Wadjemup Multi-Cache
richlink: Unable to schedule a trip to Rottnest in the foreseeable future so will archive.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Wadjemup
Wadjemup is the Noongar name for Rottnest - meaning 'place across the water'.
The listed co-ordinates will not take you to the cache but to a sign that gives a little insight into Rottnest's dark past history.
Beginning in 1838, Aboriginal prisoners were sent to Rottnest Island and "assisted" (Round House leaflet vocabulary) in the building of a prison complex. In fact, most of the historical buildings on Wadjemup which you see today have been built by Aboriginal labour. The impressive sea wall alone, which you see upon your arrival, took them three to eight years to complete (sources vary).
The ' Quod' was a purpose built prison used to house aboriginal men and boys transported to Rottnest from areas across Western Australia.
Most Aboriginals died here of diseases which took a "terrible toll", beatings at the hands of the guards or starvation. Between the years 1838 and 1931 more than 370 men and boys died and the Nyoongar still consider Wadjemup as sacred ground because of these deaths.
Those aboriginals that died on Rottnest, remain there in the cemetery behind 'The Lodge'.
‘The Rottnest Island Authority is and has been working with community over a number of years to acknowledge the past history of the Island and celebrate Aboriginal culture. This must be done carefully and with full consultation. As an organization, the Authority are fully committed to contributing to reconciliation with Aboriginal people, and to ensuring that the history of the Island is portrayed across the spectrum of its many layered history – which includes a time of past cruelty and of hardship for aboriginal people from across the state.’
The two signs placed at the Aboriginal Burial Ground and the ceasing of camping activities at this site were initial steps to acknowledge the Island’s history and commence a healing. A publication has also more recently been compiled that refers to the Aboriginal connection to the land.
Currently in its 6th year(as at 2013), the Authority has implemented a ‘Reconciliation Action Plan’ that celebrates Aboriginal history and culture whilst also being fully aware of the island’s past and impact on Aboriginal people. All activities on the Island are now carried out with the utmost of integrity and respect for Aboriginal people.’
Now to the cache:
According to the sign how many aboriginals were imprisoned on Rottnest between 1838 and 1931.
This number becomes ABCD
You will find the cache at: 31 59.VW5 115 32.YZ4
Please note: GZ is not located on the sacred site, please treat this area with respect.
V = B + C - 8
W = A * A - 1
Y = C - 5
Z = A + B
This cache is placed with the knowledge and approval of the Rottnest Island Authority.
Additional Hints
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Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
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