Securing the return to Australian shores of the first objects taken by the British has been a long and emotional journey.

About 40 spears were taken from Aboriginal people when the British first set foot in Australia in 1770, and now only four remain.

Now known as the Gweagal Spears, they were kept at Cambridge University's archaeology and anthropology museum in the UK since the early 20th century, before being returned to the La Perouse Aboriginal Community in 2024.

"They're survivors from that moment in time that started our shared history together," said Noeleen Timbery, who chairs the La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council and was part of a delegation that brought the spears home.

"To get them back within our control, in our hands is really important because it ties us to our ancestors

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