Friday 15 November 2019

Wakka Wakka People #3 and #4 Native Title Meeting

The Wakka Wakka People #3 and the Wakka Wakka People #4 native title claim groups (‘The Wakka Wakka People’) are currently described as the Aboriginal people whose members identify as Wakka Wakka People, who are descended from the following ancestors:
 
Jenny and David Carlo (parents of Princess Carlo)
Minnie Bly (mother of Thomas Simpson), Ethel and Bill Button
Mother of Maggie Hart (Grandmother of Crabbie Chapman and Henry Hart)
Mother of Willie Boy Pickering
King Billy and Maria of Boondooma (parents of Tommy Dodd of Taabinga)
Maggie West
Kitty of Boonara
MiMi
Kitty (mother of Jack Bulong)
John Bond
Kitty (mother of Jenny Lind), Jenny Lind and Mick Buck
Boubijan Cobbo
Stockman Bligh and Aggie Bligh
Tommy (aka Boondoon) and Maggie (parents of Willie Bone), Billy McKenzie (father of Chlorine McKenzie), Chlorine McKenzie
Kate/Katie/Kitty Law
Emily of Degilbo, mother of Annie
Taabinga Harry
Nellie, mother of Elsie Fitzgerald/Edwards.

The purpose of one of the Authorisation Meetings is to authorise amendments to each of the Wakka Wakka People #3 and Wakka Wakka People #4 native title claims (‘the Native Title Claims’) by replacing all of the wording at Schedules A to the native title application Forms 1 (the description of the native title claim group) for each native title claim with the following wording:

The Wakka Wakka People are the Aboriginal people who have a connection to the application area in accordance with their traditional laws acknowledged and traditional customs observed and are descendants of one or more of the following ancestors:
 
Jenny and David Carlo (parents of Princess Carlo);
Minnie Bly (mother of Thomas Simpson), Ethel and Bill Button;
Mother of Maggie Hart (Grandmother of Crabbie Chapman and Henry Hart);
Mother of Willie Boy Pickering;
King Billy and Maria of Boondooma (parents of Tommy Dodd of Taabinga);
Maggie West;
Kitty of Boonara;
MiMi;
Kitty (mother of Jack Bulong);
John Bond;
Kitty (mother of Jenny Lind), Jenny Lind and Mick Buck;
Boubijan Cobbo;
Stockman Bligh and Aggie Bligh;
Tommy (aka Boondoon) and Maggie (parents of Willie Bone), Billy McKenzie (father of Chlorine McKenzie), Chlorine McKenzie;
Kate/Katie/Kitty Law;
Emily of Degilbo, mother of Annie;
Taabinga Harry;
Nellie, mother of Elsie Fitzgerald/Edwards

Recruitment by being ‘grown up’ is an aspect of the traditional laws and customs acknowledged and observed by the Wakka Wakka People with respect to claim group membership.  Such incidents only arise in particular circumstances involving very young children whom, out of necessity, are taken in by or left in the care of a relative or someone without a biological relationship. Accordingly, the term “descendants” for the purpose of the native title holders description above is taken to include biological descendants and descendants that have been recruited into the group by being ‘grown up’ by a biological descendant.


Sunday 27 October 2019

Is Nothing Sacred Anymore?

Interesting article by Dean Widders on page 58 of the Koori Mail dated October 23, 2019.

Friday 25 October 2019

Iman People Native Title Meeting

Iman People Native Title Meeting

The claim group are described as the descendants of the following

Mary Arwa
Jim Waterton
Ada Robinson
Maggie Palmtree
Lizzie Palmtree
Eliza Shields
Mary Ann (mother of Maggie Dunn);
Fanny Waddy / Sandy
Dick Bundi / Bundai and Alice Dutton
Mother of John Serico (known as Aggie)

Appeared in the Koori Mail dated October 23, 2019

Odds and Ends

Living under the Act ' : Taroom Aboriginal Reserve 1911-1927
by Scott L'Oste-Brown and Luke Godwin 1995
Cecil Palmtree died at Taroom Reserve 22 November, 1914.
James Waterton died at Taroom Reserve 1 November, 1917.
Alice Bundi died at Taroom Reserve 9 December 1918.   
Dito Palmtree died at Taroom Reserve on 3 June, 1919.
Maggie Palmtree,died at Taroom Reserve on 9 June, 1919.
Fanny Waddy died at Taroom Reserve on 30 May, 1919.
Billy Palmtree died at Taroom Reserve on 25 September, 1922.
Old Bundi died at Taroom Reserve on 6  October, 1923.

Police Station, Taroom Watchhouse Charge Books
  7.11.1878  Serico, 20 years
26. 2.1892  Serigo, 34 years
12. 5.1892  Serigo, 34 years
19. 6.1892  John Serico, 34 years
20. 3.1893  John Serico, 36 years, half-caste. To Roma Gaol
24.12.1893  John Serico, 36 years, half-caste
27.12.1893  John Serico, half-caste
  6. 5.1895  John Serico, 37 years, half-caste
14. 2.1897  John Serico, 38 years
29. 9.1898  John Serico, 39 years

George Bunder and Elsie Toby, aged 23 yrs, born Banana, parents Charlie Toby and Lizzie Palmtree were married at Barambah on 11.11.1918

Arthur Bundai H/C, parents Dick and Alice Bundai, was born c1896 at Taroom

Cobbo Williams and Billy Bundi were removed from Taroom to Barambah in 1921

Ruby Cressbrook, parents Jimmy and Fanny Waddy was born c1903 at Taroom

Thursday 24 October 2019

Koa People Native Title Authorisation Meeting

Koa People Native Title Authorisation Meeting

The Authorisation Meeting is open to all Koa People, that is, to all of those persons in the current native title claim group, being the descendants of the following ancestors: (current claim group)
1.  MaryAnn Watson;
2.  Zoe Button nee Watson aka Zoe Clements/Zoe Murdoch;
3.  George Mitchell;
4.  Topsy Mitchell aka Katie of Cork Station aka Katie O’Chin;
5.  Nancy Chambers nee Watson;
6.  Jack Chermside;
7.  Charley Chermside aka Charley Riley;
8.  Jacob Chermside;
9.  Lois Tighe/Tye;
10. Maria Miller nee Creed aka Maria Jeffries;
11. Timothy Creed;
12. Valentine Mingo;
13. Minnie Winton;
14. Jack Watson;
15. Tommy Watson;
16. George Watson

Purposes of Authorisation Meeting

1. To consider the views expressed by anthropologist, Dr Kevin Mayo, in relation to claim group composition, and the response of the State of Queensland (State) on connection; and

2. To decide whether to authorise the Applicant to make the following proposed amendments to the Koa Claim:

(a) changing the description of the current claim group to that proposed below:
The Koa People are the descendants of one or more of the following apical ancestors:
i.   Mary Ann Watson (mother of (at least) Zoe Button nee Watson, Topsy Mitchell, Nancy Chambers nee Watson, George Mitchell, Valentine Mingo);
ii.  Maria Watson (mother of Tommy Watson, George Watson and Jack Watson);
iii. Jack Chermside (father of Jacob Chermside and Charlie Riley);
iv.  Lois Tye/Tie/Tighe;
v.   Lucy Creed (mother of Maria Miller nee Creed aka Maria Jeffries, Timothy Creed, William “Trantum” Creed, Rosie Creed and Jack Creed).

Recruitment by “rearing-up” is an aspect of the traditional laws and customs acknowledged and observed by the Koa People with respect to claim group membership. It refers to the situation where a child is grown up by a relative or someone without a biological relationship, either because they have been gifted to them, or left in their care, as the biological parents are not in a position to care for them. Membership into the group is ultimately subject to general community acceptance by the Koa People. This applies regardless of whether or not the child has been formally adopted under the non-Aboriginal legal system. Accordingly, the term “descendants” above is not limited to biological descendants.”

(b) changing the nature and scope of native title rights and interests claimed to remove the right to exclusive possession, so as the Koa Claim is consistent with the non-exclusive and non-commercial native title rights and interests proposed for recognition in a potential consent determination of the matter, as agreed in-principle between the Applicant and the State.

