The messages, dating back between 17,000 and 19,500 years, on a rock face on Thompsons Point, West Nowra, are being unintentionally damaged by rock climbers.

You can see the scars left behind by the climbers on the rock. The traditional owners would like the climbing to stop, out of respect for their cultural and spiritual beliefs.

The majority of rock climbers are respectful of Aboriginal heritage and are keen to work with the Indigenous community to resolve the matter.

The drawings are of a set of rules that applies to everyone - man, woman and child – which are carried by men out of respect and responsibility.

The ancient and sacred site features charcoal drawings telling the story of why people, particularly men, need to respect women.

The drawings’ messages echo White Ribbon Day which aims to prevent violence towards women.

Local indigenous resident Lauren Tucker Carpenter-Chapman said the site was a special place.

“It’s important to bring the children back to places like this and to be in contact with our spiritual culture and to make that connection that keeps us strong and alive,” she said

“This is our church and we don’t have building or dwellings. We can pray here to make us closer to our spiritual people.”

Proud indigenous brothers Tom and George Brown, if left alone, could sit at the site and reflect upon many things for hours.

The brothers, like many other members of the indigenous community, would like to see rocking climbing on the site stopped.

When they visit the place feel the sacredness and spirituality of it and want people to learn the timeless values and messages of respect for women shown on the ancient rock drawings.

The brothers believe on equality alone the site should be protected and respected.

They ask why does society value other spiritual beliefs while disregarding a traditional belief system that dates back 19, 500 years ago ?

George Brown, like his brother, sees significant  messages at this special place.

“I see our history and I also see the future which is what we have to carry,” he said.

“We have to grab things from our past and teach future generations.”

George Brown would like to think if the rock climbers knew about the area’s significance then they would not clamber all over it.

He said respect for traditional culture can’t be forced on a person and must be matter of choice.

“The change needs to take us down the same road together and so we are sharing the same thinking,” he said.