Virus restrictions force cancellation of martial law commemoration

Friday, August 14 marks the 196^th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in Bathurst by British settlers, leading to the Bathurst war and deaths of many of the local Wiradyuri population.

In recent years the Bathurst branch of the National Trust has teamed with the Bathurst Wiradyuri elders for a commemoration of the declaration and a smoking circle at Burbung Ngurrum, the ceremonial Circle of Stones in Peace Park.

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But COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of this year's planned commemoration on Friday.

"For the last three years we have held a commemoration of the declaration of martial law but this year, in consultation with (Wiradyuri elder Dinawan Djirribang), we've decided we can't go ahead," National Trust chairman Iain McPherson said.

"We don't want to bring any disrespect to the commemoration when COVID-19 restrictions are in place but we're hoping it can go ahead next year as we keep working towards the bicentenary in 2024."

Mr McPherson said the declaration of martial law was a significant moment in Bathurst's history.

"It's part of our heritage and we need to talk about it honestly," he said.

"It's not about guilt but about truth-telling as part of Bathurst's position as the oldest inland European settlement in Australia.

"The declaration of martial law was the final act in a period of unhappiness and violence on sides.

"It was the brutal imposition of colonial British law on the local Wiradyuri population."