Appeared in the Koori Mail dated October 23, 2019

Some notes of interest are

Bernard Smith Creed aged about 10 years, son of an unknown white man and Maria, was baptised at Yarrabah on 12. 2.1905

Mavis Amethyst Creed, daughter of Bernard Smith Creed and May Burnett was born at Yarrabah on 21. 5.1921

Bernard Euston Creed, daughter of Bernard Smith Creed and May Burnett was born at Yarrabah on 13. 2.1924

William John Needham Creed, son of Timothy Creed and Eulie was born at Yarrabah on 10. 7.1925

Valentine Mingo aged 18 years from Kynuna was exempt in 1908

Jacob Chermside, aged 32 years, parents Long Charlie and Maggie Churnside (Chermside) married Mary Jaro at Barambah in 1924

Jacob Chermside and wife Mary and children Sheila, Rachel, Maisey and Charlie were removed from Hawkwood to Cherbourg in 1933

Jacob Chermside, aged 32 years, parents Long Charlie and Maggie Churnside (Chermside) married Mary Jaro at Barambah in 1924

Jacob Chermside and wife Mary and children Sheila, Rachel, Maisey and Charlie were removed from Hawkwood to Cherbourg in 1933

Jack Chermside died 28. 1.1943 aged 87 years at Woorabinda

Lois Tighe was the mother of Mary Solomon who was born at Winton around 1879

Nancy Chambers aged 85 years was buried on 19. 7.1968 at Cherbourg

Livingstone Charles Chambers, son of Charles and Nancy Chambers  was baptised at Yarrabah   on 9. 2.1908

Zoe Button died 10. 4.1948 at Fantome Island aged 66 years, parents Billy and Mary Ann Watson

Zoe Button is mentioned in the The Caroline Tennant-Kelly Ethnographic Collection. Described as an Zoe Button an old woman, intelligent, sternly practises her rule today.

Zoe Button, aged 55 years, married with six children, Domestic, Residence Cherbourg Settlement, parents Billy Watson and Mary Ann transferred to Fantome Island Lazaret 8. 1.1940 from Peel Island

Lucy Creed buried 23. 7.1900 at Winton aged 35 years, born Hughenden

Wangkamahdla Nation (QUD52/2016) Native Title Meetings


Wangkamahdla Nation (QUD52/2016) Native Title Meetings

The claim area is roughly west of Bedourie and Boulia and extends to the Northern Territory border.

The native title claim group for the Application is currently described as the descendants of the following ancestors:

1.  Norman Rainmaker and his children, including Joe Rose and Kweteyenke
2.  Belia Toby
3.  Charlie Deemera
4.  Puppa and her daughter Annie Topsy Hansen nee Daley
5.  Larrikin, also known as Dolly
6.  Dolly of Glenormiston and her children, including Lion and Tiger
7.  Molly and her children, including Judy Sailor and Arthur Daley Jnr
8.  Polly Docherty
9.  Dolly, sister to Polly Docherty
10. Maudie, mother of George Quartpot and Paddy Beecham
11. Mother of Turukalanima
12. Topsy, sister to mother of Turukalanima and Bunny
13. Bunny
14. Lizzie Wiriwaltu Green
15. Kitty Bedourie

The purpose of Authorisation Meeting #1 is to consider, following provision of anthropological and legal advice, authorising to amend the native title claim group description as follows:

The Native Title Claim Group are the descendants (including such people descended by social parenthood or rearing up who are recognised and accepted in accordance with traditional law and custom) of the following ancestors (newly described native title claim group):

1.  Rainmaker, the father of Joe Rose and Kwetyaneke
2.  Belia Toby, the father of Billy Butler, Johnny Belia and Ivy (Mutchee) Belia
3.  Charlie Deemera, the father of Paddy Deemera
4.  Puppa, the mother of Annie Topsy Hansen (nee Daley)
5.  Toby Roxborough
6.  Billy (Yummpibilly) Brady, the father of Bessie Brady
7.  King Peter, the father of Biddy Dinger, Les and Billy Jenkins, Ethel and Donnelly Britcher
8.  George Quartpot, the father of Tony, Patricia, Kerry, Gladys, Maria and Patrick Quartpot
9.  Jackie Beauchamp, the father of Paddy Beauchamp and social father of George Quartpot, and Jackie Beauchamp’s brother Aldie
10. Dolly of Glenormiston, the mother of Ruby Lyon, Dinger, Peter Western, Lion and Tiger
11. Molly, the mother of Judy Sailor and Arthur (Poddy) Daley Jnr
12. Polly Docherty, the mother of Jack (Snapshot) Hansen and Bergin Smith
13. Dolly, the sister to Polly Docherty and the mother of Charlie Trotman and Jack O’Donnell
14. Topsy (also known as Bonny), the mother of James Roxborough Craigie and George Craigie
15. Bunny, the mother of Joe, Dora, Peter and Jack Craigie, Dinah Aplin and Donald Bedourie
16. Jinny Toby, the mother of George and Fred Age, Ida Toby and Lily Clayton
17. Tommy Ferguson, the father of Betty Major
18. Kitty Bedourie, the mother of Bessie and Jessie Bedourie, Donald Dee and Emily Denny
19. Mother of Turukalanima, Turukalanima was the mother of Norah Jacks and Ivy Nardoo
20. Lizzie (Wiriwaltu) Green, the mother of Jubilee Page
21. Jimmy Mantandi, the father of Clara (Indjiniga) Naylon
22. Alice (Wiyekari), the mother of Mary and Daisy Craigie

Appeared on the Koori Mail of October 23, 2019

Some notes of interest

Joe II (Rose), tribal name Diljarra, born c1884 Glenormiston Stn, Boulia, parents Sandy and Peewee.

North Simpson Desert Land Claim Report No. 45
"The claimants are all descendants of one man (Rainmaker) who had three sons and a daughter (Kwetyaneke). Two of the three sons (Joe Rose and Bilya) had children. Joe Rose is the father of claimants Dubbo Rose, Juntu, Ned Rose, Topsy, and Jenny (Arigeeni)."
"Lindsay Bookie explained that this country was owned by Akwakelye (King Peter), and that when he died George Quartpot (his stepson) took over. Quartpot is getting old and has no one within his immediate family who has substantial knowledge of the country and who can take over for him, but as long as George Quartpot is alive, he is the boss for the country, and after his death Dubbo Rose, Juntu, and Patcherly and Lindsay Bookie will take it over for the next generation."

Belia Toby, born c 1879 Glenormiston near Boulia, father Toby, mother Mary Ann
Belia and Ida Toby were granted Exemptions in 1959

Death report from Northern Territory - "21. 3.1959 From Tobermorey Station, Mt Isa to Alice Springs - Aboriginal Puppa died at Tobermorey this morning. Appeared to be very old."

Dolly (Lion), born c1923 Chatsworth Stn, Boulia, parents Bobby and Lardie

Biddy Dinger was removed from Boulia to Woorabinda in 1936

1928 Boulia. List of destitute Aborigines at Glenormiston
Dolly, Polly 1, Polly 2, Topsy, Rosie, Lizzie, Galloping Mary, Maggie, Mary Ann, Larrikin (children Billy 9 yrs, Leslie,5 yrs, Biddy 4 yrs), Maudie (children George 9 yrs, Paddy 3 yrs), Handbag Jacky, King Peter, Left Hand Frank, Poppa, Preety Peter
1940 Glenormiston Camp nearly deserted and most people gone to Northern Territory. Two natives still wanted for removal.

Billy Brady, born c1874 Glenormiston, Tokio Ranges or Boulia, father Junka, mother Nellie



Sunday 20 October 2019

Yandruwandha and Yawarrawarrka Authorisation Meeting

The claim area starts at Cameron Corner and extends roughly along the Qld / SA border nearly to Haddon Corner and inland into Queensland slightly.

