Topics: Events: North Coastal
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1845 - view
The
Catholic Archbishop of Sydney gives evidence for the reasons for decline in
Aboriginal numbers, referring to “the aggressive mode of taking possession of
their country which necessarily involves a vast loss of life to the native
population … I have heard myself a man, educated and a large proprietor of
sheep and cattle, maintain that there was no more harm in shooting a native,
than in shooting a wild dog … I fear also, though I am ashamed to say it, that
I have reason to believe that poison has been, in many instances, used.”
1849 - view
Bowen Bungaree, Bungaree’s son, sails with other Koories to the Californian gold
fields with Richard Hill because of their skill in sailing boats and in the
hope to be given jobs to carry the crowds of gold seekers flocking to the
Eldorado. Black Bowen is the only one to return. He speaks with ridicule about
America, “That country! No wood for fire, but plenty cold wind … no good for
me! No good for blackfellows!”
On
his return Bowen resumes his duties as a Police Tracker and reports to police
the activities of two assigned servants (convicts) who had escaped and are
petty thieves on the Northern Beaches. The men are captured and sent to prison.
Bowen’s reputation is now well established, for example he tracks and uses his
gun to hunt the bush-ranger Casey. Bowen wear grand clothes, Farrell describes
him: “He was in full rig with dress coat, his hair knotted up behind with three
feathers stuck in it”.
1853 - view
Bowen
is shot by four white bushrangers at Newport.
He is 56 years old. John Farrell relates that a bushranger Casey, who
frequented Bushranger’s Hill, had murdered Bowen as he sat by his fire at
night. Farrell describes Bowen as “one of the finest darkies I ever met. I
looked upon Bowen almost as a brother … and was prepared to … have blood for
blood” for Bowen’s murderer. His body is taken to St Lawrence Presbyterian
Church cemetery but later his grave is moved to Pioneer Park
at Botany.
1881 - view
“Aug 2 nd Went by steamer to Manly, broke up camp, brought
Harry, Eliza, Harriet and 5 children to Mr Hills. All readily consented to
come. Trip in steamer lovely view – great crowd of blacks in Mr Hill’s yard –
fire, plenty of food and blankets … alright except Mrs Beckett and Charley
Abbot’s wife … I went to railway station about passes. Mr Gribble (Head of
another mission station, Warangesda) to Botany Bay for Ellen and boys. ... Met
Sir H Parkes... [the Premier, who] consented to blacks getting the same rations
at Maloga [a mission station in Victoria run by Matthews] as in Sydney”.
1959 - view
The Foundation of the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines, FCAA (later FCAATSI) is established. This organisation later includes the Indigenous members, Kath Walker (Oodgeroo Nunukal), Mum Shirl, Ken Brindle, Chicka Dixon and Bert Groves.
1959 - view
“Far West Children’s Health Scheme” at Manly is incorporated whose support includes Indigenous children.
1970s - view
Biala Aboriginal Hostel opens in Allambie Heights to accommodate Indigenous young people so they can attend high schools such as MacKellar Girls High School. Biala later grows into an organisation to help Indigenous people with hostel accommodation for students from rural areas and also to help Aboriginal people suffering from homelessness and poor health.
1979 - view
Establishment of Aboriginal Support Group for Manly Warringah Pittwater region.
1993 - view
Establishment of Cooee Classic surf contests from Black Rock to Manly by Virginia Gow and Caroline Glass-Pattison, Lois Birk and others.
2004 - view
Guringai Link Aboriginal Corporation is formed.
2005 - view
The Aboriginal Support Group of the Manly Warringah Pittwater region celebrates 25 years of work to support Aboriginal people. Enid McIlraith tells story of beginnings where they worked alongside Koories for the Long March 1988 and the rescue of the Australia Hall (the site of 1938 Day of Mourning Protest), marching for land rights and many other local events.
2006 - view
Newport Beach artist, Indigenous man Paul Mc Carthy paints a work to be used for flyers and programs of Guringai Festival.
2009 - view
Now in its ninth year, the Guringai Festival celebrates Aboriginal culture and heritage, honouring the traditional homelands of the Guringai people. It aims to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Northern Sydney region and involves ten councils. Festival events include guided tours of Aboriginal sites, bushwalks, exhibitions and screenings.
2009 - view
The festival involves numerous reconciliation and community groups across New South Wales.
2009 - view
Uncle Bob Waterer continues his work of reconciliation by giving the Welcome to Country speech at Palm Beach for Barton Lynch’s Blast Off surf competition for young people. Redfern Aboriginal Medical service is supported to bring Koorie kids to participate in surf competition.