Unfinished Business: Aunty Rhonda Radley reflects on the Blackmans Point massacre

Birpai people have long shared the oral history of a massacre at Blackmans Point near Port Macquarie in 1826. Around 300 men, women and children were killed but the event was never officially recognised. Aunty Rhonda Radley is a proud Birpai Dunghutti woman born in Port Macquarie. She shares the story and reflects on its continuing impact.

Aunty Rhonda Radley is a prominent figure in work to revitalise the Gathang language spoken in the Biripai, Worimi and Guringay nations on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Credit: Jens Lindner, Wauchope Public School

In this episode of Conversations on Country, Birpai Dunghutti woman Aunty Rhonda Radley sits at Blackmans Point on Birpai country and discusses her feelings about the massacre that happened there.

That trauma I felt stemmed from loss of land, separated from family, and unfinished business... We're wanting some recognition of what happened here as part of the collective Australian history.

Even though there may be resistance to acknowledge this history, its impact continues to be felt by Aunty Rhonda and other Birpai people. Sharing the story is part of that healing.

Conversations on Country is a series of stories of place, culture and being, shared by Elders of the Gumbaynggirr, Biripi, Dunghutti and Worimi nations from the Mid North Coast of NSW.

It is produced by Liz Keen & Simon Portous - Headline Productions, and Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance.

This is the final episode of Conversations on Country. If you have missed any earlier episodes, find the series in the SBS Radio app, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Host: Uncle Michael Jarrett

Concept and Direction: Michelle Flanders

Cover art: Cassandra Sutton Photography

Music: Grow The Music