Under the traditional laws and customs of the Yandruwandha and Yawarrawarrka People, the Native Title Holders are those living Aboriginal people who identify as, and are recognised by other Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Native Title Holders as Yandruwandha or Yawarrawarrka (or both), because:

(a) he or she is biologically descended from one or more of the following Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka apical ancestors:

(i)    Annie (born at Gordillo Downs), mother of Archie Guttie;
(ii)   Clara Nirrpinni, mother of Frank Booth and Alice Miller (nee Booth);
(iii)  Cora the mother of Bob Parker and Nellie Parker;
(iv)   The parents of Flash Ted Bikehandle and Flash Tommy;
(v)    Kimi (born at lnnamincka) and his wife;
(vi)   Maramundu Jack "The Ripper" Parker;
(vii)  Caroline (born at Gordillo Downs) the mother of Mary Stafford (nee Moore), Jack Moore, Charlie Moore, female twins (Winifried and Freida) and Albert Moore;
(viii) Brothers Walter Harris (on) and Dick Harrison;
(ix)   The parents of Lilly (whose married name is Parker) and her sister Kathlene (whose married name is George);
(x)    Annie and her husband, who are the parents of Coongie Maggie (born at Coongie Lakes in South (Australia);
(xi)   The parents of the sibling set- Billy Parker, Jessy Parker, Peter "Petekin" Parker, and Paddy Parker;
(xii)  The parents of sibling set- Merty George and Merty Johnny and Merty Mick;
(xiii) Larriken Mick; or

(b) he or she is biologically descended from such other ancestor who is acknowledged by the Native Title Holders as a Yandruwandha or Yawarrawarrka apical ancestor.

Appeared in the Courier Mail dated October 19, 2019

Some Notes of interest

AIATSIS Index to the History of Bourke Series
Jack Guttie was the last fluent speaker of the Yandruwandha language and recorded it at Bourke TAFE for posterity around the end of 1993. He was born at Innamincka and worked as a stockman.

Report on the First Medical Relief Expedition among the Aborigines of South Australia by Dr H Basedow 10 February 1920Clara Nirrpinni (tribe not recorded) and Maggie Nirrpinni (Yantowannta tribe) are recorded.

Extract from Wallace on behalf of the Boonthamurra People v State of Queensland [2014] FCA 901 Herbert Basedow was an anthropologist and geologist who conducted a number of expeditions in South Australia and elsewhere between 1903 and 1928. He prepared a list of some 250 Aboriginals in the north-east South Australian region on one of those expeditions. That list was put into evidence. It includes Clara Nirrpinni, who the experts agreed is Clara, and Maggie Nirrpinni of the Yantowannta (Yandruwandha) tribe. Dr Sneddon drew the inference that Maggie was Clara’s mother. By extension, that supports his view that Clara was from the Yandruwandha tribe through her mother’s association with that tribe. The name Nirrpinni is the Aboriginal name.

Innamincka talk: a grammar of the Innamincka dialect of Yandruwandha with notes on other dialects
Gavin Breen 2015

Benny Kerwin, Man.gili was born about 1890 at Innamincka, South Australia, the only
son of Jack Kirwan a white man who worked as cook and cowboy on various stations in
the area, and an Aboriginal mother (who, however, was said to have had an Indian mother).
While working at Nappa Merrie, Benny met his first wife, Nelly Parker, usually known
(later, if not then) as Tim. Like Benny, she had a white father and Aboriginal mother, and
she was employed as a housemaid. They were married about 1915. They had six children,
of whom the first two died in childhood. The marriage broke up about 1932.
Benny’s second wife was Mary Stafford (nee Moore), bom at Cordillo of a white father
and Aboriginal mother. They had seven children; Mary died at Broken Hill giving birth to
the seventh, who also died. Most of this family were born at Tibooburra, New South Wales.
Benny lost an eye in an accident in 1953.

Nelly Parker (Manngidrikani in Yandruwandha, Tim to many people) was born at
Nappa Merrie and brought up at Innamincka. She had a white father, who may have been
John Conrick, the owner of Nappa Merrie (Paterson n.d.), and an Aboriginal mother. After
leaving Benny she married Archie Guttie, but she and Benny were together again before
she died in 1969.

Willy Harris, Alfie Harris and Hector Harrison were the sons of Walter Harrison, a
Yandruwandha speaker, and grew up at Innamincka, but the language they spoke was
Yawarrawarrka.

Wednesday 25 September 2019

Butchulla People Native Title Authorisation Meeting

The Butchulla People are described as the biological descendants of the following people:

Father/Mother of Gracie and Maudie Daramboi
Mother of Jessie Aldridge’s mother and Lappy
Mother of Charles Richards
Garry Owens
Annie Morris/Anna Gala nee Morris
Granny Polcus/Jenny Brown
Willy Brown/Mamboo/Namboo
George Gundy
Willy Wondunna
Jack Morris
Mary Ann (mother of Susan Rooney)
Roger Bennett
Percy Coulson
Mother of John and Rosie Broome
Mother of Clara, Henry, Percy and Lucy Wheeler.

Appeared in the Koori Mail dated September 25, 2019

Some notes of interest

Freddy Beckett , 22, yrs, born Kilkivan, parents George Beckett and Minnie Morse and Ada Pickles, 22 yrs, born Maryborough , parents Namboo and Polcus, were married at Barambah in 1912

Queensland Naturalist 19(1-3) 1968                                          
Colliver F.S. & Hawken, M. Notes on the Fraser Island Aborigines.       
Fraser Is people removed to Yarrabah 1904. Some descendants live     
at Urangan 1968. Well-known identity Billy Wundunna died of extreme old        
age 1947, was sent to Victoria to help track the Kelly gang.

A Jack Morris had a daughter Nora Morris who was married at Pialba in 1923

Roger Bennett, born about 1887 at Maryborough and parents Tharculbry and Rosie
A Roger Bennett lived at Pialba in 1938

1900, Jun 18 Fraser Island -  Canon Eva, Mr Aldridge and Mr Noakes appointed a sub-committee to advise on the desirability of changing the site of the Mission (Aldridge probably husband of Lappy from Fraser Island)  
 
Mura Catalogue - Fraser Is. Aboriginal, married Harry Aldridge, son of one of the first non-Aboriginal resident of Maryborough; lived Maryborough c 1987
 
Willie Owens H/C, born c1917 Urangan, parents Gary and Jinny Owens

Lottie Gala, born c1902, parents Jack Gala and Annie Morris married Joseph Solomon in 1923 at Barambah.

Louisa Coulson, born c1914 Cairns, parents Percy Coulson and Nellie Roberts

Amethyst Aidy Coulson, born 18. 6.1911 Yarrabah, baptised 9. 7.1911, parents Percy Coulson H/C from Fraser Island and Midge Coulson H/C from Fraser Island













 

Thursday 12 September 2019

Gaangalu Nation People Authorisation Meeting

Gaangalu Nation People Authorisation Meeting

The Gaangalu Nation People native title claim group comprises all persons who are biologically descended from the following deceased ancestors, all of whom are recognised by the living Gaangalu claim group members as having been Gaangalu:

Maggie of Dingo,
Biddy of Wooroona,
Sandy of Wooroona,
Henry Williams of Duaringa,
Jack (of Coomooboolaroo),
Billy Mickelo,
Claude and Anne Anderson,
Rose Ann Tyson,
Biddy (wife of Jumbo),
Lizzy Tiger (Blackwater),
Blanche of Duaringa,
Annie French,
Polly Doctor,
Annie of Orion Downs,
Annie and Ned Duggan,
Peter Tyson,
Lily of the McKenzie River Bend,
John "Jack" Bradley,
Violet Thompson,
Jenny Doctor (not the daughter of Polly Doctor),
Polly McEvoy/Brown,
Queenie (Hart) of Duaringa,
(Brothers) Charlie, Willie and George Riley,
Lily/Lilla Livingstone,
William Toby,
Nellie of Planet Downs,
Myra Freeman, and
Sarah Dodd.

The Purpose of Authorisation Meeting #1 is to:

1 decide whether the description of the GNP Claim Group should be
amended to remove any or all of the following persons as apical
ancestors:
• Annie and Ned Duggan
• John “Jack” Bradley
• Polly McEvoy/Brown

2 decide whether the description of the GNP Claim Group should be
amended to include Mary Ann Crook as an apical ancestor.

