The Star of Taroom Returns to Iman Country after 45 Years

Walkers trek 500km from Brisbane to Return the stone home to where it was found

An ancient aboriginal stone known as The Star of Taroom has returned to Iman Country on Saturday the 24th July after being unearthed by a farmer 45 years ago.  The group arrived at Taroom Racecourse after walking The Star over 500km from Brisbane by hand cart back to Iman Country.

The Iman Wardingarri people welcomed The Star home with over 700 people in attendance for this special occasion. The celebrations commenced with an official welcome to Country by Iman Elders and also included a warm welcome by the Mayor of Banana Shire Council, Nev Ferrier. Other celebrations included a traditional smoking and dance celebration, Naidoc activities, food stalls and BBQ’s.

Mayor of Banana Shire Council Nev Ferrier said, “Today is a very significant celebration that brings everyone together through healing and connection”.

The Star of Taroom was pulled from the earth 45 years ago. A Veterinarian Jim Danalis was working on a cattle station in the early 1970’s when the large and interesting rock caught his eye. He wrapped a chain around the 160kg stone and pulled it from its resting place with a tractor and took it back to Brisbane where it stayed for 45 years.

Jim Danalis wanted to return the Star back to its original home, but unfortunately died of cancer in 2019. He discussed returning the stone with his son Johnny who took up the challenge.

Jim’s son Johnny Danalis led the walking trek from Brisbane to Taroom carrying the 160kg stone by hand cart with a group of volunteers along the way.

Banana Shire Council in conjunction with Taroom & District Historical Society built a purpose built shed to house The Star of Taroom which will be its official resting place on Country. The shed has been gifted to the Iman Wardingarri people and will house The Star of Taroom along with other Indigenous artefacts for people to enjoy now and in the future.

“We are so pleased that we can provide this special Keeping Place to the Iman Wardingarri people so they can display special artefacts and Iman history for our community and tourist to view and learn about our Indigenous history”, said Mayor Ferrier.

The Star of Taroom is now on display at the Iman Wardingarri Keeping Place that is located at the Taroom Museum.