Kunja People Native Title Authorisation Processes

The claim area is in the region of Cunnamulla, Queensland.

The Kunja People are currently described as the descendants of-

1. Killamunda (including her children Margaret Turner (Granny McKellar), Annie/Nannie Widgell and Jack Brennan)

2. Flora Maranoa

3. Maria Major (including her children Jack Oliffe, Ron Wyman, Walter Wyman and Lila Lynett)

4. Jimmy Nyngan

in accordance with Kunja traditional laws and customs.

One purpose for the meeting is to change Flora Maranoa to Unnamed Mother of Flora Maranoa.

Appeared in the Koori Mail dated September 8, 2021 

Some items of interest -

Correspondence dated 16.11.1940 About removal of Aboriginal Camp from Tinnenburra to Wooroorooka. Mentions at the Tinnenburra Aboriginal Camp -

Jimmy Triple F/B, about 70 years old

Willie Widgell, wife and 5 children

Kelly Been, and wife

Annie Widgell, widow

Manager of Tinnenburra Stn is going to make Willie Widgell King of Tinnenburra. The previous two Kings are dead.

Donald Widgeon died on 2.10.1937 at Cunnamulla Hospital. Aged 19 yrs. Resident of Tinenburra. Parents are Willie Widgell and Annie Widgell

Neddie died 14. 8.1934 at the black's camp, Bollon. Buried Bollon. Aged 80 years. Parents are Major and Jinny. Daughter is Mrs Annie Widgell, wife of Willie Widgell. They have a large family at Tinnenburra.

Clerk of Petty Sessions, Quilpie, Permits for the Employment of Aborigines mentions Jimmy Nyngan, 58 yrs, origin Warrego

Clerk of Petty Sessions, Quilpie Register of Aboriginal Employees mentions Jimmy Nyngan 1921 - 1923, Supposed died Tinnenburra Stn

Jack Oliffe H/C, born c1898 Wyanora or c1894 Claverton Stn or 1896 Claverton, parents Jack Oliffe (white man) and Maria F/B, married Daisy Oliffe H/C

Jack Oliffe, Daisy Oliffe, his wife and children from Cunnamulla removed to Barambah 1928

List of civilised aboriginals between the ages of 18 and 45 years for War Census purposes in Cunnamulla District (c1915-1916) includes Jack Oliffe abode Claverton near Wyandra, occupation General Station Hand

James Lynett and Leila Smith married 4. 3.1922 Cunnamulla Registered 1922/C/208)

See also

Matya Mundu

A History of the Aboriginal people of South-East Queensland

H. McKellar, 1984