The Story of “Emu” (c1814 – 1835?) The story of Emu begins in the period of conflict between Aborigines and European settlers in the Brisbane Water region during 1834. Emu seemingly was one of the Aborigines who took a very active part in the conflict within Brisbane Water and Newcastle districts. After a period of relative peace, the military were withdrawn at the end of 1834, after which the conflict resumed. Although Magistrate Warner drew up a list of 18 Aborigines – all from the Wyong, Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Beach – and posted a reward for their capture, he failed to arrest any of them until January 1835.