Erambie Mission facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Erambie Mission New South Wales
Erambie Mission Location in New South Wales
LGA(s)	Cowra Shire
State electorate(s)	Cootmundra
Federal Division(s)	Riverina

Erambie Mission is an important Aboriginal community. It is located on the western side of the Lachlan River. This community is about 2.5 kilometers from the town of Cowra. Erambie is in the Central West region of New South Wales, Australia.

Erambie Mission: A Community's Story

Erambie was once managed by the New South Wales Government. It was known as an Aboriginal reserve. This means it was a specific area set aside for Aboriginal people to live.

Life and Culture at Erambie

The Erambie community was full of life and talent. It had a famous football team called the Erambie Allblacks. Many talented musicians also lived in the community. During World War II, about 70,000 soldiers were training in Cowra. People from Erambie Mission would perform for these troops. They even helped raise money to support the war effort.

A respected woman named Jane Murray was a key leader in the community. She was like a mother figure to many. Jane had nine children and worked with a doctor in Cowra.

Community Layout and Rules

The mission was designed with three streets. These streets were laid out in a grid pattern. Houses were built close together. However, Erambie did not have any shops or a library. It became home to most of the 700 Aboriginal people in the Cowra area. The mission was already established by 1937.

Residents at Erambie had to follow many strict rules. But even in the 1940s, the community was known for its strong spirit. People from Erambie often protested for Aboriginal rights. They wanted fair treatment and respect.

Erambie in Arts and Services

The famous writer Bob Merritt grew up in Erambie. His 1975 play, The Cake Man, showed what life was like on the mission. It helped people understand the experiences of the community.

The Cowra ACS (Aboriginal Children's Services) also had its base at Erambie. It operated there from 1975 until 2008. This service helped Aboriginal children and families.

Notable People from Erambie

Many important people have lived in or come from Erambie Mission. They have made significant contributions to their communities and to Australia.

Dr. Laurie Bamblett

Dr. Laurie Bamblett grew up in Erambie. In 2015, he was a research fellow at the National Centre for Indigenous Studies. This center is part of the Australian National University. Dr. Bamblett spent over 20 years creating and running health and education programs in Erambie. His work greatly helped the community.

Other Prominent Residents

Other well-known people who have lived in Erambie include:

• Isabel Coe
• Paul Coe
• Elsie Heiss, who is the mother of Anita Heiss
• Bob Merritt (1945–2011), a talented writer
• Jenny Munro
• Mum Shirl (Smith)
• Harry Wedge
• Claude "Candy" Williams
• Harry Williams