Minnamurra River massacre

Minnamurra River massacre
Date1 October 1818
Location
Minnamurra River bank, Illawarra
Result Approximately six Wodiwodi people killed in clash with colonial settlers
Belligerents
William Frederick Weston, Cornelius O'Brien and seven convicts and labourers Unknown group, Wodiwodi people
Commanders and leaders
William Frederick Weston Unknown
Strength
nine Unknown
Casualties and losses
None approximately six, exact number unknown

On 1 October 1818, approximately six Wodiwodi people were killed in a clash with nine settlers from the Colony of New South Wales along the Minnamurra River in the Illawarra, New South Wales.

The settlers claimed to have been attempting to recover two muskets which had been lent to some of the Aboriginal people which escalated into an armed clash. Local Dapto property owner, William Frederick Weston, his site overseer, Cornelius O'Brien, along with seven unknown convicts and labourers approached an Aboriginal campsite in the early hours of the morning, armed with muskets, swords and knives attached to long sticks. An armed clash resulted.[1][better source needed]

Location

The exact location of the massacre is disputed. Research led by Professor Lyndall Ryan, has led to an agreement[by whom?] of the approximate location of the massacre site.[where?][2][3]

In 2018, it was claimed that Kiama Council had plans to erect a permanent memorial of recognition along the proposed Minnamurra boardwalk, commemorated by a memorial service on the 200th year anniversary of the massacre.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ Fist, Rebecca (1 October 2018). "Kiama Council formally acknowledges 1818 Minnamurra massacre". Kiama Independent. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  2. ^ Fist, Rebecca (6 July 2017). "Aboriginal massacre close to home". Kiama Independent. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  3. ^ "Mapping the massacres of Australia's colonial frontier". The University of Newcastle, Australia. 5 July 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  4. ^ Law, Cathy (29 September 2018). "200th anniversary of Minnamurra Massacre". ARCHIVE ONLY: latest news at www.thebuglenewspaper.com.au. Retrieved 2 March 2021.