1838: Myall Creek Massacre, NSW

The Myall Creek Massacre was just one example of the widespread culture of frontier violence against Aboriginal people in New South Wales in the 1830’s. Despite there being strong laws against this violence, the murder of Aboriginal people was generally accepted as part of the expansion of territory by settlers. Muswellbrook police magistrate Edward Denny Day described this ongoing conflict as ‘a war of extermination’ by some stockmen, settlers, and convicts. 

When Aboriginal people killed stockmen near Myall Creek as part of this frontier conflict, an expedition from Sydney led by Major James Nunn, the Commandant of the New South Wales Mounted Police, massacred up to 50 Wirrayaraay people who were camped at Waterloo Creek. Their bodies were then burned. Nearby stockmen and settlers were also encouraged by the expedition to kill any Aboriginal people they encountered. 

Breaking the conspiracy of silence around the murder of this group of Aboriginal people were a station manager named William Hobbs, local police superintendent Thomas Foster, and settler Frederick Foot. Eight men were tried and found guilty of murder in the Australian Supreme Court. They were hanged on December 18, 1838. For many in the colonial community of New South Wales there was more outrage around the execution of British citizens than the massacre of the Wirrayaraay people. Future perpetrators of violence against Aboriginal people took steps to cover their tracks and avoid prosecution.  

The process of radical truth telling continues today in the quest for true reconciliation, justice and peace for all Australians. 
 

Going Deeper: 

https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/myall-creek-massacre  

Prayer:

Prayer for Aboriginal Ancestors 

Almighty God, 
ever-loving Father, 
by becoming human your Son has united himself  
with people of every race, language, and way of life, 
and through his death on the cross, 
mingled his blood with the blood of all Koorie people  
who have died unjustly throughout our history. 

Hear our prayer as we remember those who died  
in defence of their land and traditions. 
Grant peace for them and all who now live in this land.  
May the walls which prejudice raises between us 
crumble beneath the shadow of the outstretched arms  
of him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. 

Amen. 

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Victoria. 

Artwork:

Myall Creek Massacre (2003) by Vincent Serico (1949 – 2008) 
 
Music:

We Sing by Kutcha Edwards