A MEMORIAL stone was unveiled in Port Fairy yesterday to honour Aborigines massacred in the south-west during colonial settlement.
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The bluestone tribute, which stands on Bank Street next to the town’s visitor information centre, commemorates thousands of Aboriginal people killed in the area between 1837 and 1844.
Moyne Shire mayor Jim Doukas revealed the monument before a cleansing ceremony by Peekwhuurong elder Robbie Lowe.
Mr Lowe said it was a historic day for the Aboriginal community and the people of Port Fairy.
“I thank the Moyne Shire, Peter’s Project and Bamstone for the opportunity to place this stone in this great area,” Mr Lowe said.
“Hopefully it will help people understand how we Aboriginal people feel, and hopefully it gives people a fair idea of the suffering our people have endured over many years.
“Thousands of us were massacred in the area and people are still talking about it today across the south-west.
“The stone also represents us; each line is a separate tribe and points to where they are.
“The people who placed it didn’t know that, but it’s symbolic to us.
“These areas represent our ancestors and our culture is still alive in the south-west.
“The stories are unbelievable.”
Cr Doukas said the council was more than happy to be part of the tribute and memorial.
“It’s something that can’t be denied,” he said.
“If it helps the healing process and helps people realise we live together in a society, hopefully it will foster better longtime friendships.
“The Aboriginal community has a lot to offer and there’s a lot to learn from them.
“The fact that Peter’s Project is involved in this as well shows that medical issues aren’t confined to race, and cancer can affect anybody.”
Bamstone manager Tony Rowe said the memorial took a couple days of hard work to build and complete.
“It was designed by our owner Mike Steele with Robbie Lowe,” he said.
“Mike is keen to support Robbie and local indigenous groups.”
