Latest news with #darkhistory
ABC News
2 days ago
- ABC News
The Lodge Wadjemup opens on Rottnest Island as Indigenous elders launch new cultural place
A new cultural attraction at Rottnest Island is being hailed as an important step in paying respects to the island's dark history for Australia's Indigenous people. But as yet another major resort opens on the island, work is still continuing on the redevelopment of an infamous prison and Indigenous burial ground. Rottnest is recognised as one of WA's premier tourism destinations, but many locals and tourists alike are unaware of the beachside paradise's history of trauma. At least 373 people died on the island, making it the site of Australia's largest number of deaths in custody, with almost 4,000 Aboriginal men and boys were incarcerated between 1838 and 1931. The original prison was later used for hotel accommodation, called the Quod, before it closed in 2018, at a time when a number of Indigenous people were calling for more acknowledgement of what had happened at Rottnest. Aboriginal people have created the Kwoba Wirin-up cultural space on the northern tip of Rottnest to encourage other Indigenous people to visit. "A lot of Aboriginal people won't come to the island because of the dark history and they've been told that that it's a bad place and they shouldn't come," chair of Wadjemup Aboriginal Group Pamela Thorpe said. "So this is about inviting people to come over, and if they are feeling really traumatised by the events of the historical events that they can come here, they can sit, they can reflect, and they can commence healing." Uncle Ben Taylor hopes it's just the start of a movement to better recognise what went on at the island. "We want to see something done about the place, do all the graves up and stop people camping on them," he said. "Tell the true history, the truth telling, it's time." There is also a plan to transform the Quod prison into a museum of remembrance. "The fact that you could stay in the Quod really ignored the significance and the pain that many Indigenous people felt," Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said. "People were gathered up from across Western Australia and brought here and imprisoned — they weren't criminals, they were law men, they were political leaders, they were leaders in their communities from the north right down to the south of WA. "It was a way of colonising this state, and bringing control over the native population. "We need to acknowledge that." In the meantime a three-year, $50 million overhaul of The Lodge Wadjemup is complete. The new resort contains 109 rooms at a range of prices, which the government hoped would help make Rottnest accessible to all West Australians. But amid insatiable demand for the island's limited accommodation options, the cheapest prices in low season for a room at the Lodge is about $250 a night for two people and almost $900 for an interconnected four-person family room. "There used to be a time when Rottnest, let's face it, was a private resort, for certain people, from certain parts of Perth," Mr Whitby said. "There were a whole lot of Perth people and West Australians who never came here, it was a bit of an exclusive getaway. Budget accommodation is still available on the island, with basic facilities at Campground, Kingstown and Caroline Thompson sites under $100 a night. Last week, the island released its holiday unit bookings for the Easter school holiday period, which sold out within an hour after thousands joined a virtual online queue in the hope of securing a spot. Accommodation booking for self-contained, dormitory and campground options is subject to a public waiting list process, while the more upscale accommodation can be booked direct with the hotel.
Forbes
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
William Levy, Paula Echevarría Action Drama 'Camino A Arcadia' Drops On ViX
Fleeing from violence and a dark history, a man adopts a false identity looking to start over in the idyllic Canary Islands' town of Arcadia, where a new love interest could change his life — if his past doesn't come back to haunt him. That's the premise of ViX's new original series Camino a Arcadia, starring Cuban-American telenovela heartthrob William Levy (Vuelve A Mi, Montecristo), renowned Spanish actress Paula Echevarría (from the original Velvet global hit series, Gran Reserva), and Mexico's Michelle Renaud (Mamá Reinventada, La herencia). Filmed entirely in the Spanish island of Tenerife, the action drama follows Pablo (Levy), a youth wrestling coach who has rebuilt a quiet life in Arcadia with his son, Bruno. When Valeria (Renaud) — Bruno's mother — re-enters their lives, his dark past in Mexico catches up with him, and he is forced to confront old demons, protect his carefully constructed sanctuary, and defend his budding romance with Irene (Echevarría). Camino a Arcadia emerged from a deal TelevisaUnivision announced during its 2024–2025 upfronts with Secuoya Studios and William Levy Entertainment to develop two new projects with the star. The collaboration underscores the company's push to scale premium originals that can drive audiences to the paid tier of its ViX streaming service. Produced by Secuoya Studios and William Levy Entertainment and helmed by director Jorge Saavedra, Camino a Arcadia is written by Lidia Fraga and Jacobo Díaz, with executive production from David Martínez, William Levy, and Jeff Goldberg. The ensemble cast includes Andrea Duro (Con quién viajas), Raúl Peña (Machos Alfa), Alejandro Nones (Pacto de Sangre), Sergio San (La mujer dormida), Pino Montesdeoca (Bajo un Volcán), Nacho Guerreros (La que se avecina), Gerardo Taracena (The Sixth Sun – Veracruz), David Fleta (Zorro), Hernán Mendoza (Marea de pasiones), Nico Galán (Westworld), Ana Jara (4 estrellas), Jorge Motos (Mentiras pasajeras), Solkin Ruz (Mi secreto), and Silvia Nadal (Memento Mori). ViX's new original series Camino a Arcadia will premiere all episodes on August 8, exclusively for premium subscribers.
