Significant Dates for Indigenous Australians in January

 

January is a month steeped in significant events for Indigenous Australians, each a testament to resilience, resistance and remarkable achievements.

From the execution of Dundalli, a courageous Aboriginal resistance leader, to the founding of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, these moments highlight the enduring fight for First Nations justice and equality.

The First Day of Mourning in 1938 called attention to 150 years of colonial oppression, while Evonne Goolagong's 1971 Australian Open victory showcased the triumph of Indigenous excellence on the global stage.

Together, these milestones invite reflection on the struggles and celebrations that continue to shape Australia’s history and future.

• 5 January 1855: Dundalli, an Aboriginal resistance leader was publicly executed in Brisbane
• 26 January 1938: The First Day of Mourning protest held in Sydney
• 23 January 1971: Evonne Goolagong won the Australian Open women’s tennis tournament
• 26 January 1972: The Aboriginal Tent Embassy founded in Canberra

Commemorating Dundalli: Aboriginal Resistance Leader and Martyr

On 5 January 1855, Dundalli, an Aboriginal resistance leader and lawman of the Dalla people, was publicly executed in Brisbane. His death marked the tragic culmination of a decade-long resistance against British colonisation in South East Queensland. Though vilified by the colonial authorities as a criminal, Dundalli is now recognised as a symbol of resistance, justice and the fight for Aboriginal sovereignty.

Dundalli’s Early Life

Born into the Dalla tribe around 1820, Dundalli’s traditional homelands were in the Blackall Range region. His initiation name, meaning "wonga pigeon”, signified his cultural identity and responsibilities as a lawman. Dundalli’s towering physical presence, standing over six feet tall, made him a commanding figure both within and outside his community.

During his early years, Dundalli sought peaceful interactions with colonists and missionaries, making connections such as the Dalla delegation’s meeting with German missionaries in 1841.

However, escalating violence sanctioned by the colonial authorities, including events like the Kilcoy massacre in 1842, which saw 30 to 60 Aboriginal people deliberately poisoned, transformed him into a leader of resistance.

Resistance and Leadership

Dundalli’s campaign against colonial atrocities was not random violence but a series of calculated acts of justice under Aboriginal law. He worked to protect his people’s land and culture, forming alliances with groups such as the Djindubari, Ningy Ningy and Turrbal peoples. His leadership extended to ensuring that justice was meted out for the murder and dispossession of his people, often targeting settlers who violated Aboriginal law.

Capture and Execution

By the mid-1850s, colonial authorities had made Dundalli a prime target. Betrayed by Wumbungur, an Aboriginal tracker, he was captured in 1854 and tried for multiple acts of resistance, including the deaths of Europeans who had trespassed onto sacred Aboriginal homelands. Witnesses, many coerced, testified against him and Dundalli was sentenced to hang.

On the morning of his execution at Windmill Hill, a significant number of Dundalli’s Aboriginal compatriots, including Djindubari, Ningy Ningy and Turrbal people, gathered to witness the event. Fearing an uprising, the Brisbane constabulary was put on high alert and many colonists fled the city.

As Dundalli stood on the gallows, he saw Thomas Petrie in the crowd and addressed him in his native tongue, appealing to the man he had known since childhood. Petrie, born in Edinburgh in 1831 and raised in the Moreton Bay penal colony, had learned the Turrbal language and earned the trust of local Aboriginal groups. Despite this connection, Petrie could not intervene.

Dundalli’s last moments were filled with defiance. He called out to his people, denouncing Wumbungur for betraying him and urging his kin to continue resisting colonial oppression.

A Botched Execution

The execution itself became infamous. Alexander Green, the hangman, an ex-convict responsible for 491 hangings over 27 years, miscalculated the rope’s length. When Dundalli was dropped through the trapdoor, his feet struck the coffin below. Dundalli rebounded, prompting Green to remove the coffin and tug at Dundalli’s legs until his neck snapped. This gruesome and mishandled execution became a turning point, prompting the colonial authorities to outlaw any further public executions.

Dundalli’s Legacy

Today, Dundalli is remembered not as the criminal colonial authorities painted him to be, but as a hero who fought for his people’s sovereignty and survival. His actions remind us of the devastating impact of colonisation and the resilience of Aboriginal nations in the face of brutal dispossession and annihilation.

Dundalli’s execution and the strength he displayed in his final moments, symbolise the enduring struggle for justice and recognition for Australia’s First Nations peoples.

On this anniversary of his death in January, we look to honour Dundalli as a leader whose courage and commitment to Aboriginal law and culture inspire ongoing efforts for truth-telling and reconciliation.

 

Commemorating the First Day of Mourning Protest

On 26 January 1938, while many Australians celebrated the sesquicentenary of the First Fleet's arrival, another significant event was unfolding. This was the first Day of Mourning, a protest organised by Aboriginal leaders to call attention to 150 years of injustice and suffering endured by their people. Held on what is now known as Australia Day, this landmark protest laid the foundation for ongoing resistance, remembrance and calls for equity.

