Warning: This story contains reference to deceased Aboriginal figures
Some Melbourne dwellers may not consider second glances as they cross the Queens Street Bridge, since the view of the river from there might not strike them as being different to that of other parts of the Yarra River.
However, around 140 years ago, in that very location stood a waterfall that played a role in how white settlers named the river itself.
The traditional name for what we know as the Yarra River is actually Birrarung, or the River of Mists. The waterfall that was blown up as part of Melbourne’s development was called the ‘yarra yarra’.
Miscommunication between the indigenous and the settlers ended up in the river being named the Yarra river.
The obliteration of the waterfall was merely one of many actions taken by the settlers in changing the landscape that carries extremely high importance to the First Nations people.
Rob Hyatt from Koorie Heritage Trust said that despite the many changes endured by First Nations people in Victoria, we can still find traditional historical elements that remain, as if bearing witness to survival.
However, the survival of Victoria’s indigenous peoples are not merely marked by what is left, but also what is being brought forth to this time, such as artworks and literatures by First Nations creators that help the wider community understand Australia’s indigenous culture - a highly important step in manifesting reconciliation in its truest meaning, Hyatt said.
Rob Hyatt from Koorie Heritage Trust. Credit: SBS Indonesian/Dina Indrasafitri
On May 26, the Yarra City Council held a National Sorry Day Event to honour the Stolen Generation who were forcibly removed from the families by the government of the day.
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