Appeared in the Koori Mail of Septembetr 11, 2019

Some notes of interest

Home Office,  In Letters 1909, 9/5597
HOM /J47 Queensland State Archives
9.11.1908 Lists unemployed aboriginals and half-castes at Blackwater, Emerald Police District.

Jackey, 45 yrs
Polly, His gin, 38 yrs
Robert, His son, 4 yrs
All are full blooded aboriginals

Blanche, H/C, 24 yrs
Aggie, Her child, H/C, 4 yrs
Baby, Her child, H/C, 1 yr

Lena, Aboriginal, 35 yrs
Boy, Her child, H/C, 8 yrs
Eileen, Her child, H/C, 5 yrs
Mona, Her child, H/C, 2 yrs

Annie, Aboriginal, 41 yrs
Aggie, Her Child, H/C, 17 yrs
Lena, Her child, H/C, 14 yrs

Polly, Aboriginal, 45 yrs
Trixie, Her child, aboriginal, 22 yrs
Freda, Her child, H/C, 9 yrs
Alice, Her child, aboriginal, 20 yrs
Arthur, Her child, aboriginal, 11 yrs

Molly, Aboriginal, 20 yrs

Monica, Aboriginal, 19 yrs
Mickey, Her child, H/C, 2 yrs

Hand-written note - Monica's marriage to a white man named Oram has been approved.
See also Q.P.P. 1908 (3/33) - Walter Oram.

Sandy, Aboriginal, 50 yrs
Aggie, H/C, 18 yrs
Toby, Aboriginal, 65 yrs
Mick, Aboriginal, 44 yrs

4.12.1908 Letter about removal of the following Aboriginals from Blackwater to Barambah.
Jackey, Polly and Robert
Blanche and Aggie
Lena and her three children
Annie and Aggie
Polly and her four children

Paddy Mickelo, born c1904 Pearl Creek Stn, Duaringa, father Mick Mickelo
Walloo (female) died 7. 8.1936 at Rockhampton Hospital, aged 41 years. Parents are deceased, Brother is Paddy Mickelo

Leo Freeman, parents Mick and Myra Freeman, born c1894, died Woorabinda 4. 5.1960

Thursday 5 September 2019

Wadja People Native Title Authorisation Meeting


Wadja People Native Title Authorisation Meeting - Authorisation Meeting #1:

This notice invites all members of the Wajda native title claim group, who are all the Wadja persons descended from the following ancestors to attend Authorisation Meeting #1:

Myra Freeman,
Harriet Dutton,
Sarah Dodd, and
Lilla Livingston.

The purpose of the Authorisation Meeting #1 is to

1. To consider and make decisions on the anthropological material and legal advice to:
a. To remove Lilla Livingston, as an apical ancestor for the Native Title Claim;
b. To include ‘the unnamed Wadjainggo woman on Tindale’s Woorabinda Sheet 9 whose granddaughter was Eva Tyson’, as an apical ancestor for the Native Title Claim; and
c. To change the apical ancestor description for ‘Harriet Dutton’ to ‘Biddy Dutton, mother of Harriet Dutton’ on the Native Title Claim.

Those people who are descended from ‘the unnamed Wadjainggo woman on Tindale’s Woorabinda Sheet 9 whose granddaughter was Eva Tyson’, who are not already included in the Wadja claim group description may attend Authorisation Meeting #1 and will be given an opportunity to be heard but cannot participate in the voting.

Appeared in the Koori Mail dated August 28, 2019

Some Notes

Leo Freeman, son of Mick and Myra Freeman, died at Woorabinda on 4. 5.1960, born 1894 (Qld Reg 1960/C/2480).   

Myra Freeman appears on Tindale Sheet Woorabinda 41.     

In 1904 an Exemption Certificate was issued to Sarah Dodd, half-caste, late of Redcliffe Station, via Banana
Sarah Dodd, half-caste, and her children, on the Minister's orders, were returned to Redcliffe Station. Her children, Daisy Dodd and Tommy Dodd, under the Home Secretary's orders, were released from restraint as Reformatory children.

John, Johnny or Johnnie Tyson (born sometime between 1848 and 1868), his mother Mary and his wife, also named Mary (probably going under surname Tyson). John's children and step children: Eva Tyson, Alfred Tyson and Harry Tyson.

Eva Simpson, parents Johnny and Mary Tyson died at Rockhampton on 18. 6.1960 aged 64 years (Qld Reg 1960/C/2449)          

Tuesday 3 September 2019

Foster on behalf of the Gunggari People #4 v State of Queensland

Foster on behalf of the Gunggari People #4 v State of Queensland [2019] FCA 1402 here

The Native Title Holders are the Gunggari People. The Gunggari People are the biological descendants of one or more of the following people:
(a)    Jinnegah aka Mary and Albert Murray;
(b)    Lizzie Woodford/Gyemore/South;
(c)    Harry Collins and Dinah Smith;
(d)    Old Frog;
(e)    Effie Armstrong, the granddaughter of Coombra Jack;
(f)    Kitty of St George aka Mary Bolon, the mother of George Hazzard Jnr aka Henry James Hazzard;
(g)    Maggie of the Moonie, the mother of Sarah Brennan and Isabella Kerr;
(h)    King Billy Dick;
(i)    Maria of Tongy Station;
(j)    Harry Rookwood;
(k)    Lucy of the Balonne River;
(l)    Charlotte Moffatt;
(m)    Parents of Mary of the Maranoa and Lizzie;
(n)    Nellie Walker;
(o)    Clifton George;
(p)    Mary of Bollon; or
(q)    Kate Meathers/Meadows.

Some Notes

Sarah Brennan married Henry James (known as George) Hazzard on 11/01/1922 (Qld Reg 1922/C/210). George's father or brother is Albert Hazzard. George is 44 years and Sarah is 36 years and born at St George.

Albert Hazzard died 19/07/1923 (Qld Reg 1923/C/2605) parents George Hazzard and Kitty Phlick.
His wife is Isabella Hazzard (parents are Tom Kerr and Maggie) and they were married in Roma on 25. 4.1898 (Qld Reg 1898/C/1435). They had 6 children, one son is George Alfred Hazzard.

Norman Tindale Sheet Woorabinda 18 lists the following people
BRENNAN, Mick 
BRENNAN, Sarah 
HAZARD, Brenda 
HAZARD, George 
HAZARD, Sarah 
McCARTHY, Mary 
MUNNS, Amie
MUNNS, Cinderella
SAUNDERS, Jack
SAUNDERS, Sandy 
SAUNDERS, Annie 
SAUNDERS, Brenda 
SAUNDERS, Charlotte
SAUNDERS, Cinderella
SAUNDERS, Dinah
SAUNDERS, Lexie 
SAUNDERS, Ned 
TAYLOR, Dinah
TAYLOR, Sam 
THOMPSON, Cinderella
THOMPSON, Maria 

Woorabinda Sheet 38 dated 19.11.1938
Blucher (wild man before Mitchell town was formed) F/B Koamii tribe
and Mary of Bollon (wild woman before whites came to Mitchell) F/B
of the Koamii tribe had a child Minnie South.

Coombra Jack born c1879 Coombra Stn or Goodgoga N.S.W., parents Coombra Jack and Mary, wife Fanny Roberts, children Stella, Leslie, Reggie, Effie, Oscar, Sadie, Mary

Natives removed from Mitchell to Barambah in 1930 as follows - Jack Coombra and wife Mary and children Leslie (22), Reggie (20), Austin (18), Effie (16), Sadie (12), Mary (10)

Stella Daisy born c1900 at Bollon, parents Jack Coombra and Fanny, husband George Daisy
Fanny Coombra died 15. 4.1939 at  Woorabinda aged 50 years
Coombra Jack died 20. 7.1944 at Woorabinda, widower

The Evangel notes
Death Notice, Coombra, Fanny - 1939, Australian Evangel 9(7) 1939 : 7
Death Notice, Coombra, Jack - 20.7.1944, Australian Evangel 14(9) 1944 : 7
Death Notice, Coombra, Oscar - 5.8.1939, Australian Evangel 9(10) 1939 : 8
Died at Baralaba Hospital, Coombra, Reg - 3.6.1939, Australian Evangel 9(8) 1939 : 8

Walter South married Lizzie Gyemore, widow,on 15. 3.1950 at Cherbourg. Lizzie Gyemore was born c1899 at Alpha, mother Annie Flourbag (deceased).
   
