Plans to unveil a memorial plaque to commemorate the Waterloo Creek massacre have been postponed.
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The plaque was slated to be unveiled at the Waterloo Creek site, approximately 70km southwest of Moree, this Friday, January 26 – the 180th anniversary of the massacre which saw police officers murder approximately 300 Gamilaraay people.
Moree Plains Shire Council mayor, Cr Katrina Humphries, said further negotation was needed between key stakeholders.
“The ceremony for the laying of the Waterloo massacre memorial plaque has been postponed as further consultation with the traditional owners is needed to ensure that the protocols surrounding the way forward are properly adhered to,” she said.
"I look forward to an event happening in the future, which is mutually respectful and understanding to all concerned.”
With the anniversary of the Waterloo Creek massacre coinciding with Australia Day, January 26 is a particularly difficult day for the Gamilaraay people.
For the past few years, the Moree Gamilaraay Invasion Day committee has organised a gathering to commemorate the terrible events of January 26, 1838. Last year’s gathering was a huge success, with more than 60 people taking to the streets in a peaceful protest before gathering at Moree’s Moree to remember and heal.
It was at this gathering that the first steps were made between members of the Invasion Day committee and Moree Plains Shire Council representatives to create a memorial at Waterloo Creek to commemorate the history.
Gamilaraay Invasion Day committee member, and descendent of the mob massacred at Waterloo Creek, Paul Spearim said it was a positive outcome.
“From that we’ve come out with the birth of creating a lasting legacy of commemorating Waterloo Creek,” he said.
“We’re in the process of setting up a foundation to oversee the whole process.”
The whole community is invited to participate in the Gamilaraay Survival Day Gathering on Friday which is all about remembering, understanding and healing from the past.
“This history is a sad history to carry for all of our Gamilaraay people,” Mr Spearim said.
“But it is a true history that all people who choose to live within our sacred lands and also for the rest of Australia to respect. Please come along and join us in honouring ‘Guurrama-Li Ga Maal – standing strong in one’ with our resilience and continued survival within our sacred Gamilaraay lands.”
The day will kick off at 11am at Moree Court House where speakers will talk about the importance of respecting and understanding the past. From there participants will march to Jellicoe Park where they will gather to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with a free barbecue, fishing, damper making, dancing and more.
