pauline McMullan our Executive Officer, who continue to provide efficient and professional administrative support to our Foundation.

Thanks to Monica Radomiljac who manages the Foundation’s Facebook account and donates personal funds to boost promotion of our annual fundraising initiatives.

I would like to acknowledge Courtney Wheatley who has served on the Foundation Board since 2002, during which time he has held positions of Acting Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. Courtney has made significant financial contributions to the Foundation over the years, undertaken extensive environmental monitoring of the Island flora and fauna and was also a member of the Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association for 9 years. Courtney was presented with Life Membership at this year’s AGM to honour his contribution to the Foundation

and the Island.

To our Patron, Janet Homes à Court AC, thank you for your continued support and for promoting our objectives and projects throughout the Western Australian community. We are pleased to report that Janet has agreed to continue as our Patron.

Special thanks to Rosalie Small (Rosie), our fulltime Grants & Sponsorship Coordinator, as without her passion, dedication and attention to detail we would not have achieved the great things we have over the past year.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) Board and CEO, Paolo Amaranti, for endorsing Rosie’s secondment to our Foundation and for their continued support of our organisation, including sponsorship of all our fundraising initiatives. The relationship between our organisations has never been stronger.

Eilidh Graham, RIA Wadjemup Bidi Coordinator, is a delight to work with. She has an untiring passion for the trail project and always displays a warm, positive

Cha 16th and enthusiastic attitude towards everyone she comes into contact with.

To all of our Wadjemup Bidi community partners and the volunteer representatives who sit on the Wadjemup Bidi Steering Group; Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association, Rottnest Society, Winnit Club, Conservation Volunteers and the Nursery Volunteers; we have enjoyed working with you all over the past year and look forward to another successful year ahead.

Special thank you to Rottnest Express who sponsor up to 500 free volunteer ferry tickets each year to support the Wadjemup Bidi project. Rottnest Express also provides the ability for people to purchase RF membership through their website, in addition to supporting all of our annual fundraising initiatives.

Thank you to BHP Billiton, our major funding partner for the Wadjemup Bidi project, with particular thanks to Anna Aitken and Rebecca Samulski who have been our main contacts for this partnership.

Thank you to Lotterywest, our major funding partner for Phase 2 of the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground conservation project, with particular thanks to our former contact Jo Wilkie, our new contacts Natalie Venables and Lee Grmas, and also thank you to Jacquie Thompson.

To all members of the Rottnest Island Chamber of Commerce and the former Chairman, Michael Sier, thank you for supporting our Foundation in everything that we do.

Thank you to Rottnest Fast Ferries who continue to offer our members a 25% discount when travelling from Hillary's Boat Harbour and sponsorship of our annual raffle.

I would like to make special mention and acknowledgement of Rick Williams, former RF Board Member, who passed away in January this year. He will be greatly missed.

Last, but not least, our Foundation Members, thank you for supporting the Foundation’s work in conserving the essence of Rottnest for future generations.

Jeff King

Chairman

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Membership Update

Membership as at 16th of October 2016, totaled 127,

of which 45 of these were purchased through the Rottnest Express website. Our members receive regular newsletters, keeping them up to date on our projects and are invited to our annual tree planting days. On Saturday 7th of May 2016, 8 Rottnest Express staff and 22 Foundation members planted 1800 seedlings at Ricey Beach to enable the closing of informal access. New formalised access has now been installed to this site as part of the Wadjemup Bidi project.

Margaret River Chocolate Company (MRCC) Partnership March 2016 The MRCC have created a chocolate quokka and are proudly donating part of the proceeds from each quokka sold in their stores to the RF to support Quokka conservation and research in Western Australia. Packaging includes the Foundation’s logo and information about quokkas. This initiative provides another excellent opportunity to increase awareness of the Foundation and its role in supporting environmental projects on the Island.

Donations – Special Mentions

Mr. & Mrs. Vieira- $2500 Barry and Margaret Vieira’s son-in-law is Aboriginal and they wanted to support indigenous reconciliation on Rottnest Island by making a significant donation in August. A sincere thank you from the Rottnest Foundation.

School Children $32.70 The Foundation received this donation in September from a group of children who had raised the funds over two years, operating little stalls during their school holidays at the Rottnest Campground. Thank you to Ranger Doug who gave a talk to the kids about the care of juvenile quokkas who have lost their mums on Rottnest Island. Thank you to Tess, Jondi, Ashy, Harrison, Will N, Eloise, Alivia, Alyssa F & Alyssa T. Their donation will fund supplies for the wildlife station, to help care for the baby quokkas.

