In 2005, the Fraser Island Natural Integrity Alliance or FINIA was established to protect K’gari’s natural integrity, ecological assets and unique beauty through collaborative management, community education, and targeted rehabilitation work.

FINIA is justifiably proud of its inclusive partnership approach and the ongoing participation of the island’s Traditional Owners, the Butchulla people. But with time has come knowledge and a realisation that using the name Fraser Island in our group’s title was offending some of our partners. 

Malcolm Burns, a participant in the inaugural FINIA workshop and Co-Chair of the Island’s World Heritage Indigenous Advisory Committee) said, “In 1995, when the Anganu people achieved the name change of Ayers Rock back to Uluru-Kata Tjuta, I knew this is what we needed to do for K’gari.” Native title for the island was declared in 2014 and for the waters of the Great Sandy Strait in 2019, recognising the enduring connection of the Butchulla people.

For this reason, at our August 2021 Meeting, members respectfully and unanimously decided that henceforth we would be known as FINIA – the Natural Integrity Alliance for K’gari.

Article contributed by Sue Sargent, FINIA – the Natural Integrity Alliance for K’gari.