In-Depth Notes on Aboriginal Heritage in Perth

Aboriginal Heritage in the City of Perth

  • Historical Context

    • Important contributions by Aboriginal people to cultural life in Perth reflected in various local institutions and events.

    • Key figures include Fanny Balbuk and Noongar leaders who fought against displacement and discrimination.

  • Cultural Precinct

    • The precinct includes theatres, the Western Australian Museum, and the Art Gallery, showcasing Aboriginal culture.

    • Notable Plays and Theatre:

    • Jack Davis’ play The Dreamers was significant for Noongar theatre, gaining international acclaim in the 1980s.

    • Middar Aboriginal Theatre founded by Richard Walley; showcased Noongar culture globally.

    • Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company established in 1993, blending contemporary and traditional Aboriginal theatre.

    • Art Representation:

    • Works by Aboriginal artists such as Rover Thomas, Shane Pickett, Christopher Pease, and Julie Dowling.

    • Exhibitions:

    • Katta Djinoong—First Peoples of Western Australia exhibition provides insight into Aboriginal experiences and heritage.

The Prohibited Area (1927-1954)

  • Introduction of the Prohibited Area:

    • Enforced by Chief Protector A.O. Neville under the 1905 Aborigines Act, prohibited Aboriginal entry unless employed.

    • Focused on the area around the corner of Barrack St and Murray St, extending 1.3 km from Swan River to Northbridge and 2 km in other directions.

  • Impact on Aboriginal Lives:

    • Aboriginal individuals required permits and faced curfews, complicating work and travel.

    • Personal accounts highlight struggles, for instance, Irwin Lewis had to leave work by 5:30 PM despite being employed.

Aboriginal Protector’s Office (57 Murray Street)

  • Legislative Control:

    • The 1905 Aborigines Protection Act placed profound control over many aspects of Aboriginal lives.

    • Children were often removed from families under this act, causing long-lasting trauma.

    • Narratives from Aboriginal women illustrate the harsh realities faced during this time, including forced separations and poor living conditions.

  • Micro-Management:

    • Under Neville's administration (1915-1940), living conditions for Aboriginal people were often intolerable, leading to reliance on kinship networks for support.

New Era Aboriginal Fellowship (176 Wellington Street)

  • Establishment and Goals:

    • NEAF was created in the 1960s to advocate for Aboriginal rights in justice, education, health, and governance.

    • Key figures included community leaders and activists that spurred the growth of more advocacy organizations.

  • Significant Contributions:

    • NEAF played a pivotal role in founding essential services such as the Aboriginal Medical and Legal Services, and the Aboriginal Housing Board.

Land Rights—Native Title Tribunal

  • Key Development:

    • In 1992, the High Court recognized Aboriginal land rights leading to the formation of the Native Title Tribunal in 1993.

    • The landmark case Bennell vs. State of Western Australia (2006) granted the Noongar the first successful native title claim over a capital city.

Fanny Balbuk and Government House

  • Cultural Heritage:

    • Fanny Balbuk was a significant figure representing Aboriginal heritage, known for her activism regarding her family's burial sites.

    • Her defiance against colonial encroachment symbolizes the ongoing struggles for Aboriginal rights and identity.

Site of the Old Jail (Corner of St Georges Terrace and Pier Street)

  • Resistance and Heritage:

    • Leaders like Midgegooroo and his son Yagan are highlighted as figures of resistance against colonial injustice.

    • Yagan is remembered as a hero within the Noongar community for his fight for his family’s rights.

The Old Courthouse

  • Legal History:

    • Established in 1836, this site became notorious for entrenching discrimination against Aboriginal people under colonial law.

    • It serves as a museum reflecting the long history of legal injustices faced by Aboriginal populations.

Supreme Court Gardens

  • Gathering Place:

    • Historically, the gardens served as a significant gathering site for social and political activism amongst Aboriginal people.

    • Reports of protests and cultural gatherings throughout history emphasize the gardens’ importance to community solidarity.

Steps of the Old Treasury Building

  • Political Activism:

    • A notable 1928 meeting with Premier Philip Collier by Aboriginal leaders seeking justice under restrictive laws.

The Coolbaroo League and Perth Town Hall

  • Cultural Revival:

    • Established in 1946, it aimed to unify Aboriginal communities and bring cultural activities back to urban spaces.

    • The first ball after the Prohibited Area restrictions were lifted in 1954 symbolized a significant cultural revival for Aboriginal people in Perth.

  • Legacy of Resistance:

    • The overall narrative encapsulates the resilience and enduring strength of Aboriginal identity and culture despite oppressive legislative measures.

kai tell my about fanny

The essential reading source, ‘Fighting for Families, Country, Rights and Recognition’ by Leonard Collard and Dr. Tod Jones was useful to a significant extent in mapping the stories of First-Nations in their rightful defiance and protest against injustices to their community and displacement due to colonisation. As another information pamphlet intended as a guided tour of the city, it adheres to a route of where Indigenous people were historically barred and discriminated from, where significant protests were held and where progress between the Indigenous community and local government have reconciled for better treatment of Aboriginal people. Collard and Jones aimed to arousing awareness and passing on knowledge of Aboriginal resistance in order to inspire generations to advocate for equality and justice, such like the figure present in the text, Fanny Balbuk whose ‘defiance against colonial encroachment symbolizes the ongoing struggles for Aboriginal rights and identity, illustrating the resilience and enduring strength of Aboriginal culture'. The source is useful in understanding mapping as its detailed documentation of several significant Aboriginal sites in perth accentuates their historical and cultural relevance beyond a basic overview of Perth City as a concrete jungle. Therefore enhancing my personal understanding around the spatial narratives that exist in Perth in its Aboriginal heritage and community resilience. However, a weakness that can be found in the source is in its limited geographical coverage. By only focusing on the historically significant areas in Perth in regards to Aboriginal legal and political rights, it fails to capture the implication and other ways that the rights of Aboriginal communities were infringed by discriminatory practices and legislation, particularly in rural areas where there was less regulation. In these ways was the source significantly useful in conveying the stories of Aboriginal people's resilience and fight towards equality.