Tunnerminnerwait, left, and Maulboyheenner were the first people hanged in the new colony
of Port Phillip.
of Port Phillip.
THIS year’s commemoration of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner has added significance with the recent signing of a treaty between Victoria and First Nations people.
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In 1842 the two Tasmanian Aboriginal men became the first people to be hanged in the new colony of Port Phillip after they were convicted of killing two whalers along the coast between Harmers Haven and Kilcunda.
Denied the right to give evidence at their trial, they were branded as “outlaws” at the time. Today, they are widely recognised as freedom fighters who resisted colonial occupation. |
The commemoration will take place at Wishart Reserve, Wonthaggi, on Tuesday 20 January, from 10am to midday. The ceremony includes a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, guest speakers, and a collective remembrance. |
In 2013, Melbourne City councillors unanimously agreed to create a memorial to their lives. Standing by Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner is sited near the City Baths close to where in 1842, 5000 people watched the two men hang.
Geelong Advertiser, January 24, 1842 Bunurong Elder Uncle Anthony Egan said the injustice meted out to the two men was abhorrent.
“These freedom fighters were protecting their people, culture and their Country. We honour them each year and acknowledge all who suffered. Now, with ancestors in peace, we continue the journey toward justice.”
Mary Mutsaers from the Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group said this year’s event carries added significance as Victoria has recently passed historic Treaty legislation, a milestone in the journey toward justice and self-determination for First Peoples.
The commemoration offers an opportunity to reflect on this progress while acknowledging the enduring impact of colonisation.
“From a small beginning, this moving commemoration has grown into an annual event attended by over 100 people.
“By gathering together, we honour Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner and reaffirm our commitment to truth-telling and justice for all. The passing of Treaty legislation in Victoria is a powerful reminder that reconciliation is not just about remembering the past - it's about shaping a fairer future.”
Kate Adams, from the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network, said the event provided a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community to come together, listen, learn, and reflect.
“Truth-telling is an essential step toward reconciliation. With Treaty now part of the conversation, these events that unite us all with our shared history are more important than ever.”
Source: Bass Coast Reconciliation Network
“These freedom fighters were protecting their people, culture and their Country. We honour them each year and acknowledge all who suffered. Now, with ancestors in peace, we continue the journey toward justice.”
Mary Mutsaers from the Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group said this year’s event carries added significance as Victoria has recently passed historic Treaty legislation, a milestone in the journey toward justice and self-determination for First Peoples.
The commemoration offers an opportunity to reflect on this progress while acknowledging the enduring impact of colonisation.
“From a small beginning, this moving commemoration has grown into an annual event attended by over 100 people.
“By gathering together, we honour Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner and reaffirm our commitment to truth-telling and justice for all. The passing of Treaty legislation in Victoria is a powerful reminder that reconciliation is not just about remembering the past - it's about shaping a fairer future.”
Kate Adams, from the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network, said the event provided a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community to come together, listen, learn, and reflect.
“Truth-telling is an essential step toward reconciliation. With Treaty now part of the conversation, these events that unite us all with our shared history are more important than ever.”
Source: Bass Coast Reconciliation Network