The Bass Coast Reconciliation Network would like to sincerely thank the 100-plus community members who turned out on Saturday January 20 to commemorate the lives of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, two Tasmanian Aboriginal men who were tragically hanged in Melbourne in 1842.

This annual event serves as a solemn remembrance and acknowledgment of the injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples during colonisation.

The ceremony offered an opportunity for the community to gather and honour the memory of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, and learn about the circumstances around their capture, and the injustices experienced at the time.

Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner were convicted for the alleged murder of two whale hunters in the Western Port area and subsequently became the first individuals publicly hanged in Melbourne after being captured near Harmers Haven. 

The event commenced with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, performed by Mark Brown from the Bunurong Land Council, followed by special guest speakers, Robert Ogden, Bunurong-Pakana Elder and Krishna Methven of the Pairrebeenne-Trawlwoolway clan of north-eastern Tasmania (Lutrawita).

Commemoration

This event started several years back, led by the Bass Coast and South Gippsland Reconciliation Community group.

This moving commemoration has grown into an annual event to acknowledge the resilience of First Nations People and determination of the community to honour these men and their families and this significant moment in our shared history through truth-telling.

Traditional Owner Robert Ogden, shared documented accounts and alternative versions on the historical injustice experienced by Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner.

“We need to unpack the tale and delve into the lives of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner and broaden the narrative.

“These stories we know today have come from a very small amount of people, and not from Aboriginal people,” said Mr Ogden.

“These young men were the first people to be hanged by the government in Melbourne in 1842.

“The injustice and wrongful treatment toward Aboriginal people during this time ultimately leading to their deaths was abhorrent.”

Mr Ogden explained that the complexity of the times, inconsistent accounts of what happened, and the obvious mistreatment treatment of these men and their communities was wrong.

“They were only doing what we all would to protect our families. The treatment of our Country men and women during colonisation had a huge impact.

“That’s why we come together to honour and pay respect to them each January to acknowledge all who suffered,” said Mr Ogden.

“This was the beginning of the injustices for Aboriginal people and 180 years later we are still asking if anything has really changed.

“It’s a critical chapter in our shared history. If we are truly going to move forward in reconciliation, we all need to understand that Aboriginal people want to have a voice – let’s give them a voice and justice,” said Mr Ogden.

Ms Methven spoke of her family history dating back seven generations and reflected on our colonial past and her family connection.

Patrice Mahoney, local community leader, and representative on the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network, highlighted the Network’s commitment to creating a culturally safe space to listen, learn, and reflect. 

“The Bass Coast Reconciliation Network is proud to support this annual event and is committed to providing a culturally safe space for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the broader community to come together for Truth-telling which can be difficult to hear.

“We sit with a weight and we need to tell the stories and that’s part of the healing and everyone is part of our healing,” said Ms Mahoney.

The Bass Coast Reconciliation Network comprises members from various organisations, including Westernport Water, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Shire Council, Bass Coast Health, Myli – My Community Library, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, South Gippsland Water, Bunurong Land Council, Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members. 

The collaborative efforts of these organisations and community aim to acknowledge and remember this important date of historical significance and give First Nations people a platform to share their hopes for a more just and equitable future.

To learn more about Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-melbourne/melbourne-profile/aboriginal-culture/Pages/tunnerminnerwait-and-maulboyheener.aspx

For additional information about the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network, please visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/reconciliation