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Page Last Updated:
Monday, 4 June 2012
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Home>About Knox>Local Aboriginal History
Knox City Council - Statement of Reconciliation
'We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations as the traditional custodians of the lands of the Knox Municipal District'.
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| Prior to Europeans settling in the Knox area, Aborigines from the Westernport and Yarra Yarra tribes were frequently seen hunting during the summer months throughout the Dandenong Ranges and its foothills, around the areas now known as Bayswater and The Basin. Members of these tribes continued to use the area, despite the encroachment of colonial settlement. Early settlers who established homesteads and cattle runs in the Rowville area in 1838 reported that aboriginals were often seen camping near their properties.
Members of the Yarra Yarra tribe often used Ferntree Gully as an access route to the Monbulk area where they gathered with other tribes for their annual rituals and ceremonies.
In 1837 it was decided to establish a Native Police force at Narrewarren, near Dandenong. After some initial management problems, an accommodation base was set up in the area now known as Police Paddocks, which is located at the southern tip of Knox. The Native Police Corp numbered 60 Troopers at its peak in 1851, however the force was disbanded in 1853. The City of Knox Coat of Arms includes a Native Policeman to commemorate the native aborigines historic contribution to Victoria's police force.
The Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation are acknowledged as traditional custodians of the land on which the City of Knox is located. On 27 June 2000 Knox City Council resolved to support the national process for reconciliation begun by a unanimous resolution of Federal Parliament in 1991.
Council supports reconciliation in Knox in several forms including participation on the Inter Council Aboriginal Issues Consultative Committee (ICACC). The committee seeks to:
- Provide an Aboriginal perspective to the operation of local government and other agencies
- Identify issues and areas where cooperation can be improved between local government bodies and indigenous communities
- Enhance and promote an understanding of aboriginal culture, society and heritage
- Observance of Sorry Day and Celebration of Reconciliation Week
Council flies both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Flags on Sorry Day and during Reconciliation Week.
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