Commemorative event for Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner

ERIC Edwards of the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation opened Friday’s (January 20) proceedings on the yidaki with Jungala Ellis taking to the microphone shortly thereafter providing the welcoming words, Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.

Hosted by the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network community members joined in commemorating the lives of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, two Tasmanian Aboriginal men who were publicly hanged in Melbourne in 1842.

The men were convicted for the murder of two whale-hunters in the Western Port area and on January 20, 1842, became the first people hanged in Melbourne.

At the time they were labelled ‘blood thirsty outlaws’ but are now recognised as freedom fighters resisting colonial occupation and injustices.

Captured at or near Harmers Haven in Cape Paterson, the annual event at Wishart Reserve in Wonthaggi is a way of honouring, remembering and acknowledging the injustice dealt to the two men and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples during colonisation.

“The tragic hanging of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner is a horrific part of our history, and we need to acknowledge this,” Uncle Anthony Egan, Traditional Owner, Bunurong/Trawlwoolway said.

“Now we’re responsible for supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People without bias to achieve their aspirations for the future.”

Bass Coast/South Gippsland Reconciliation Group co-chair Geoff Ellis was introduced as guest speaker by host and proud Gunai/Yorta Yorta man, Paul Patten.

“I live on the edge of the Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Reserve. Some nights we hear the echo of waves crashing down on the rocks at Coal Point, where the encounter with the sealers took place and the group of Aboriginals was captured six weeks later by a party led by Powlett…” Geoff said.

“Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheener are fundamental to the history of this coast. But they were confined to the shadows…

“Back in Harmers we listen to those waves crashing against the shore and we can know that this was never an empty land. We are all humbled by the story of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheener.”

Friday’s event is one of a series of events hosted by the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network over the year.