Celebrations are taking place in the Red Centre to mark the 40th anniversary of the handback of Uluṟu to the Anangu people. The historic event occurred on October 26, 1985, when the Commonwealth government returned the title deeds for Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa, also known as Ayers Rock and The Olgas, to the traditional owners. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General Sam Mostyn are attending the weekend festivities, which feature traditional song, dance, and art. The handback is seen as a significant milestone in the recognition of Aboriginal land rights in Australia. During the early hours of Saturday, thunderstorms drenched Uluṟu, creating waterfalls cascading down its sides. The weather cleared later in the morning, allowing the celebrations to proceed. In his speech at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Albanese expressed his deep honor in being the first prime minister to attend such an anniversary. “Forty years ago, after decades of exclusion, the Anangu's rightful relationship with this place was finally recognized,” he said. “And the Anangu responded by choosing to share it with all of us. Tourists flock to it, rangers care for it. All Australians are welcome here. The whole world is welcome here.” At the original handback ceremony, the Anangu signed a joint management agreement, leasing the land back to the Australian Parks and Wildlife Service for 99 years. This agreement followed years of advocacy by the Anangu for recognition of their rights and set a precedent for other land handbacks across Australia. Albanese described the 1985 handback as “a milestone in Aboriginal land rights and a powerful moment in the story of our continent.” He thanked the Anangu for their patience and grace throughout the process. Anangu woman Alison Milyika Carroll recalled attending the handback ceremony with her father. “This rock belongs to Anangu and is for everybody,” she said. “We love people coming here from all over to walk around and see it. They enjoy it, to see this amazing rock.” Shaeleigh Swan, the first Indigenous manager of the national park, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the Anangu elders and their fight for land rights. “They really wanted to make change for the land rights for all the grandchildren and the future generations,” she said. The joint management of the park has fostered a productive partnership between the Anangu and the Commonwealth. Park board member Craig Woods noted that tourism at Uluṟu has created opportunities for the Anangu to develop businesses, including selling traditional art and artifacts. Celebratory events on Saturday included traditional dance performances, a concert featuring local and national musicians, and an art exhibition. Children adorned in traditional face and body paint participated in Anangu dances, known as inma. Uluṟu is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks, attracting millions of visitors each year. On Sunday, Governor-General Mostyn will unveil a plaque commemorating the 40th anniversary of the handback, further solidifying the significance of this historic event.