25th Anniversary Myall Creek Memorial
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that this episode discusses heavy topics surrounding the Myall Creek Massacre of 1838, and may contain the names of people who have died.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Myall Creek Memorial in it’s current form. Over 180 years ago, settlers murdered at least 28 Aboriginal people who had taken refuge from colonial violence at Myall Creek Station.
What makes this event different to others is that it was the first and only time in Australian history where white settlers were charged with the murder of Aboriginal people. Seven men were hanged.
Each year around June 10th, the Friends of Myall Creek mark the occasion with a memorial service, now held at the site. In 2018 The University of New England’s School of Law became involved, running a symposium ahead of the memorial at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre.
In today’s episode, Ash sits down with Julie Collins and Andrew Lawson, two members of the Armidale branch of the Friends of Myall Creek, about their involvement in the memorial, the symposium, and its relevance to the study of law in NSW, and the act of Reconciliation.
