RE: Calling for a statue of warrior Windradyne (Western Advocate, June 29).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The proposal by Wiradyuri Elder Dinawan Dyirribang to recognise Windradyne with a statue could be the catalyst to expand and broaden our recognition and knowledge of Aboriginal and Indigenous culture and history In the Bathurst area.
A statue in a prominent location such as the Haymarket Reserve (Durham and William) would be appropriate as it would be a frequent point of exposure to residents, tourists and travellers.
In general, the statue could recognise the initiative taken by Windradyne when in December 1824 he led a small group to Parramatta and made a plea for peace to the governor of the time.
History records that the traditional life of the Wiradyuri people in the area was almost completely broken as a result of the arrival of white colonists to Wiradyuri lands.
It is because survivors of the Wiradyuri community continued to observe ancient customs and ceremonies that these significant cultural traditions exist today.
Three Bora rings were located on Wahluu (Mount Panorama) and this would be an appropriate site to develop a park, perhaps called Windradyne Peace Park, with display boards similar to what we have in Peace Park depicting communities along the Wambuul.
As custodians, we have a responsibility and this is our opportunity.
This would not only be a community and tourist attraction but an opportunity for visitors, including school groups, to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the significant Aboriginal culture and heritage Bathurst has to offer.
The top of Mount Panorama, with its glorious views, is the single outstanding natural feature that Bathurst has.
Why should it not be developed as the tourist attraction that it is, as well as a park for Bathurst people, as was the intention when it was originally donated to the community.
