A general overview
When the first fleet had settled in nicely it was stated that the aborigines must be treated with kindness and respect, but this was ignored by many and land was soon fought over. however since the indigenous people didn't have weapons such as rifles it wasn't difficult for the settlers to kill hundreds of aborigines and take over the land. with the law being several days away from any new towns being created the Europeans could do as they pleased.
That was until June 10, 1838, when 30 Wirrayarray people were killed or raped by 12 European convicts at Myall creek. While this slaughter is not what made this different from the rest, its what happened to the murderers as they were all put on trial and 7 of them were even sentenced to hanging.
Why is this important?
well, if this event didn't occur then what would Australia nowadays be? maybe we wouldn't care about how we treat asylum seekers? how would we treat people if the murder of those of a different colour was not against the law? these are the questions you must ask when looking at this topic.
those of the Wirrayarray people who are still around today have a strong feeling towards Myall creek, possibly because they see it as a place of hope, not just sorrow, this was the first time they were considered "human" and given the rights a white man would normally have. There are plaques on rocks at Myall creek to remember those lost, and what impact they have made on the future.
When the first fleet had settled in nicely it was stated that the aborigines must be treated with kindness and respect, but this was ignored by many and land was soon fought over. however since the indigenous people didn't have weapons such as rifles it wasn't difficult for the settlers to kill hundreds of aborigines and take over the land. with the law being several days away from any new towns being created the Europeans could do as they pleased.
That was until June 10, 1838, when 30 Wirrayarray people were killed or raped by 12 European convicts at Myall creek. While this slaughter is not what made this different from the rest, its what happened to the murderers as they were all put on trial and 7 of them were even sentenced to hanging.
Why is this important?
well, if this event didn't occur then what would Australia nowadays be? maybe we wouldn't care about how we treat asylum seekers? how would we treat people if the murder of those of a different colour was not against the law? these are the questions you must ask when looking at this topic.
those of the Wirrayarray people who are still around today have a strong feeling towards Myall creek, possibly because they see it as a place of hope, not just sorrow, this was the first time they were considered "human" and given the rights a white man would normally have. There are plaques on rocks at Myall creek to remember those lost, and what impact they have made on the future.