WHEN leaders from the aboriginal tribe, Darug, were formally recognised by Council as traditional custodians of the Hawkesbury land, Leanne Tobin, a Darug descendant, shed tears of joy.
Leaders from the Darug tribe, Gombeeree and his son Yellomundi (Yarramundi), had been responsible for welcoming with friendship Governor Arthur Phillip when he arrived on their land over two centuries ago.
Gombeeree and Yellomundi were recognised with a Posthumous Commemorative Plaque Award during a ceremony for the Hawkesbury Australia Day Awards in January.
Tobin said it was the first time that Darug elder, Gombeeree, had been formally and publically recognised for his important role in the history of the settlement we now call the Hawkesbury.
“We’re not often acknowledged properly in formal ceremonies and Gombeeree being recognised with the Plaque was important to us because most people don’t know the stories - what happened before, what was sacrificed,” Tobin told the Gazette.
“I think it’s a fantastic thing and the reason I got emotional is because I’d also just had my cousin (Chris Burke, a long-time Windsor resident) die who was very close to my family and like a big sister to me, and much of her work was all about bringing awareness about the Darug people’s lives, as well.
“Many of us work pretty hard to get the old stories of Sydney and its original people out there because it’s not known. It’s still happening today - people don’t know the old history. They’re all still catching up on it.”
Tobin said she wanted to acknowledge the role Richmond-based historian, John Miller, played in creating further awareness. Miller is responsible for researching and putting forward individuals and families as recipients of the annual Posthumous Award, and presented the award on the day.
“It was a beautiful thing for our family. Just one of those little markers that add to awareness, and we need those opportunities to arise more often so we can create some change in how the people view our history,” she said.