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Minnamurra River massacre facts for kids

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Minnamurra River massacre
Date 1 October 1818
Location
Minnamurra River bank, Illawarra
Result European victory, a massacre
Belligerents
Lt. William Frederick Weston, Cornelius O'Brien, convicts and labourers Unknown clan, Wodiwodi language group
Commanders and leaders
Lt. William Frederick Weston Unknown
Strength
nine Unknown
Casualties and losses
None over six, exact number unknown

The Minnamurra River massacre was a sad event that happened in 1818. It took place along the Minnamurra River in Australia. During this event, nine European settlers attacked a group of Wodiwodi people. The exact number of Wodiwodi people involved is not known.

This attack happened on October 1, 1818. A group of Indigenous Australians, from the Wodiwodi people, were attacked. This happened on the banks of the Minnamurra River. The attack was led by Lt. William Frederick Weston, a property owner from Dapto. His overseer, Cornelius O'Brien, was also involved. Seven other convicts and labourers joined them.

The group attacked an Aboriginal campsite very early in the morning. They used muskets, swords, and knives attached to long sticks. The settlers said they were trying to get back two muskets. They claimed these muskets had been lent to the Aboriginal people.

Where Did the Minnamurra River Massacre Happen?

Minnamurra Aerial
This picture shows the Minnamurra River from above. You can see the river's mouth and the land around it.

For a long time, historians disagreed about the exact spot of the massacre. But now, new research has helped. Historian Professor Lyndall Ryan from the Newcastle University led this work. They have now agreed on the approximate location.

This research is part of a big project. It aims to map out many massacre sites across New South Wales. So far, they estimate there were at least 150 massacres in this area. About 6,000 people died in these events. Across all of Australia, this research has found at least 311 massacres. These events happened over 140 years.

Aboriginal Liaison Officers in the Illawarra area say they know the exact location. However, they have kept these details private. The Kiama Council has plans for a special memorial. It will be placed along the proposed Minnamurra boardwalk. A memorial service was planned for the 200th anniversary of the massacre.

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