Removal from Mitchell to Cherbourg in 1936
Lizzie Gyemore
Dorothy Gyemore, daughter
Eric Gyemore, son
Herbert Gyemore, son
Percy Gyemore, son
Ronald Gyemore, son
All removed for own care and protection.

Exemptions 1950
Walter South yrs, Lizzie South 51 yrs, Percy Gyemore, 21 yrs, Bertie Gyemore 22 yrs, Ronnie Gyemore 17 yrs

Lizzie Woodford married Arthur Athorne on 6. 6.1921 (Qld Reg 1921/C/1048)

Alfred McCarthy was born in 1900 at Mitchell, parents Alfred McCarthy and Katie Meadows

1939 Application for Exemption for Harry Collins, aged 35 yrs, born Tilbooroo Stn Eulo, father F. Collins, mother Dundoo Rosie

Harry Collins and Ethel Maud Murphy were married on 22.10.1939 (Qld Reg 1939/C/4234).

William Rookwood born c1890 Roma, parents Harry and Julia Rookwood, married Pearlie Darby on 7. 5.1933 (Qld Reg 1933/C/1728)

Roly Armstrong aged 61 yrs of Blackwater granted an exemption in  1960
Effie Armstrong 46 yrs, Roderick James Armstrong 18 yrs, Donella Fay Armstrong 4 yrs and Mary Armstrong 17 yrs, all of Bluff granted an exemption in 1960

Saturday 10 August 2019

Wangan and Jagalingou Native Title Claim Group Meeting

Area roughly enclosed by Capella, Moranbah, Mount Coolon, Aramac, Barcaldine, Blackall, Tambo, including Alpha and Clermont, Queensland.

Apical ancestors are described as :-

Billy and Lucy (parents of Jimmy Tarpot, Mary Ann Albro, Mary Ellen)
Daisy Collins
Nellie Digaby
Dan Dunrobin (aka Dunrobin, Christopher Dunrobin and Dan Robin)
Frank Fisher Snr (of Clermont)
Annie Flourbag
Jimmy Flourbag
Katy of Clermont
Charlie McAvoy of Logan Downs
Liz McEvoy of Alpha
Maggie of Clermont (aka Maggie Miller and Nandroo)
The mother of Jack (Girrabah) Malone snr and Jim (Conee) Malone
Mary of Clermont (aka Mary Johnson)
Momitja

One purpose of the meeting is to consider authorising the following proposed amendments to the Application:

1. amend the claim group description to reflect that membership is defined by descent (sic) from one or more authorised apical ancestors.

2. amend the claim group description to no longer include the following apical ancestors:

Katy of Clermont
Maggie of Clermont (also known as Maggie Miller and Nandroo)
Nellie Digaby
Annie Flourbag
Momitja
Daisy Collins

If the proposed amendments listed at 1 and 2 are authorised, the newly described claim group for the Application will be the descendants of one or more of the following people:

1. Billy and Lucy (parents of Jimmy Tarpot, Mary Ann Alboro and Mary Ellen)
2. Dan Dunrobin (also known as Dunrobin, Christopher Dunrobin and Dan Robin)
3. Frank Fisher (Snr) of Clermont
4. Jimmy Flourbag
5. Charlie McAvoy of Logan Downs
6. Liz McEvoy of Alpha
7. The Mother of Jack (Girrabah) Malone and Jim (Conee) Malone
8. Mary of Clermont (also known as Mary Johnson)

Appeared in the Courier Mail August 10, 2019

Some notes for interest from the 1915 blog entry plus a few more

Camped at Police Creek near Mt Coolon in 1934 were Donald Wallace, Mary Ann Campbell, Jean, Tommy Albro, Mary Ann Albro, Bob Tarpot, Oliver, Janet Twist

Mary Ann Albro died on 20. 8.1939 at Fantome Island aged 60 years

The Blood Groups of Full-blood Australian Aborigines by G. Phillips
Medical Journal of Australia, September 8, 1928, pp 296 - 300
This study was carried out on Aborigines living at Barambah in 1927 or 1928
One of those studied was Annie Flourbag, aged 50 years and born at Alpha

Durundur Correspondence, 30. 6.1903 All Aboriginals on the Settlement
Jim Flourbag, Native Name Bumbomingie , male aged 47 years, Native of Clermont, Class Unburri
Jack Malone  Native Name Girribah , male aged 31 years, Native of Jericho, Class Woongoo       
Jim Malone , Native Name Conee , male aged 47 years, Native of Jericho, Class Woongoo       

Durundur Correspondence, 15. 7.1904 Single men capable of earning their own living
Jim Flourbag, aged 38y Native of Clermont

Cherbourg Census 1928
Annie Flourbag, 50 years old, married
Jimmy Flourbag, 65 years old, married

Annie Flourbag died on 22. 7.1937 at Cherbourg
Jimmy Flourbag died on 22.10.1938 at Cherbourg                 

Charley McAvoy, aged 50 years, his wife Polly McAvoy, aged 45 years and daughter Maudie McAvoy H/C, aged 9 years, all from Clermont, arrived at Barambah in 1917

Pollie Gray was removed from Clermont to Barambah in 1914

Dan Dunrobin died 23.10.1938 at Cherbourg aged 50 years

Lizzie Dunrobin and children Dan and Bob were removed from Clermont to Barambah in 1924

Daisy Collins, born about 1897 at Clermont, parents Frank Collins and Judy, married Arthur Murdock (Returned Serviceman), in 1919 at Barambah

Friday 12 July 2019

Jagera Yagara Gurrangnam Native Title Claim


The purpose of the authorisation meeting is to authorise a native title determination application over land and waters in south-east Queensland including areas near Esk, the Lockyer Valley, Gatton and Ipswich. The area is roughly bounded by Toowoomba, Esk and Ipswich.

The apical ancestors listed are

Roger Bell
Stanley Bell
William Hatton
Mary Hatton
Johnny Tarampa
Maggie, wife of Johnny Tarampa

Appeared in the Courier Mail dated July 13, 2019

Wednesday 26 June 2019

Mapping Family - South Australian Museum

The South Australian Museum has a new publication called Mapping Family - A guide for Aboriginal family history researchers to names, genealogies and data cards recorded during the Harvard and Adelaide Universities 1938–1939 expeditions in South Australia.
The Acknowledgements state

Mapping Family is the result of a twelve-month project prepared by the Aboriginal Family History Unit, South Australian Museum funded by a Stolen Generations Community Reparations Scheme grant awarded in 2017 by the Government of South Australia, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation. The project team is grateful for assistance from The Hon. Dr Diana Laidlaw AM, Eve Chaloupka, Ann Guy, Ali Abdullah-Highfold, Norman Barnett Tindale and family, the Aboriginal families and for the support of Genealogy SA.

Mapping Family is available here.

Monday 24 June 2019

SLQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family History

The State Library of Queensland has a genealogy aid titled "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family History" available here.

This contains some items worth mentioning.

1. Cherbourg Tindale Sheet 30 - This page appears complete and the information on it is mostly legible. Mainly Embrey and Cobbo families.

2. A Card for Jack Craigie with some family details. Again mostly legible.

3. Details of the family of Lena French and Bruce Walker from Cherbourg Tindale Sheet 13.

Further information on Cherbourg Tindale Sheet 13.

Correspondence from Maryborough District, Goomeri Station dated 16. 9.1941
Exempt Aboriginals residing in the Goomeri Police division, who are eligible for endowment include :-


Bruce Walker and his wife Lena Walker with three children under 16 years of age residing at Kinbombi. Walker holds Certificate of Exemption No.76 dated 23/11/39.
On even date I assisted Mrs Walker to complete and application for Child Endowment and she will be forwarding same to the Deputy Commissioner for Child Endowment, Brisbane in the course of a few days. Walker has been employed at timber work in this division at Daddamarine Creek via Goomeri during the past six months. Until a month ago he was employed by George Dowse of Daddamarine Creek, and since then he has been unemployed, but he now intends prospecting for gold near Kinbombi. I am of the opinion this family can be safely depended upon to utilise the endowment for the benefit of the children.

