Notice

Norman McVicker

The Wiradjuri Story: Aborigines of Henry Lawson Country by Mudgee’s Local Historian and Writer, Norman McVicker OAM written in 1991. The story is relevant only up to that time as many changes have taken place since.

About Norman McVicker

Norman McVicker OAM, Launched this site on the 20^th February 2009

The Wiradjuri Story cont., P.26

he paid humble respect to Governor Brisbane. He was a broken man. A shadow of the angry young warrior who led his people in a losing battle against superior forces.

The End

Windradyne lived for another 11 years. He died in 1835. During this decade the remaining Wiradjuri people slowly declined. Their lands, their kinsmen and their lifestyle had been ruthlessly destroyed by greed. In the wake of despair came the diseases of the white man, alcohol – and finally death. By 1850 the Wiradjuri had been completely dispossessed and were virtually extinct.

Not Quite the End – Yet

Up to this point the Wiradjuri story has been told in general terms. It would be quite wrong and totally dishonest to stop now without adding the sparse local knowledge that exists. The story has been told in general terms because of the vastness of the subject and the tribal territory in which they lived. In researching the question as to why there are no visible signs of Aborigines whilst Aboriginal place names still exist in the area many local UNDOCUMENTED stories were uncovered. Were they folklore? Official documents cloud the issue. Diaries and records of the early white settlers often omitted the real facts. What better way then than to conclude the story by allowing the extant documents, diaries and official records speak for themselves.

In Their Own Words

William Cox, landowner at a Public Meeting in Bathurst, 1824: “The best thing that can be done is to shoot all blacks and manure the ground with their carcasses. That is all they are fit for! It is also recommended that all the women and children be shot. That is the most certain way of getting rid of this pestilent race." Quoted in  Blood on the Wattle by Bruce Elder.

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