The spears will be displayed at a new visitor centre which is to be built at Kurnell, Kamay.

Linda Burney MP said: “The return of the Gweagal Spears is a significant step forward on the journey towards reconciliation and truth-telling.”

The spears are being permanently repatriated with support from the Australian Government’s Return of Cultural Heritage Program, led by AIATSIS, with support from the National Museum of Australia, who will support the Community in the physical care of the spears as they journey back to Australia.

Stephen Smith Stephen Smith and Deputy HC Elisabeth Bowes PSM were privileged to attend the ceremony today, which was attended by members of the La Perouse Aboriginal Community & included readings from Cook’s diary as well as statements by Community representatives.

Trinity College and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology agreed to return the spears to representatives of the La Perouse Aboriginal Community, including direct descendants of the Gweagal people who crafted the spears more than 250 years ago.

The four spears were taken by Captain Cook and Joseph Banks at the time of the first contact between the crew of the HMB Endeavour and the Indigenous Gweagal people of Kamay (Botany Bay, Sydney).

Today, in a ceremony held in the Wren Library at Trinity College, four spears taken by Captain James Cook and Joseph Banks on 29 April 1770 were permanently repatriated to the La Perouse Aboriginal Community.

Today’s event at Australia House coincides with the release of a surprise episode of Bluey which landed globally on ABC Australia in 🇦🇺 and Disney+, Disney Channel & Disney Junior in the 🇬🇧 and around the world🌏.

Set in Brisbane, Queensland Australia ☀️🏖️🇦🇺, Bluey highlights the power of Australian stories to resonate with children and parents the world over. #thisisqueensland

With support from the Australian Government through ScreenAustralia & the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland, Bluey’s success in the UK and globally is testament to the ingenuity and artistry of Australia’s creative industries.

Co-commissioned by ABC Australia and BBC Studios, created by 🇦🇺 Joe Brumm & produced by 🇦🇺 Ludo Studio, the beloved series is the #1 kids show on broadcast television in 🇦🇺, the #1 show on BBC’s CBeebies 🇬🇧 & the most-watched children’s programme on streaming services in the 🇺🇸.

Decorated with Bluey artworks, Bluey flags & a Bluey marching band in full regalia, Bluey accepted her award on the steps of #BlueyHouse from Stephen Smith Stephen Smith.

Fans of all ages gathered outside the iconic building, which underwent a total transformation to mark this special event.

Australia House became #Bluey House today as TV phenomenon #Bluey herself leapt from the screen and arrived in London to receive a special Australian High Commission London award recognising her cultural impact across the UK and the world! 🇦🇺🇬🇧💙 Official Bluey TV

Read more about it on the Bluey website! ➡️bluey.tv/blog/bluey-rec…

Bluey House! 💙 Australia House have recognised Bluey with an award for Cultural Impact across the UK and the World 🤩

📸: David Parry/PA Media Assignments

Great to welcome Richard Holden MP MP, Cabinet Minister and Chair of the Conservative Party, to Australia House today. Our deep and enduring relationship 🇦🇺🇬🇧 continues to be modernised and transformed.

International Women's Day is an opportunity to recognise & celebrate women's achievements and drive action for gender parity globally.

Australia House shone purple last night as we partnered with the The Britain-Australia Society for an inspiring event to mark #IWD2024 .

The Department for Business and Trade ANZ Roadshow started yesterday in Birmingham highlighting the benefits of the #AUKFTA for industry and consumers across 🇦🇺 & 🇬🇧.