Wurundjeri named after witchetty grubs in Yarra River gum trees. Simon Wonga led Woiwurrung clans from age 22 after father's death. Wonga and Barak established Coranderrk station in 1863 on non-freehold land. William Barak's several children all died before age 14. Barak led Coranderrk for 40 years and petitioned government to keep it. Barak present at Batman Treaty land handover. Annie Borate had multiple children but only son Robert Wandin survived to adulthood. Inter-tribal marriage occurred due to European survival threat. Wurundjeri lore allowed no-fault divorce used by Annie. Robert Wandin married and had 10 children, 9 surviving to reproduce. Barak designated Robert as next Ngurungaeta. Coranderrk expanded from 2300 to 4850 acres on Wurundjeri land. Station housed displaced Kulin tribes from 1863 to 1924. Jemima Burns outlived all as Coranderrk's last resident until 1944.
Comments
Be the first to comment!