Rottnest Island Anglican Church $500 Following a presentation by Rosie Small and Jeff King to Reverend Michael Wood in April 2016, the Rottnest Anglican Church made a donation to the Foundation. Thank you to the Church and its parishioners. This donation will be directed to the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground conservation project.

RF Donation Tins $290.20 Raised to Date In April 2016 seven Rottnest Foundation donation tins were placed in participating businesses around the Island. Visitors and locals can now donate their spare change to help conserve Rottnest Island. All money raised will support conservation projects on the Island. Thanks to all businesses that have agreed to display our tins.

Fundraising Initiatives Rottnest Foundation Calendar 2017

Calendars are available for purchase through our website $7.50 for members, $10 for non-members.

In addition to producing a stunning calendar of iconic Rottnest images, the initiative provides a year long promotional tool for the Island and is also a successful fundraiser for the Foundation.

Thank you to all the businesses that sponsored our calendar; Adams, Geordie’s Café, Geronimo Skydive Rottnest, Hotel Rottnest, Karma Rottnest, Pelagic Marine Services, Port to Pub, Rotorvation Helicopters, Rottnest Air-Taxi, Rottnest Bakery, Rottnest Express, Rottnest General Store, RIA and Segway Tours WA. Thanks also to those that provided the beautiful photographs.

Rottnest Raffle 2016

Congratulations to all Rottnest Raffle Winners. Our annual raffle would not have been possible without the generous support of the following sponsors who helped to increase the prize pool from 10 prizes to 25 this year!

Thank you to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket and thanks to all members who helped sell raffle books. Thanks also to all Island businesses who promoted the raffle through their social media platforms. We exceeded our previous raffle sales this year and all proceeds are directed to environmental and heritage conservation projects on the Island.

The 6th Annual Rottnest Festival of Sail (FoS) was held over the weekend of 2-3 April 2016, and this year included the 49ers (small skiff) State Championships, which were held off the Army Jetty.

Thank you to our event partner, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club who

oversaw the yachting program and also thank you to the volunteers who gave their time to ensure the event ran smoothly.

Thank you to all the sponsors; Gage Roads, Karma Rottnest, RIA, Mulberry Estate, Baileys Marine, Hotel Rottnest, Rottnest Express and Rottnest Island Chamber of Commerce; and of course all the sailors who competed in the event.

The Rottnest FoS is a great platform to raise awareness of the Foundation amongst the WA yachting community and at the same time raise valuable funds for our projects on the Island. The 2016 FoS event raised $6000 for the Foundation.

The Rottnest Foundation Twilight Event was held for the 2nd year following the FoS and it is set to remain as an annual component of the FoS event.

At this event, the awards were presented to the winning sailors by the Premier Hon. Colin Barnett, MLA. Everyone enjoyed a meal and drink within the beautiful setting of the Royal Fresh Water Bay Yacht Club.

Major Project Conservation of the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground Phase 1 - Complete Between August-November 2015, the RIA contracted Indigenous Economic Solutions (IES), to construct a pathway around the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground to delineate the boundary and help protect the site. IES also installed a series of rammed earth entry walls. The old camp ablution block and maintenance shed that were intruding on the site were demolished. Programmed Facility Management (PFM), the maintenance and services contractor on the Island, assisted by removing all the disused services of street lights and electrical domes. All of these works formed Phase One of a three phase project which aims to acknowledge, make accessible and provide education on the history of Wadjemup when it was used as a Aboriginal prison.

Phase 2 - In Progress

Our Foundation has raised $500,440 for the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground Conservation Project through a successful Community Spaces Lotterywest Grant. This grant will fund Phase Two of the project, contributing to landscaping, interpretation and further consultation with the Aboriginal community.

The RIA is also contributing funds and providing operational staff to work in partnership with the RF and other stakeholders to deliver Phase two.

Although funds were approved by Lotterywest in 2015, the official announcement of the grant took place on the Island on Friday the 12th of February 2016, by the Hon. Peter Collier MLC, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.

Rottnest Foundation is fortunate to have Lotterywest come on-board as the first major funding partner for the conservation of this burial ground and we invite other individuals and organisations to get behind this significant reconciliation project for WA.

Stronger Communities Grant - $20,000

The RF has been successful in acquiring a $20,000 Australian Government Stronger Communities Grant to fund the construction of a public art piece designed by a Noongar Artist.

