The Cross

The Cross on Memory Mountain will be officially launched by the local Indigenous people during their 2023 Easter celebrations. They are excited that their long-held vision has finally come to pass. For more information about the Cross Launch event, go here.

The vision to construct a 20-metre Cross on the summit Memory Mountain reflects the faith, culture and creativity of the local Indigenous people. The vision dreamed by their elders to build this Cross ignited a passion within the local people as it will allow them to share their traditions and creativity with the world. 

In 2009 the local elders shared this vision with Ken Duncan and asked for assistance to bring it to fruition.  Catching their passion, Ken could see how their vision would translate into an iconic, world-class tourism destination.  Beyond the Cross, Ken saw opportunities for meaningful Indigenous employment, that would create long-term financial sustainability for the local communities. And so it began!

The Cross – A Spiritual Heritage

Local people have a profound belief that true reconciliation comes through a relationship with a loving God. They are keen to share this hope with the world and are expressing it in a visually creative and impactful way through the Cross project.

In October 2022, construction of the Cross structure was completed. Lighting has been installed, but safety work on the track is still to be finalised. The local Indigenous people are proud and excited that their long-held vision has come to fruition and they are looking forward to officially launch the Cross on Memory Mountain over the Easter weekend in 2023. This will mark the centenary of the memorial below Memory Mountain which honours four Indigenous evangelists who brought the Gospel to the western desert region. Walk a While Foundation is committed to transferring ownership of the Cross into Memory Mountain Limited, a locally governed not-for profit corporation with a majority of Indigenous Directors. Walk a While will continue to walk with, and work with, the Directors of Memory Mountain Limited to ensure they are equipped for future success.  All profit from Memory Mountain Limited will flow back to the local communities. 

If you'd like to know more about Memory Mountain Limited, click here.

The Role of Sing-Along

Since 1982, Indigenous Christians have been singing songs of praise and worship almost every night for hours at a time. They call this phenomenon “Sing Along”. This is not something that’s been imposed on the Indigenous Christians - it’s their own form of worship. It was at a Sing Along gathering in 2009 that the vision for the Cross was shared with Ken Duncan by three Aboriginal elders at three different times. The conviction of local people that the Cross had to be built motivated them to ask for help and continued to motivate them as the project moved through phases of consultation, approval and construction.

A New Outback Tourism Icon

The Cross on Memory Mountain is not a small, insignificant structure. Constructed of core ten steel, it stands 20 metres tall at the summit of Memory Mountain. The Cross will be outlined with solar powered LED lights so it can be seen from afar at night. 

This iconic symbol of the faith, culture and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of central Australia, will draw visitors from far and wide. It will bring connection, understanding, relationship, reconciliation and economic benefit.

The plan for an iconic tourism precinct at Memory Mountain is part of a long-term, life changing strategy to give Indigenous Australians a hand up - not a hand out.  Tourism and ancillary businesses will bring employment opportunities, sustainable enterprises and financial independence for the local communities. The Cross will bring connection, understanding and true reconciliation.

Facilities for tourists are not yet available, but plans are underway to provide quality amenities and infrastructure that will significantly enhance the visitor experience. Eventually there will be camping facilities with space for tents and caravans, and even glamping facilities. 

We invite you to invest into the vision of the local Indigenous people and help them achieve their goals.

If you'd like more of an insight into Memory Mountain follow the link to their site, but come back and join us and support our work!