Marriage of Bruce Walker and Lena French

Married at Barambah on 7.10.1922 (Registered 1922/C/3299)

List of aborigines photographed by Dr. Tindale, during his visit to Cherbourg. Ages are at December 1938. Photographs are available from the South Australian Museum. See also Cherbourg Family History Society.
  
Walker, Bruce, 48 years
Walker, Lena (Mrs), 42 years
Walker, Edna, 7 years
Walker, Enid, 9 years
Walker, Gabriel, 11 years
Walker, Joyce, 13 years
Walker, Delphine, 14 years

Cherbourg 1928 Census

Name,  Caste,  Age,  Status

Walker, Bruce , 1/2W,  27 years,  Married
Walker, Lena, 1/2W, 33 years,  Married
Walker, Gabriel, 1/2W,  11/12 years
Walker, Delphine, 1/2W,  4 years
Walker, Joyce, 1/2W,  3 years

1/2W Half-caste (Aboriginal / White)


Friday 14 June 2019

The Durack Dynasty and All-About

Reading the article in the Weekend Australian June 15-16, 2019 on the Durack dynasty reminded me of the dedication in the book  All-about (The Black Community at Argyle) by Mary and Elizabeth Durack published in 1935. It appears below -

"You will never read this, for to learning you have no pretensions. You cannot sue us for libel, though we have exposed your characters, your secrets and your private lives. Forgive us! Our protection lies in your unworldliness.

Most of the sketches you have seen, have laughed heartily at each, if a little disappointed that you did not appear more beautiful. "Young Missus" might at least have drawn you at your best, not gone so slyly to the kitchen, the laundry and all uninvited to the camp, with her notebook and her uncharitable pencil.

But this to you, "All-about", there is much you can teach us that is not in the white man's knowledge. Yours is the gift of laughter and human kindliness and true philosophy. Were you ever savages?"

Thursday 6 June 2019

Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala Native Title People Authorisation Meeting

The claim area is roughly bounded by Ogmore, Marlborough, Princhester and to the west in a triangular shape.

The Authorisation Meeting is open to all Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala People, that is, to all of the persons in the current native title claim group, being the biological descendants of the following apical ancestors:
 
1. Lizzy/Kitty/Unnamed Barada Woman (mother of Saltbush George Budby, Rosie Barber, Eddie Budby and Albert Brown)
2. Ada/Ina Cotherstone, Daisy Wilson and Alick Smith Snr (and his wife Topsy Barron/Barren)
3. Polly (wife of Robert Noble) and Laura (wife of Duke/George Barker, Neddy/Teddy Sauney and Adam Bowen)
4. Lizzie (wife of Paddy Flynn)
5. Polly (late in life wife of Thomas Mitchell)
6. Arthur Miles
7. Kitty (aka Kitty Eaglehawk)
8. Yatton Boney
9. Maggie (mother of Jack Mack and Gypsy Tyson)
 
Appeared in the Koori Mail of June 5, 2019
 

Thursday 30 May 2019

The Moyjil site, south-west Victoria, Australia - 120,000 Years ?

The scientific papers are available here
in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 130(2).

These papers are on Open Access and can be downloaded.

The abstract of the introduction by John E Sherwood follows

"Moyjil (also known as Point Ritchie) is the site of an unusual shell deposit in south-west Victoria showing many characteristics of a midden. Earlier research established an age of 60 ka or older for the shell deposit but could not establish whether humans or animals such as seabirds were responsible for its formation. This paper, the first of six in this special issue, summarises the most recent phase (~10 years) of investigations. The site’s age is now fixed as Last Interglacial and following the stage MIS 5e sea-level maximum (i.e. younger than 120–125 ka). Fragmentation and the limited size distribution of the dominant marine shellfish (Lunella undulata syn. Turbo undulatus) confirm the site as a midden. There is also evidence for fire (charcoal and discoloured and fractured stones) and two hearth-like features, one of which has been archaeologically excavated. None of the evidence collected is able to conclusively demonstrate a human versus animal origin for the site. Significantly, a human origin remains to be disproved. These papers provide the basis for a new phase of research into the possible cultural status of the Moyjil site."

I heard Bruce Pascoe of Dark Emu fame referring to this date as fact on the ABC program "The Drum" yesterday.

It is also worth bearing in mind the time an estimate like this was made in 1996 in the paper
 Fullagar, R., Price, D. & Head, L. 1996. Early human occupation of northern Australia: stratigraphy and dating of the Jinmium rockshelter, Northern Territory. Antiquity 70: 751-73.
 which made headlines throughout the country. It is available here.

A further paper appeared in 1998

Optical and radiocarbon dating at Jinmium rock shelter in northern Australia
Roberts et al, Nature 393, 358–362(1998)


The Abstract follows -

The Jinmium rock shelter is located in the Kimberley region of northern Australia. Claims for ancient rock art and an early human presence at this site1 were based on thermoluminescence ages of 50–75 thousand years (kyr) for quartz sands associated with buried circular engravings (pecked cupules) and on thermoluminescence ages of 116–176 kyr for the underlying artefact-bearing deposits. Here we report substantially younger optical ages for quartz sand, and ages based on measurements of radioactive carbon in charcoal fragments, from the occupation deposit. Using conventional (multiple-grain) optical dating methods, we estimate that the base of the deposit is 22 kyr. However, dating of individual grains shows that some have been buried more recently. The single-grain optical ages indicate that the Jinmium deposit is younger than 10 kyr. This result is in agreement with the late-Holocene ages obtained for the upper two-thirds of the deposit from radiocarbon measurements. We suggest that some grains have older optical ages because they received insufficient exposure to sunlight before burial. The presence of such grains in a sample will cause age overestimates using multiple-grain methods, whether using thermoluminescence or optical dating.

Sunday 26 May 2019

Some Odds and Ends

In sorting out the contents of some boxes in a cupboard I came across the following items I obtained years ago.

(1) Junga Yimi Issue No. 2 1995
Produced by the Bilingual Resources Development Unit at the Yuendumu Education Centre.
Amongst other things it contains photos of school classes and names of pupils for the following

Pre-school, Transition, Year, Year 2, Year 3/4, Year 4/5, Year 5/6, Post Primary Boys, Year 7 Girls, Year 8 Girls, Year 9 Girls

(2) Four pamphlets produced by the Aboriginal History Foundation of Victoria

Lake Condah Mission (1984) - Lists births, deaths and marriages after the Mission had closed
Framlingham Mission (1989) - Lists some families and people of Framlingham
Cummeragunga (1984) - Cummeragunga 1920 Aunty Cissie remembers these people
Lake Tyers (1987) - Family surnames that resided at Lake Tyers from 1878 - 1924

(3) Central Australian Religion by T G H Strehlow

Contains a partial genealogical chart from the Ellery Creek area of the Northern Territory.
The base date is for Sarah born 2. 4.1892.

Monday 11 March 2019

The Gangalidda People Pendine Claim [2019] FCA 302

The Gangalidda People Pendine Claim [2019] FCA 302 is available here .

The claim is in the Doomadgee area.

The Native Title Holders are the Gangalidda People. The Gangalidda People are all of the descendants of one or more of the following people:

Greg Thompson
Sophie Thompson
Ernest Thompson
Walter Thompson
Jimmy
Dawudawu Jimmy (King)
Grant
George Nark Mirrabaliyajari
Bob Scoles Gunyarbadijarri
Lirrgagujarri
Bob Weber Milgalajarri
Maggie (or Minnie)
Kitty
Kitty Wulnanda
Kitty Lirrgagujarri
Dolly
Old Nim
Stumpy Paddy
Mickey Charles
Barny Guldangara
Limilimilda
Johnny Balawayinda
Daisy Lirrgawanjinda
Sandy
Gunalumbu
Ngarilgudu
Malurgudu
Myrna Malalairunanda
Didmanja
Sandy
Garruwala and
Charly (Gundirrirri/Ngarrguyumbu/Gulawi),

who identify, and are identified by other Gangalidda People, as belonging to the Gangalidda People according to Gangalidda traditional laws and customs.

