James Wandin facts for kids

James Wandin (born July 28, 1933 – died February 20, 2006) was a respected leader of the Wurundjeri people. He was known as the ngurungaeta, which is a traditional leader or elder, until his death in 2006. James Wandin was also a pioneering Australian rules football player. He was the first Aboriginal player to join the St Kilda Football Club in 1952. People often called him Jim, Jimmy, or Juby.

James Wandin's Family History

James Wandin had a strong connection to his family and heritage. He was the great-great nephew of William Barak, who was also a very important Wurundjeri leader. William Barak was known as the last traditional ngurungaeta of the Wurundjeri-willam clan.

James Wandin was born in 1933 at Coranderrk Station. This was a special place for Aboriginal people. He was the very last person born there. He was born in the home of his grandmother, Jemima Wandin. Coranderrk Station officially closed in 1923. However, Jemima Wandin and four other elderly people refused to leave. She is buried in the Coranderrk Cemetery.

His father, Jarlo Wandoon, faced challenges because he was Aboriginal. He tried to join the army for World War I but was turned away. He then used a different name, James Wandin, and was accepted. He served in France during the war. After returning home, Jarlo Wandoon still faced unfair rules. He needed police permission to visit his own mother at Coranderrk. He was only allowed a short visit before being sent to the Lake Tyers Mission.

Later, Jarlo found work with the Postmaster-General's Department. This allowed him to buy land in Healesville. This meant his family could have a home on their traditional Wurundjeri land.

Football Career

James Wandin was one of ten children in his family. He left school at 15 in 1949. He started playing Australian rules football for the Healesville seconds team. His team won the championship, and he was named the "Best and Fairest" player. This award goes to the player who performs best and shows the most sportsmanship.

He then moved up to play with the senior Healesville team. They also won a championship in 1951. In 1952, he joined the St Kilda Football Club. He trained with them at Junction Oval. James Wandin made history as the first Aboriginal footballer to play for St Kilda. He played as a centre half forward. At that time, other Aboriginal players in the VFL (Victorian Football League) included Norm McDonald from Essendon and Eddie Jackson from Melbourne.

James Wandin played 17 games for St Kilda. He left the club because he felt "homesick" and lacked support. In 1952, he was also called up for National Service.

After leaving St Kilda, he became a player-coach for the Healesville seniors in 1954. He coached until 1961. He also worked for the Postmaster-General's Department for 37 years. Even with his job, he continued to coach football in Healesville and Apollo Bay.

Role as Ngurungaeta

James Wandin held the important position of Ngurungaeta for the Wurundjeri nation. This role meant he was a respected elder and leader. He was also the President of the Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council. This council works to protect Wurundjeri land and culture.

In 2000, James Wandin and Carolyn Briggs made history. They represented the Wurundjeri and Boonerwurung peoples of the Kulin nation. They gave special welcome to country speeches at the Victorian Parliament. This happened on May 26, 2000. In his speech, Wandin pointed out that Parliament Hill was once a ceremonial corroboree ground for the Wurundjeri.

He ended his speech to parliament with powerful words:

We are sorry for the pain and suffering of our ancestors, and we will never forget them. We need to heal and strengthen ourselves to continue on with their struggle for equality and justice for Aboriginal people. We as the Wurundjeri people urge the Victorian government not to lose sight of this significant change to history. Otherwise we may never have cultural harmony. To achieve this will not be easy, and we all recognise that. Positive action and your support will help us to find the necessary answers along the way to reforms compatible and acceptable to all.

Times are changing. You the Victorian government have invited and welcomed us to your place, and we as the traditional owners and custodians of this land give back to you our welcome. Wominjeka yearmenn koondee-bik Wurundjeri-Ballak, which simply means, 'Welcome to the land of the Wurundjeri people'.

His Legacy

James Wandin passed away from cancer in February 2006. Before he died, he officially named his nephew, Murrundindi, as his successor. This meant Murrundindi would become the next Wurundjeri Ngurungaeta. After James Wandin's death, his partner, Judy Freeman, gave Murrundindi a special hunting boomerang called a lil-lal. She also gave him a sprig of pale yellow wattle. These were symbols of his new leadership.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Healesville football oval to honor James Wandin. They remembered him as a respected Wurundjeri elder and a great footballer. He was buried at Healesville Cemetery, as he had wished. His grave is in the shadow of Mount Riddell.

To remember his contributions, an award called the Wandin Medal was created. It is given to the best and fairest player in division two of the Yarra Valley Mountain Football League. The James (Juby) Wandin Memorial Match was also started by the Yarra Glen Football Club. This match celebrates James Wandin's 55 years in football as a player and coach. The first memorial match in May 2008 raised money for a memorial at his grave and for a special trophy.