For over 13 years, a group of Elders have fought to protect Butterfly Cave, near Newcastle on the NSW north coast.
The cave and surrounding bushland are sacred to women who have gathered there for cultural practice and women’s business for thousands of years, and still do today.
It continues to be an area where young Aboriginal girls gather and learn from female Elders from the local community.
In 2013, Butterfly Cave was declared an Aboriginal Place under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
Six years later it was recognised by the federal government as a significant Aboriginal area.
However, it has never had formal heritage protection, until now.
Protection under National Parks
The NSW government has formally acquired the 25.74 hectare plot, which includes the cave and surrounding bushland, via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Butterfly Cave will be protected and preserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1974.
The decision follows a meeting between NSW government representatives and Aboriginal women, including Margaret Harvey.
Margaret was one of the many women who led the staunch 13-year campaign for its protection.
This has been a long and painful fight for Aboriginal women.
She thanked the government for listening and respecting them “in allowing our voices to be heard”.
Lyn Brown also campaigned for protection and acknowledged the decision as an important step forward.
Women have gathered at the Butterfly Cave for thousands of years. Source: Supplied
“This is a significant moment for Aboriginal women and especially for women,” she said.
“The protection of the Butterfly Cave is a real and positive step towards reconciliation in NSW.”
She said she’s excited at the opportunity to work with the government to “protect our cultural heritage now and into the future”.
Sacred site management to be discussed
Stepping forward, the government will consult with the local community on the future management and preservation of the site.
NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe said the government is “pleased to permanently protect” the site.
She thanked the “Aboriginal women who never gave up their care and protection” of Butterfly Cave and said it’s because of them it will “be used by generations to come”.
“It is a crucial meeting place for Aboriginal women to engage in traditional practices and share cultural knowledge with younger generations, and it is crucial it remains so for generations to come,” she said.
Minister Sharpe alongside Margaret, Lyn and many of the women who fought to protect Butterfly Cave. Credit: Office of Minister Sharpe
Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr worked alongside Minister Sharpe to cement the deal.
He said the government is “finally doing what was always the ‘right thing to do’ but hadn’t been done”.
“These incredible women have been fighting for so long; they have met with so many ministers of government and departmental workers that it’s hard to count,” he said.
“Their courage and conviction never wavered.”