Tuesday 26 February 2019

When did Homo sapiens first reach Southeast Asia and Sahul?

An interesting article When did Homo sapiens first reach Southeast Asia and Sahul? by James O'Connell et al appeared the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) of May 2018. The Abstact follows -

Anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens, AMH) began spreading across Eurasia from Africa and adjacent Southwest Asia about 50,000–55,000 years ago (ca. 50–55 ka). Some have argued that human genetic, fossil, and archaeological data indicate one or more prior dispersals, possibly as early as 120 ka. A recently reported age estimate of 65 ka for Madjedbebe, an archaeological site in northern Sahul (Pleistocene Australia–New Guinea), if correct, offers what might be the strongest support yet presented for a pre–55-ka African AMH exodus. We review evidence for AMH arrival on an arc spanning South China through Sahul and then evaluate data from Madjedbebe.We find that an age estimate of >50 ka for this site is unlikely to be valid. While AMH may have moved far beyond Africa well before 50–55 ka, data from the region of interest offered in support of this idea are not compelling.

The full article appears here.

65000 Years of Isolation in Aboriginal Australia or Continuity and External Contacts

An interesting article titled 65000 Years of Isolation in Aboriginal Australia or Continuity and External Contacts by Michael J. Rowland appeared in the Journal of the Anthropological Society of South Australia of· December 2018. The Abstract follows -

Recent dating of archaeological sites across northern Australia suggest that
Aboriginal Australians may have arrived on the continent by 65,000 years ago or
earlier though other general reviews propose a more conservative arrival date of
around 50,000 years. Regardless of when they actually arrived, the people of the
late Pleistocene landmass of Sahul (mainland Australia, Tasmania and New
Guinea), which were only separated by rising sea levels approximately 8000
years ago, likely shared some aspects of a common history over a period of
perhaps as much as 50,000 years. It would seem unlikely that this shared
community of culture and ideas would have ended abruptly with the rise in sea
level. Early commentators, operating within social evolutionism and diffusionism
frameworks, argued that much of Aboriginal culture was developed through
external contact since Aboriginal culture was too ‘primitive’ to have developed
higher level cultural traits. Subsequent reaction to this negative view has tended
to limit further enquiry. More recently, it has been recognised that
transformations occurred in Aboriginal societies across Australia particularly in
the mid to late Holocene which have been attributed to population growth and
internal social change (‘intensification’), environmental change and/or external
contacts. This paper reviews evidence for external culture contact with an
emphasis on the Queensland coast via the Torres Strait and Cape York. It is
apparent that contact did occur though the timing and extent of impacts on the
development of Aboriginal culture has yet to be fully understood. It is important
to periodically review what innovations might have reached Australia from
external sources (and vice versa) as new evidence and theories develop. This will
enhance an understanding of how Aboriginal peoples coped with and adapted to
the substantive transformative processes of the contact and post-contact eras
which is the theme of this volume.

The full article is available here.

Sunday 24 February 2019

Muluridji People #3 Native Title Claim

National Native Title Tribunal File QC2018/006 available here entered on the Register 15/02/2019.

The claim area is west of and adjoins the Hann Tableland National Park in Far North Queensland.

The attachments are as follows :-
Register extract available here
Attachment B - Map showing External Boundary Description here
Attachment C - Map of the Application Area here

The Muluridji People are descended by birth or adoption from the following ancestors:

Billy and Kitty (parents of Jimmy Riley);
Mick Fraser/Brazier and his wife Kitty (parents of Rosie Frazier);
George Baker (father of Nellie, Lucy, Willie and Lulu Baker);
Mick Sheppard (father of Johnny, Violet, May, Willie, Stanley, Ronnie and Millie Sheppard);
Annie Green (mother of Jack and Arthur Madigan and Tom King);
Dolly Hughes (mother of Jessie and Thelma Hughes).



Thursday 14 February 2019

Reveille - August 31, 1931 - AIF Aborigines : How Many?

I was going through some Reveille magazines that were inherited when my grandmother died years ago. The article titled A.I.F Aborigines : How Many appeared in the issue of August 31, 1931. A link to a copy of the article is here.

A second article titled Lever on Britain : Prisioners Suffer appeared in the December 31, 1931 issue of Reveille and refers to Douglas Grant. The article is available here.

Mardigan People Native Title Authorisation Meeting


The claim area is roughly centred around Quilpie, Queensland.

The Mardigan People who are members of the native title claim group for the Application are currently described as the biological descendants of the following people:

Charlie Zouch;
Mother of Fred Collins, Jesse Dixon, Jack Dixon, Nancy Colin and Tom Napoleon
Charlotte Wandilla
Mary Darrie
Henry Clive (also known as Harry Clive)
Mary Rebel
Judie and Tinker Wells
Paddy Murphy
Tommy Conbar
Henry ‘Goodyenee’ Tilbooroo
Nellie Ardock

The purpose of Authorisation Meeting #1 is to:
(1) Consider anthropological materials and legal advice relating to an individual described as ‘Jenny, mother of James Pegler’ and her descendants;
(2) Subject to (1) above, authorise the amendment of the claim group description for the Application to include the descendants of Jenny, mother of James Pegler.
Appeared in the Koori Mail dated February13, 2019

Notes

Nancy Pegler H/C was residing in Cunnamulla with her husband James Pegler H/C, Station worker, and two children in 1941.

Nita Pegler died at Tinapagie Stn, N.S.W. on 27. 7.1935 

Ward, Mayneside - Letter (21.12.1911) to Mr J Payne, MLA regarding working conditions, agreements and wages of Aboriginals which he notes 'is little better than slavery'.
Attached to this letter are two lists, one being a List of Halfcastes. Among the Names mentioned is Jimmy Pegler (of Thargomindah).

Wednesday 13 February 2019

NNTT Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners Native Title Claim Group


National Native Title Tribunal File QC2018/007available here entered on the Register 08/02/2019.

The attachments are as follows :-
Register extract available here
Attachment B - Map showing External Boundary Description here
Attachment C - Map of the Application Area here

The claim area is roughly bounded by Childers, Kilkivan, Nanango, Caboolture, Noosa Heads and Maryborough.

The Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners are those people:

(a) Who are descendants of the following apical ancestors:
1 . Maggie Cadenti/Cadente/Cantidi: “Maggie”
2.  George Parson
3.  Albert Williams
4.  Ngimburum
5.  Kaloma-kuta/Galmaguda/Haloma-kuta/Kal-ma-kuta
6.  Mother of Albert Smith and Peter Graham
7.  Willie Kina
8.  Susan Andy
9.  Jacky Ball (or Baul)
10. Maggie Cain/Caine
11. James Crow/Crowe
12. Maggie Palmer
13. Emma Dunne
14. William/Billy Glenbar
15. Annie Laurie
16. May Burnett
17. Tuppernywoe/”King” Tommy of Noosa
18. Dundalli
19. Cob
20. Sarah Di:naba Moreton
21. Marian/Mary Ann Thompson
22. Dil:l
23. Edward Ross
24. Menvil Wanmuarn/Jackie Delaney
And

(b) Who identify as and are recognised as members of the Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners in accordance with the system of traditional laws and customs.

Wednesday 6 February 2019

More Books with Genealogical Information

The following books contain a wealth of genealogical information.

Of Marriage, Violence and Sorcery by David McKnight published 2005
Contains numerous sections of genealogical charts of people from Mornington Island  and descriptions of events and the people involved. Some pseudonyms are used but most names are the correct ones. I have checked this with other records.

The Affinal Relationship System by Aslaug and Johannes Falkenberg published 1981
Contains eight pages of Aborigines From Port Keats mentioned in the text as follows
Personal Name, Own Tribe, Own Local Clan, Mother's Tribe, Mother's Local Clan (Kangatji), Page in the Text.

Lives of the Papunya Tula Artists by Vivien Johnson published 2008
Contains detailed genealogical information of the artists and their families.