The art will be located adjacent to the Aboriginal Burial Ground and will provide a screen for a number of Telstra communication buildings that are visually intruding on the significant cultural-scape of the burial ground.

The screen will have a strong interpretation focus connecting to the history of the Island when it was used as an Aboriginal prison.

Telstra will be contributing $1,000 towards the project.

Major Project

The Wadjemup Walk Trail has adopted Aboriginal Noongar language and is now known as the Wadjemup Bidi.

Wadjemup is the Noongar name for Rottnest.

Bidi is the Aboriginal Noongar word for track or path.

The Wadjemup Bidi is a 45 km network of trails, broken into five sections, that helps to control and manage visitor access by connecting Rottnest’s beautiful natural features to its cultural history in an environmentally sustainable manner. It also opens up areas of the Island that visitors were unable to access.

Between January 2015 and July 2016, Professor Len Collard, in consultation with the RIA and the Whadjuk Working Party, renamed the five sections of the Wadjemup Bidi using Noongar Aboriginal language. To coincide with these new names, there has been a realignment of two of the trail sections, creating a clear delineation between the north and south of the Island, providing contrasting experiences for the user.

BHP Billiton Partnership - $532,800

BHP Billiton provided funding to the Rottnest Foundation to implement the Wardan Nara Bidi and the Karlinyah Bidi.

BHP Billiton has approved to give our Foundation an additional $26,300 to fund remaining interpretative signage required to finish the Wardan Nara Bidi section. This partnership project is expected to be completed at the end of January 2017.

Rosie Small and Jeff King along with key RIA staff facilitated a site visit for Anna Aitken and Fran Ferreira from BHP Billiton in April 2016 to view progress of the trail.

A key component of BHP’s partnership has been their employee volunteer days on the Island. To date, 161 BHP Billiton employees have volunteered 676 hours to plant 2858 plants as part of the Wadjemup Bidi project.

Ensure to check out the Mamong Dreaming Sculpture along the Wardan Nara Bidi, created by Aboriginal Noongar Artist, Peter Farmer.

Coming Soon

4 out of 5 Trail Sections are Open!

The fourth of the five trail sections, the Karlinyah Bidi (Northern Beaches) is now open. Open sections are available to peruse and rate on the Trails WA website and info sheets are available in the Rottnest Visitor Centre.

$210,000 Grant for the Wadjemup Bidi

RF was successful in receiving a grant from the Australian Government Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure (TDDI) Program which is managed by Tourism WA. These funds will support the construction of the Ngank Wen Bidi (northern) section of the Wadjemup Bidi project, including beach access infrastructure at Marjorie Bay (west), Marjorie Bay (east) and Rocky Bay, interpretive signage and one contract staff member dedicated to implementing the trail. Works on this section will be completed by mid 2018!

RF is actively seeking another sponsor to fund the Ngank Wen Bidi (southern) section.

Trail Head Information Sign

A trail head information sign has been installed in the Settlement Mall on Rottnest Island to promote the Wadjemup Bidi. It features an interchangeable panel that depicts which one of the Aboriginal Noongar six seasons you are currently in and the best section of the Wadjemup Bidi to experience during that season. The artwork on either side of this sign was designed by Aurora and Cassandra Abraham, two talented Noongar Artists.

Wadjemup Bidi Project Finalist - Premier’s Awards 2016 The Wadjemup Bidi project was a finalist in the Premier’s Awards 2016 and although it didn’t win, it did incredibly well to make the finals against tough competition. This recognition would not have been possible without the support of all the community groups who collaborate with our Foundation and the RIA to implement and maintain the trail.

The winners were announced at a private ceremony held at the Office of the Premier & Cabinet, Parliament Place. Representing the Rottnest Island ‘Wadjemup Bidi’ project, was Jeff King and Rosie Small from the RF, and Holly Knight, Eilidh Graham and Clinton Hull from the RIA.

Other Good News

— Over the past year, the RIA has included the RF logo in their email signature, along with other community groups that they support. This is great promotion for our Foundation and demonstrates the strong partnership between our organisations.

— Giles Thomson, RF Board member, was successful in receiving a Bankwest Foundation Community Leader Scholarship which offers a Diploma in Business (Governance).

— Courtney Wheatley, RF Board member, accompanied Ken Acott from The West Australian to Rottnest and featured in an article on the 24th August 2015 called ‘Frogs a Sign of Rotto Health’.

