Descendants of early colonial figures to give evidence to Yoorrook

Content warning: Please note the following contains historic language and events that may cause distress to First Peoples.

Three non-Indigenous witnesses are set to give evidence to Victoria’s truth telling process this week. This includes two descendants of early colonial figures who will reflect on their families’ involvement in key events in Victoria’s colonial history, which had a devastating effect on First Peoples.

The hearing will look at issues including early massacres of First Peoples in the 1830s and 40s and the passing of the so-called ‘Half Caste’ Act in 1886, which played a key role in the Stolen Generations.

The Yoorrook Justice Commission hearing will commence at 10am on Wednesday September 4 and will be livestreamed via the Yoorrook Facebook page and website.

Witnesses will include:

• Elizabeth Balderstone, the current owner of a property in Gippsland on which the ‘Warrigal Creek’ massacre occurred in 1843.
• Peter Sharp, a great grandson of former Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, who has researched Deakin’s involvement in the passage of the Aborigines Protection Act 1886, more commonly known as the ‘Half Caste’ Act.
• Dr Katrina Kell, a researcher, author and fourth-generation matrilineal descendant of Captain James Liddell, who brought Edward Henty to Gunditjmara Country in November 1834 on board ‘the Thistle’, leading to the first permanent European settlement in what would become the State of Victoria.

Chair of Yoorrook, Professor Eleanor Bourke, said:

“Yoorrook’s hearing will see descendants of early colonial figures reflect on the actions of their ancestors. The Commission will also hear evidence from a current landowner whose property bears the scars of colonial violence against First Peoples.

“The hearing will help shed light on key events in Victoria’s colonial history – from the first permanent European settlement in the 1830s to the harmful protection legislation of the late 1800s.

“I urge all Victorians to watch the hearing and really listen to the evidence. When we understand what happened in the past and how this impacts the present, we can help create a better future for everyone.

“I commend all three witnesses for coming forward and sharing their story, and that of their families’. Truth telling isn’t only a process for First Peoples to take part in. All Victorians have a role to play.

“I hope today will play a small but important part in the healing process for many First Peoples across the state. I hope it will also encourage other non-Indigenous peoples to come forward and share information that will contribute to Victoria’s truth telling process and our growing evidence base.”

The public and media can attend the hearing in person at the Yoorrook hearing room at 54 Wellington Street, Collingwood.

Submissions to Yoorrook can be made via the Yoorrook website up until 22 November 2024 and can include items such as historical documents, maps, records, artifacts or stories.

Extensive support is available for First Peoples.

Media enquiries: Evan Schuurman | 0408 847 385 | [email protected].