The Wind of Change in Central Australia by Frederick G G Rose published 1965
Contains detailed genealogical information for Aborigines at Angas Downs Station N.T. in 1962

Classification of Kin, Age Structure and Marriage amongst the Groote Eylandt Aborigines
by Frederick G G Rose published 1960
Contains detailed genealogical information for Aborigines at Groote Eylandt

Friday 1 February 2019

VICNET May 2012

 

This was the VICNET Home page in May 2012 just before the change over.

I vaguely remember 45053 refers to the number of times the site was accessed and not the number of times pages were accessed.

Just placed here for historical reasons.

Thursday 31 January 2019

Wakka Wakka #3 and #4 Native Title Meeting

 The Claim area roughly includes Mundubbera, Gayndah, Murgon, Goomeri, Cherbourg, Kingaroy, Nanango and Yarraman.

Apical ancestors are listed as

Jenny and David Carlo (parents of Princess Carlo)
Minnie Bly (mother of Thomas Simpson), Ethel and Bill Button
Maggie Hart (mother of Crabbie Chapman and Henry Hart)
Mother of Willie Boy Pickering
King Billy and Maria of Boondooma (parents of Tommy Dodd of Taabinga)
Maggie West
Kitty of Boonara
MiMi
Kitty (mother of Jack Bulong)
John Bond
Kitty (mother of Jenny Lind), Jenny Lind and Mick Buck
Boubijan Cobbo
Stockman Bligh and Aggie Bligh
Tommy (aka Boondoon) and Maggie (parents of Willie Bone), Billy McKenzie (father of Chlorine McKenzie), Chlorine McKenzie
Kate/Katie/Kitty Law
Emily of Degilbo, mother of Annie.

The purpose of the Authorisation Meeting is to:

1. CONSIDER anthropological materials and legal advice relating to ‘Taabinga Harry’
and ‘Nellie, mother of Elsie Fitzgerald’, and each of their descendants;

2. Subject to #1 above, AUTHORISE the amendment of the claim group description for the Native Title Claims to include the descendants of Taabinga Harry and/or Nellie, mother of Elsie Fitzgerald;

3. Subject to #2 above, AUTHORISE persons to continue to be the Applicant, or to replace the existing Applicant, for the Native Title Claims, and to make the applications and deal with matters arising in relation to the Native Title Claims; and

4. CONFIRM the decisions made at Meeting #3 held on 1 December 2018 at Gayndah, including authorising the Applicant to agree to settlement of Wakka Wakka People #3 and Part A of
Wakka Wakka People #4 on the terms of proposed consent determination orders.

Appeared in the Koori Mail of January 30, 2019

Wednesday 16 January 2019

NNTT Djungan People #5 Native Title Claim

National Native Title Tribunal File QC2018/005 available here entered on the Register 9/11/2018.

The attachments are as follows :-
Register extract available here
Attachment B - Map showing Boundaries of the Area Covered by the Application here
Attachment C - Map of the Claim Area here

The claim area is roughly west of the Hann Tableland National Park.

The Djungan People native title claim group is comprised of the descendants (including through adoption or raising up in accordance with traditional laws and customs) of the following apical ancestors:

Tommy and Topsy Wason
John Wason
Dinah [Richards]
Jessie Wason
Jack O'Neil and his spouse, Flora Richards
Peter Ray Burns
Jimmy Kingsburra and Lizzie Kingsburra (including the descendants of Joe Sands)
Charles James Archer (Senior)
Lucy [Burns]
Pluto [Brumby]
Mollie and her spouse, Bert Gordon
Mick Richards

Some notes

Peter, of Yarrabah, Bachelor, born Cooktown, aged 18 years, parents Fred and Topsy and Jessie Wason, of Yarrabah, Spinster, born Mareeba, aged 16 years, parents Fred Wason and Dinah married 28. 4.1910 at St Alban's Church, Yarrabah by G W Morrison, C of E             
Children (some?) recorded at Yarrabah
Catharine Mona, parents Peter Underwood F/B and Jessie Wason H/C, born 30.12.1910
Eric Peter, parents Peter Underwood F/B and Jessie Wason (Black mixed (Chinese and Aborigine)) , born 8. 4.1913
Vincent Noland, parents Peter Underwood F/B and Jessie Wason H/C, born 3. 2.1915
Agnes Lorna, parents Peter and Jessie Wason , born 16. 8.1916
Ralph Emmanuel Peter, parents Peter Underwood F/B and Jessie Wason H/C, born 20. 4.1919
Maxwell Horace Alton, parents Peter Underwood and Jessie Wason, born 3. 3.1924

John Wason H/C of Yungaburra, born Kingsborough near Thornborough c1895 married
Lucy Cunningham H/C of Yungaburra, born Mulgrave River married 18.10.1916
Registered 2009/N/5074

Peter Ray H/C (Peter Burns), born about 1907, baptised 27. 3.1921 Yarrabah
Peter Burns aged 52 yrs, Clara Burns aged 44 yrs, Christina Margaret Burns aged 13 yrs and
Janet Elizabeth Burns aged 10 years Exempt 1956
Clara Ray, born c 1912 probably Cloncurry district, father Lee Fong

Lucy Burns appears on Tindale genealogical sheet Yarrabah 26. Also on this Sheet are
Jack Baker, Nellie Baker, Dorothy Lilian Bradley, Grace Bradley, Ailsa Camelia Burns,
Christella Burns, Christobel S Burns, Christopher D Burns, Daniel Peter Burns, Dorothy Burns, Dorothy Lilian Burns, Lucy Burns, Daniel Peter, Steve Yetman

Mick Richards, born c1895 Elizabeth Creek near Mungana, parents Bill and Maggie,
married to Eileen

Mollie Gordon appears on Tindale genealogical sheets Yarrabah 54 and 85

Saturday 12 January 2019

Victorian Historical BDM Indexes

A Victorian Birth, Death and Marriage Index is available here at archive.org.

The description states "Complete Victorian Birth Death & Marriages index compiled in a Microsoft Access Database. Births 1836 to 1920. Deaths 1836 to 1985. Marriages1836 to 1942. Requires Microsoft Access to use."

A ZIP file can be downloaded containing the database file.

Similar information can be downloaded here as three files in CSV format.

Monday 7 January 2019

Digital files removed by National Archives of Australia Melbourne office

I have discovered that a number of files on the NAA web site that previously had digital images have had them withdrawn by the National Archives of Australia Melbourne office.

The Item Details description states "Visibility and availability indicators - Digital image withheld"

The files I have noticed are from Series B357 and numbered
191 - Aboriginal Welfare Board field notes Western district genealogies
192 - Aboriginal Welfare Board field notes - Murray Valley, survey of Aborigines, June 1961, families
193 - Aboriginal Welfare Board field notes -Wimmera and Gippsland, genealogies
198 - Aboriginal Welfare Board field notes - genealogy

Digital files were previously available. No reason is given for the removal.

Indexes to Series B357 Items 192, 193 and 198 are available here.

I think it would be wise to download any digital files immediately if you need them as there is no guarantee they will be permanently available. I do.

Friday 4 January 2019

State Library of Queensland - Islands Exhibition

I visited the State Library of Queensland  Islands Exhibition today.

One of the exhibits was part of a handwritten register with one of the displayed pages titled "Coloured Patients". This contained statistical information for 1939 - 1969 under headings as follows :-

In Isolation at Fantome
Admitted into Isolation
Died in Isolation
Discharged During Year
Still Living after Discharge
Total Living in Isolation and after Discharge

On part of the page some names were listed as follows :-

Alice Cooktown
Arthur Miles
Joe Lee
Charlie Sugarbag
Mary Ann Brown
Gilbert Martin
Maggie Fourmile
Ethel Bowen
Lawrence and Bessie Bond
Alf Tyson
Joyce Daisy
Nancy Williams
Willie Courtney
Ellison Obah
Eva Jack..
Daphne Anderson

The reference in the exhibit brochure is as follows :

White Cases - Leprosy as at 31.12.1969
Dr Morgan Gabriel
John Oxley Library SLQ
Accession 29410 Dr Morgan
Gabriel Notebook 1951-1970