Wollombi “1970 Bi-Centenary”

Wollombi “1970 Bi-Centenary” commemorates Aboriginal history. As their contribution to a local parade celebrating Wollombi’s colonial history, a young teacher and her students paint their faces black, adorn their bodies and carry traditional Aboriginal weapons to represent the region’s ancient Aboriginal past. In seeking to recognise its rich Aboriginal history, this is perhaps a respectful and even progressive gesture. It did however also perpetuate the mistaken belief that there is no living descendants of local Aboriginal clans.