Wellesley Islands
DungkakurrijarriMemorial Day
The Ones Who Carried Us
22 – 24 November 2026 · Mornington Island
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The background
The story behind the day
On 24 November 1999, a charter plane left Mornington Island carrying four Directors of the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (CLCAC) and staff, bound for a board meeting in Normanton. The aircraft diverted toward Burketown in poor weather and was never found; wreckage was later located in the water south of Bentinck Island.
This event marks the 27th anniversary of the loss of six people. The four CLCAC Directors among them were travelling as part of the work that led directly to the Wellesley Islands Sea claim, and their loss — together with Andrew Anthonisz’s — sits at the very foundation of the land and sea rights the Wellesley Islands community holds today, and of GRAC itself. Many of today’s GRAC Board members are direct relatives and family members of those lost.
A permanent memorial stands at the Mornington Island airport, and a memorial service has been held there every year since 1999.
Why this matters now
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About GRAC
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Community impact
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Latest
Updates & news
Volunteers wanted
Help set up, welcome visitors, run BBQs and hospitality, or support first aid across 22–24 November. Sign up by Friday 6 November.
Three days, one story
Sports & Community Day, Arts & Culture Day, and Memorial Day. See the full program below.
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Candle-floating ceremony, Tuesday 24 November
From the boat ramp to the Festival Grounds, followed by a shared dinner and traditional dance and song.
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27 years on
We remember them
Six people were lost on 24 November 1999. Four were Directors of the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, travelling as part of the work that led directly to the Wellesley Islands Sea claim.
Andrew Anthonisz
Aged 21Their Pilot
Lelkandu Nelson Gavenor
Yangkaal People
Andrew Marmies
Lardil People
Olive Loogatha
Kaiadilt People
Graham Wilson
Lardil PeopleBrother of Gavin
Gavin Wilson
Lardil PeopleBrother of Graham
A permanent memorial stands at the Mornington Island airport, and a memorial service has been held there every year since 1999.
Program & locations
Where & when
- Fri 20Arrivals
- Sat 21Preparation Day
- Sun 22Day 1
Sports & Community - Mon 23Day 2
Arts & Culture - Tue 24Day 3
Memorial Day - Wed 25Clean-up & Debrief
Sunday 22 November · Day 1
We Come Together
Sports & Community Day
A 9s rugby league match, Mornington Island Raiders against an invited regional side, alongside women’s league/touch football — sport has long been one of the strongest threads connecting the Wellesley Islands community.
Monday 23 November · Day 2
We Remember Them, We Celebrate Them
Arts & Culture Day
A Native Title “story walk” traces the land and sea rights movement from its beginnings through to the 1999 crash and the sea claim. The evening brings the Mornington Island Dancers, a fashion showcase and community celebration.
Tuesday 24 November · Day 3
The Ones Who Carried Us
Memorial Day
A morning memorial service at the airport site. That evening, a candle-floating ceremony moves from the boat ramp to the Festival Grounds for a shared dinner and traditional dance and song performed by senior community members.
Support us
Help us carry the day
This is the first of an annual event, led entirely by GRAC and the Wellesley Islands community. Sponsor or donate to help deliver it — and every year after.
Led by community · supported by partners
GRAC
WILSSED RangersGood to know
Frequently asked questions
Who is organising the event?
GRAC Board and the WILSSED Rangers, alongside the broader community, are organising and delivering the event themselves. A support team is coordinating on behalf of the organising group.
Who can volunteer?
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What happens each day?
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How do I take part respectfully?
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Will this happen every year?
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Who do I contact?
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