— Pauline Casey, received a certificate of appreciation from the Commonwealth Bank/Our Community, recognising the contribution to the Australian community made by Pauline as the valued Treasurer of the Rottnest Foundation.

Photo Credit– 3P Photography

Rottnest Foundation Representation at Events Rottnest Carnivale 31st October 2015

7000 people enjoyed the free festivities on Rottnest Island. RF had a tent set up on Heritage Common where Jeff King, Pauline McMullan & Rosie Small sold

Rottnest Foundation 2016 Calendars and provided information to visitors regarding our major projects and initiatives.

Tourism WA Famil 4th November 2015

Tourism WA and the RIA hosted a function at Aristos and invited representatives from the Rottnest Island Chamber of Commerce (RICC) and Rottnest

affiliated community groups including Jeff King, to meet members of the Tourism WA Board and Executive Management Team.

Completion of Phase 1 Conservation of the

Aboriginal Burial Ground 20th November 2015

To celebrate the completion of Phase 1, Indigenous Economic Solutions invited friends and family, RIA, PFM and RF representatives including Janet Holmes à Court AC,

Pat Barblett AM, Jeff King and Rosie Small to a special ceremony on Rottnest to say thank you to the spirits for an accident free project and for giving them cultural and spiritual support.

BHP Billiton Social Investment Partners

Function 26th November 2015

Jeff King attended an intimate gathering at FORM Gallery Perth, to view artwork and stories of the Spinifex Hill Aboriginal Artists from Port Hedland,

which BHP Billiton and FORM helped establish in 2009.

Volunteer Breakfast 5th December 2015

Thirteen Rottnest Foundation members attended a delicious buffet breakfast at Aristos, which was kindly served by members of the RIA Board and Executive Team, along with the

then Minister for Tourism, Hon. Kim Hames MLA. Thank you to the RIA for hosting this great event, which is held annually to say ‘thank you’ to all the volunteers who help to keep Rottnest Island the special place that we all love.

Laurie O’Meara’s Book Launch

11th February 2016

Several Foundation members attended the launch of former RF Board member, Laurie O’Meara’s book, ‘Rottnest- Where to from here?’.

The Foundation’s Patron, Janet Holmes à Court AC, launched the book and in her opening speech acknowledged the Foundation. Each book purchased on the night included an RF brochure.

Rottnest Island Conservation Action Plan

Launch 18th February 2016

The RIA held an official launch at Little Creatures Loft Fremantle, for the release of the Rottnest Island Terrestrial Conservation Action Plan. This plan is a key initiative under the Rottnest Island Management Plan (2014-19) used to care for the unique and diverse Island environment. Rosie Small and Pat Barblett AM, attended this launch.

Channel Swim Kids Zone 27th February 2016

To coincide with the Channel Swim, the RICC set up and operated a Kids Zone in the Heritage Common on Rottnest. Games and rides invited a gold coin donation. Jeff King

and his wife Heather assisted to run the event on the day. RF would like to thank the RICC for choosing the Rottnest Foundation to be the beneficiary of all money raised.

Anthony Bullen- ‘Seven Sisters'

Rottnest Foundation Representation at Events continued

Launch of Rottnest Fast Ferries’ New Vessel

Voyager 9th March 2016

The launch was held at Hillary’s Boat Harbour and numerous Rottnest stakeholders attended including Jeff King.

Business after Dark 18th March 2016

A fabulous networking event hosted by the RIA and the RICC. Members of the WA Symphony Orchestra played throughout the evening and guests

were treated to the delightful international soprano duo Penny Shaw and Fiona Cooper Smyth from DivaLicious, who sang beautiful opera pieces with the ocean as their backdrop. Several Rottnest Foundation representatives attended this event.

Volunteering WA Awards Gala Dinner

11th May 2016

The Wadjemup Bidi Steering Committee celebrated National Volunteer Week together at a dinner held at The Hyatt Regency Perth. It was a great opportunity to see the volunteering work

being done in WA and hear the speeches of well deserving winners.

Contact Us

PO Box 309

NORTH BEACH 6920

Phone: (08) 9448 8150

Email: info@rottnestfoundation.org.au

Website: www.rottnestfoundation.org.au

Gallery – Wadjemup Bidi

Fairy Terns, Karlinyah Bidi - Photo by Aaron McCreath

Walking along the Karlinyah Bidi - Photo by Aaron McCreath

Osprey & Stack, Karlinyah Bidi - Photo by Aaron McCreath

Little Stark Bay, Karlinyah Bidi Photo Courtesy of the Rottnest Island Authority