The Roots of Resistance

The Day of Mourning was spearheaded by the Aborigines Progressive Association (APA), led by Jack Patten and William Ferguson, in collaboration with the Australian Aborigines' League (AAL) under the leadership of William Cooper. Unlike the centenary in 1888, when Aboriginal leaders boycotted celebrations, the 1938 protest was designed to be impossible to ignore. After decades of being disregarded by government petitions for basic rights, including representation in Parliament, Aboriginal leaders resolved to take a more proactive approach.

In the weeks leading up to the protest, the APA published a statement titled Citizen Rights for Aborigines, garnering attention through nationalist magazines, radio programs and support from prominent Australians like writer Mary Gilmore. Despite resistance from authorities, including police intimidation, they remained undeterred.

The Day of Mourning Protest

On the morning of 26 January 1938, a silent march began at Sydney Town Hall, joined by both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous allies. The march ended at Australian Hall on Elizabeth Street, where a congress for Aboriginal people was held. This historic meeting, one of the first mass Aboriginal civil rights gatherings, was attended by about 100 Aboriginal leaders, including women like Pearl Gibbs and Margaret Tucker.

The protest was not without obstacles. Denied access to Sydney Town Hall, the Congress was forced to relocate to Australian Hall and relegated to entering through the back door. Despite these indignities, the attendees focused on their mission: demanding justice.

At the Congress, the manifesto Aborigines Claim Citizens' Rights was distributed. It declared:

“This festival of 150 years’ so-called ‘progress’ in Australia commemorates also 150 years of misery and degradation imposed on the original native inhabitants by white invaders of this country.”

A powerful resolution was passed unanimously, calling for new laws to ensure Aboriginal people were granted full citizenship, equality and access to education and care.

Challenging the Australia Day Narrative

In stark contrast to the Day of Mourning, the official Australia Day celebrations included a reenactment of the First Fleet's arrival. Aboriginal organisations refused to participate in the government’s version of events.

In response, Aboriginal men were forcibly removed from reserves, housed overnight in stables at the Redfern police barracks and coerced into performing in the reenactment. This reenactment, intended to show Indigenous Australians "fleeing in fear," was criticised by Day of Mourning leaders, who were barred from visiting the men.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Day of Mourning did not result in immediate changes but marked a turning point in Aboriginal activism. Days later, APA leaders met with Prime Minister Joseph Lyons, presenting a ten-point plan for federal reforms, including a standalone Department of Aboriginal Affairs and full rights of citizenship. While these demands were not fully realised at the time, they laid the groundwork for future advocacy.

Over the decades, the Day of Mourning has evolved into an enduring symbol of Aboriginal resistance. Today, protests continue under the banners of Invasion Day and Survival Day, acknowledging the ongoing impacts of colonisation while celebrating the resilience of Australia’s First Nations people.

In 1998, the 60th anniversary of the Day of Mourning was commemorated with a reenactment of the original march, culminating in a reaffirmation of its core demands. Efforts to preserve the historic Australian Hall were also successful, ensuring its place in history as a site of cultural and political significance.

A Legacy of Resistance and Reflection

The Day of Mourning reminds us of the unbroken connection of Indigenous people to their land and enduring struggle for recognition, justice and equality. It is a call to reflect on Australia’s history, not as a single narrative of progress, but as a complex story that includes the voices of its First Nations people.

As the anniversary of the Day of Mourning approaches, let us honour the courage of those who stood against injustice in 1938. Their legacy inspires us to continue the fight for truth, treaty and equality in Australia today.

 

Celebrating Evonne Goolagong’s Historic Triumph

On 23 January 1971, Evonne Goolagong captured her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, defeating Margaret Court in a commanding 6–4, 6–1 victory. At just 19 years old, Goolagong etched her name into tennis history and began a career that would inspire generations of Australians, particularly as a proud Aboriginal woman breaking barriers in sport and society.

Rising Above Adversity

Evonne Fay Goolagong was born on 31 July 1951, in Griffith, New South Wales, to a Wiradjuri Aboriginal family. Growing up in the small town of Barellan, her childhood coincided with the era of the Stolen Generations, a time when many Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families. Goolagong recalled hiding under beds at the sight of government cars, fearful of being taken away.

Despite the significant social and economic challenges faced by her community, Goolagong’s exceptional talent on the tennis court shone through. Encouraged by local resident Bill Kurtzman, who noticed her peeking through the fence at the local courts, young Evonne was given the chance to play. Her potential quickly caught the attention of Sydney-based coach Vic Edwards, who took her under his wing, fostering a remarkable journey to stardom.

A Career of Excellence

Evonne Goolagong’s victory at the 1971 Australian Open was the beginning of an extraordinary career. Over the next decade, she became one of the most successful players of her time, amassing seven Grand Slam singles titles, including two Wimbledon championships and one French Open title. She also claimed six Grand Slam doubles titles and a mixed doubles title.

