The Myall Creek and Beyond symposium is being presented by the New England Regional Art Museum, in partnership with the Friends of Myall Creek Memorial and the University of New England, as part of a program of events to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the Myall Creek Massacre on Friday 8 June at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre (UNE). The symposium will bring together academics from a range of disciplines and members of Aboriginal communities to discuss the historical, legal and cultural significance of the Myall Creek massacre and the annual memorial service which is nationally recognised as an important act of reconciliation.
Dr Cameron Moore from the School of Law is presenting a paper at the symposium, ‘Martial Law and War in the New England’ which will examine whether violence against Aboriginal peoples in the fledgling colony of New South Wales constituted war at common law, and the implications for future relationships between First Peoples and other Australians. Marcelle Burns from the School of Law will also chair a panel session, and is a member of the Friends of Myall Creek Memorial (Armidale) and the symposium organising committee. The symposium will feature a keynote address by leading Indigenous historian Professor Bruce Pascoe, and author of the book Dark Emu, which attempts to rebut colonial myths that justified Aboriginal dispossession and colonisation in Australia. Other speakers at the symposium include:
- Dr Fabri Blacklock, School of Art & Design, UNSW;
- Callum Clayton-Dixon and Gabi Briggs, University of New England;
- Dr Julie Collins, Lecturer, School of Humanities, University of New England;
- Dr Julie Gough, Tasmanian contemporary artist, writer and curator;
- Professor Jane Lydon, Wesfarmers Chair in Australian History, University of Western Australia;
- Scott McDougall, Caxton Legal Centre Inc*;
- Rory O’Connor, CEO, Yugambeh Museum;
- Professor Lyndall Ryan, Chair, Newcastle Centre for the History of Violence and Foundation Professor of Australian Studies at University of Newcastle;
- Peter White, Head of Indigenous Strategy and Cultural Engagement, Sydney Living Museums;
For further information and to register visit Myall Creek and Beyond symposium
Registration costs are $100 (full registration) and $50 (concession for students, pensioners, Friends of Myall Creek and Friends of NERAM members). Members of the local Aboriginal community, and UNE staff and students are able to attend free of charge thanks to the support received from the Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Please register by emailing Tess Cullen: tcullen6@une.edu.au with your name, contact details and student/staff ID number and/or the community you represent.
The full program of events to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the Myall Creek Massacre include exhibitions at NERAM and the Armidale and Region Cultural Centre and Keeping Place (Armidale), the Sounds of the Country Concert (Roxy Theatre, Bingara) and the memorial ceremony on Sunday 10 June at Myall Creek, Bingara. For further information visit Myall Creek and Beyond
