MEMBERS of the local Indigenous community met at Stony Creek for a special tree planting on Wednesday to honour Indigenous hero Hannibal Hamilton, whose final resting place is at the site.
Mr Hamilton died on July 28th, 1865, at approximately 50 years old.
The old elm tree planted in 1865 to honour his memory lived out its life expectancy of around 150 years old, was degraded and falling over, and was removed and a eucalypt planted in its place on Wednesday to honour his memory.
The story of Hannibal Hamilton, a prominent figure in the interactions between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in the Tumut region, provides valuable insights into the complexities of early Australian history and the impact of colonization on Indigenous populations.
Hannibal Hamilton, born in 1810, played a significant role in mediating conflicts and fostering understanding between the Murray, Yass, and local Aboriginal tribes in the Yellowin area of the Wolgalu people.
The Yellowin region served as a crucial meeting place, and Hamilton, known as “the white man’s friend” acted as a trusted advisor to the Wilkinson family who occupied the Yellowin area of the Blowering Valley on the Tumut River.
He would provide advance notice of the Aboriginal people’s arrival, allowing the Wilkinson’s to move their cattle to avoid potential conflicts.
One notable incident involving Hamilton was his involvement in the locating and rescue of a kidnapped baby.
This act demonstrated his role as an important mediator, helping to resolve conflicts between Aboriginal people and early settlers during that time.
The traditional way of life underwent significant changes after the arrival of early explorer Hamilton Hume in 1824.
Hume’s exploration of the region revealed the presence of the Tumut River. On November 3, 1824, Hume and his party attempted to cross the river but found it too deep.
They discovered a crossing spot used by the Aboriginal people a few days earlier, known as Janey’s Reserve. Hume noted the river’s width, depth, and the falls below the crossing point.
This river, later known as the Doomut or Tumut River, became an important landmark in the area.
The history of Yellowin and the interactions between settlers and Aboriginal tribes shed light on the complex dynamics of early Australian history and the consequences of colonization in the Tumut area.
In 1865, the Tumut Times reported the death of Hannibal Hamilton, the king of the Tumut Aboriginal tribe.
Hamilton, approximately 50 years old, had served Mr. E. G. Brown of Blowering for several years.
His passing marked another loss for the Tumut Aboriginal community, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous populations during that time.
The New South Wales Government has recognized Hannibal Hamilton’s burial site as a place of Aboriginal cultural significance, marking it as the 39th site to be declared an “Aboriginal place” by the State Government.
In 2004, a plaque was unveiled at the site to commemorate Hannibal Hamilton’s efforts as a mediator and his role in mediating in the Tumut River valley.
This recognition and declaration as an Aboriginal place signify practical outcomes of reconciliation efforts and emphasize the importance of safeguarding Aboriginal cultural sites.
Pictured : Daniel Minogue, Rodney Penrith, Jordan Minogue and Steven Connolly plant a eucalypt in honour of Hannibal Hamilton on Wednesday.