In 1980, Goolagong achieved another historic milestone as the first mother in 66 years to win Wimbledon. Her grace and resilience on the court captivated fans worldwide, while her trailblazing achievements symbolised hope and possibility for Aboriginal Australians.

A Champion Beyond Tennis

Off the court, Goolagong has been equally impactful. Named Australian of the Year in 1971, she has used her platform to advocate for Indigenous rights and opportunities. Her Goolagong National Development Camp has empowered Indigenous youth through tennis and education, promoting the importance of staying in school and pursuing dreams.

Goolagong’s legacy is enshrined in numerous accolades, including induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Aboriginal Sporting Hall of Fame. She has also been recognised with appointments to the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and the Order of Australia (AC).

A Lasting Legacy

Evonne Goolagong’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent and community support. From her humble beginnings in Barellan to the heights of international tennis, she has inspired millions as a beacon of excellence and a proud representative of Australia’s First Nations people.

As we commemorate the anniversary of her first Grand Slam victory on 23 January 1971, we celebrate not just her remarkable achievements on the court but also her enduring impact off it.

Goolagong’s story reminds us that barriers can be overcome, and dreams can be realised, no matter the odds.

Today, Evonne Goolagong remains an exemplary role model, mentor and symbol of hope, her legacy as relevant and inspiring as ever.

 

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy: A Stand for Justice and Land Rights

On 26 January 1972, an extraordinary act of resistance and defiance unfolded on the lawns of Old Parliament House in Canberra. Four young Aboriginal men, Michael Anderson, Billy Craigie, Tony Coorey and Bertie Williams, planted a beach umbrella, symbolising a Tent Embassy, to protest the Australian Government’s refusal to recognise Indigenous land rights. This powerful statement marked the beginning of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, the longest-running protest for Indigenous rights in the world and a vital symbol of resistance, resilience and sovereignty.

The Historical Context

The Embassy emerged during a period of growing activism for Indigenous rights in Australia. While the 1967 Referendum had amended the Constitution to include Aboriginal people in population counts and allowed the federal government to create laws for them, progress in addressing the dispossession of Indigenous lands was agonisingly slow.

On Australia Day 1972, Prime Minister William McMahon’s government announced policies that dismissed the concept of Indigenous land rights, offering instead conditional leases under strict economic terms and reserving mineral rights for the Crown. This policy was a bitter reminder of ongoing systemic injustice, spurring the creation of the Embassy.

A Bold Declaration of Sovereignty

The term “Embassy” was chosen deliberately, highlighting the lack of Indigenous sovereignty in a land colonised without treaty or consent. It underscored that Aboriginal Australians were treated as exiles in their own land. The Embassy’s founders presented demands that included the return of Aboriginal lands, the preservation of sacred sites, mining rights and compensation for lands that could not be returned.

Over time, the Embassy evolved from a beach umbrella into a site of vibrant activism, drawing Indigenous leaders and supporters from across the country. Key figures such as Gary Foley, Isabel Coe and Chicka Dixon brought visibility to the struggle for land rights, deaths in custody and self-determination. Humour, street theatre and bold imagery engaged Australians and the world, igniting widespread support for Indigenous justice.

Resistance and Resilience

The Tent Embassy’s presence on Commonwealth land challenged authorities, leading to violent confrontations with police. Protesters faced eviction, arrests and clashes, but the Embassy’s spirit could not be extinguished. In its first six months, it unified Aboriginal voices nationwide and secured global attention, with coverage by outlets like The New York Times and the BBC.

Despite being dismantled and relocated multiple times over the decades, the Embassy returned to its original site in 1992, where it remains a symbol of unwavering resistance. It is a space for grassroots campaigns addressing issues such as deaths in custody, Indigenous sovereignty and the ongoing fight for justice.

A Legacy of Struggle and Hope

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy’s enduring presence is a testament to the strength and resilience of Australia’s First Nations people. It serves as a reminder of the unbroken connection between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their lands and of the injustices they continue to endure.

As we commemorate its founding, we reflect on the ongoing need to address the demands for land rights, treaty and truth-telling. The Embassy stands as a beacon, inspiring generations of activists and allies to work toward a future where the sovereignty of Indigenous Australians is fully recognised and respected.

This anniversary invites all Australians to honour the courage of those who have fought, and continue to fight, for justice and equity. The Tent Embassy is not just a protest site; it is a powerful emblem of hope and the enduring fight for the rights of Australia’s First Peoples.

 

Conclusion

The significant dates for Indigenous Australians in January serve as powerful reminders of their enduring legacy of resistance, advocacy and achievement. Dundalli’s courage, the determination of First Day of Mourning protestors, the historic founding of the Tent Embassy and Evonne Goolagong’s victories on the world stage each contribute to a broader narrative of resilience and hope.

As we honour these moments, let us commit to deepening our understanding of Australia’s First Nations Peoples and supporting their ongoing pursuit of truth, justice and equality.