The return of the 800 year old remains of two Aboriginal men to the Yuin people of south east Australia was an opportunity for both the Aboriginal people to return their ancestors to their Country as well as an opportunity for non-Aboriginal people to share in one of Aboriginal culture's most sacred ceremonies. In the 1960s the remains of the two Aboriginal men were unearthed by construction work near the shops on Tathra headland. The remains had then been sent away to museums and universities for scientific research.

A number of other remains unearthed in the 1960s were re-buried in various locations along the coast during the week in private Aboriginal ceremonies, close to where they had been unearthed.

The re-burial of the two Tathra men was done near the RSL War Memorial with the support of the Bega sub-branch of the RSL.

For the Yuin people it was an opportunity to invite the broad community to observe and participate in what is usually a very private Aboriginal traditional custom, and particularly to engage non-Aboriginal people with the richness of Aboriginal culture.

Graham Moore from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage welcomed a large crowd including a large number of non-Aboriginal people from the community and local schools.

With other Aboriginal men, led by Randall Mumbler, they conducted a smoking ceremony with the entire crowd participating, passing single file through the cleansing smoke from the fire.

Following the re-burial everybody was also invited to participate in the throwing of soil into the graves.

Allen Collins, representing the RSL, spoke of the importance of reconciliation and welcomed the opportunity for the RSL to support reconciliation with Aboriginal people in this practical way.

Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor, Bill Taylor, spoke of the encouraging change in the attitude of his people to Aboriginal people, and pledged the ongoing support of the Council in caring for the site, and in the process of reconciliation.