A local Aboriginal group on K'gari are pushing for changes to the way the island is managed following the death of a Canadian teenager found surrounded by dingoes. The grieving parents of Piper James, 19, arrived in Australia this week and travelled to the island for a traditional smoking ceremony held by the Butchella people in honour of their daughter. Ms James was working on K'gari, formerly Fraser Island, when she went for an early morning swim on January 19. 'It (the smoking ceremony) is part of our culture and responsibilities ... to honour the life and ensure the spirit churning is peaceful.' More than $40,000 has been raised for the James family in a GoFundMe campaign set up by a family friend.

Source: Daily Mail February 05, 2026 19:28 UTC