An historic exhibition of images of the landmark 1988 bicentenary protest march through Sydney opens this week at the La Perouse Museum, as the institution marks the beginning of its transformation into a nationally significant First Nations Cultural Precinct.

1988: The Long March for Justice, Hope, and Freedom by internationally acclaimed documentary photographer, Juno Gemes, features images of the Hon Linda Burney, Mum Shirl, Gary Foley and other First Nations leaders gathered at the La Perouse headland, displayed together for the first time.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the exhibition illustrates the significance of the Gamay Botany Bay area and the local Aboriginal community to the story of modern Australia.

“On 26 January 1988, over 40,000 Aboriginal people and allies marched through Sydney demanding First Nations land rights, justice, and recognition. It was a pivotal moment in our nation’s history — and it began right here in La Perouse,” said Mayor Dylan Parker.

“This exhibition and the Museum’s transformation into a First Nations Cultural Precinct mark a long-overdue recognition of the deep cultural and historical significance of this area for Dharawal and Bidjigal people, to First Nations people across Australia, and to the entire community.

“Council looks forward to partnering with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council to make this dream a reality.”

Photographer Juno Gemes spent 12 months visiting the Gamay Botany Bay area in the lead up to 26 January 1988, documenting the deliberations of First Nations leaders from across Australia—convened by the La Perouse Aboriginal community—that lead to the march.

“It all began at Gamay, La Perouse in 1788. Two hundred years later in 1988 a national action—the Long March for Justice, Hope and Freedom—was hosted and began at La Perouse. The local Aboriginal community welcomed First Nations people from across the country and their allies in an historic action calling for truth telling in our shared histories. I was their photographer.”

“It is a joy to bring these historic images back to La Perouse Museum as an inaugural exhibition at this important cultural precinct.

“My thanks to curator Blake Griffiths who created this exhibition, and to Randwick Council for supporting it. All strength to the La Perouse Museum into the future with its recognition as the important cultural precinct it has always been.”

The Hon Linda Burney, lifelong Aboriginal advocate and one of the organisers of the 1988 march, will officially open the exhibition at La Perouse Museum this Friday.

“Congratulations to Randwick Council for hosting this important exhibition”, said Ms Burney.

“1988 was a seminal year for Aboriginal people and a very important time for the First Nations movement in this country. La Perouse was the beating heart of that movement.”

Juno Gemes’ 1988: The Long March for Justice, Hope, and Freedom features alongside the Museum’s new flagship collections exhibition, NearShore, designed by SUPERSENSE, and two compelling temporary exhibitions:

• Night Vision - Jesse Boyd-Reid’s evocative photographic series in the Bayview Gallery
• Critical Carbon - an architectural response to climate and history on Bare Island by Callum Parker and Daniel Mazzucco

The Museum is also launching two major community initiatives:

• La Perouse Field Guide – created by Aunty Maxine Ryan in collaboration with Floorplan Studio
• Elder in Residence Program – with inaugural recipient Peter McKenzie, a respected La Perouse community leader and photographer

Members of the public are invited to attend the free launch event this Friday, 19 September 2025.

La Perouse Museum Launch Event – Friday 19 September

• BBQ & Drinks: 6:00pm on the front lawn
• Museum Doors Open: 6:45pm

The La Perouse Museum will be open to the public from Saturday 20 September 2025, with free entry to all exhibitions.  

Media enquiries:

Matthew Phillips – matt.phillips@randwick.nsw.gov.au, 0409 824 664
Joshua Hay – joshua.hay@randwick.nsw.gov.au, 0402 351 459