The streets of Moree were once again flooded with red, yellow and black on Saturday, as a large group marched to remember those who sacrificed their lives for this country during the tragic Waterloo Creek massacre.
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While many people were celebrating Australia Day on January 26, a number of people took to the streets of Moree to commemorate the 181st anniversary of the Waterloo Creek massacre which occurred on January 26, 1838.
About 80 indigenous and non-indigenous people gathered at Moree Court House where they began a peaceful march to Jellicoe Park, via Balo Street.
At Jellicoe Park, everyone gathered around to share stories and tell yarns about the significance of the day.
Organiser Paul Spearim Snr said people need to be aware of the history of Gamilaraay people.
“There were massacres in this place and it needs to be talked about,” he said.
“People need to realise there have been more than 500 massacres in Gamilaroi alone. That’s an important story for everyone to hold in their heart and soul. Because it tells of our resilience, how strong our Gamilaraay people are because we’re still here.
“It doesn’t matter it there’s 50,000 people in our march or one person, because it only takes one to stand up and understand that they belong.
“It’s really good that all you mob decided to march across the street, just to show people that we are proud, we are still here, and we understand our connection back to Gamilaroi country.”
Paul Spearim Jnr said Survival Day, or Invasion Day, is about honouring the people who died during Australia’s frontier wars, particularly those who lost their lives during the Waterloo Creek massacre.
“It’s about remembering the sacrifices of those old people,” he said.
“Essentially, they died fighting for our country. They’re our Anzacs.
“Those people that died fighting for our way of life. There’s some Aboriginal nations across the country that don’t exist because they fought, they fought to the end.
“Today, I’d like to acknowledge the sacrifices of our ancestors and what they did for us.”
Moree Plains Shire Council acting general manager Angus Witherby also attended the gathering, in both an official and personal capacity.
“I stood here with the mayor Katrina Humphries two years ago, and we made a commitment as council to work with Gamilaraay people to commemorate the Waterloo Creek massacre,” he said.
“We continue to be committed to that.
“[Today] is very important to me too. As far as I’m concerned, ‘always was, always will be, Aboriginal land’. That’s number one. Number two, this is not a day, and this is my personal view, that we should be celebrating. This is a day for commemoration. We want to celebrate Australia as the modern Australia, let’s find a different day.”
The gathering also involved a smoking ceremony, music, and a barbecue.