Paddy Island facts for kids
Paddy Island is an island located in the Burnett River, northeast of the city of Bundaberg in Queensland, Australia. Its exact location is about 24° 50’ South and 152° 22’ East.
Island's Name: Where Did It Come From?
When the Burnett River was first surveyed on September 29, 1868, the island was called Coodes Island. This name was given by the District Surveyor, John Charlton Thompson.
Paddy Island and Its Past
Paddy Island has a significant history, especially regarding the Taribelang people, who are the traditional owners of this land.
In 1849, a sad event occurred near what is now Gin Gin. Two young brothers, John and Peter Pegg, who were looking after sheep, died during a conflict with local Taribelang clansmen.
Following this, Gregory Blaxland Jr., a settler, led a group to respond to the conflict. This led to a clash at a sugar plantation south of Bundaberg. During this time, the Indigenous people bravely defended themselves with spears against the settlers' firearms.
The Taribelang people saw Gregory Blaxland Jr. as a main figure in the conflicts against them. In 1850, Blaxland Jr. was killed at his farm.
In response, settlers and their workers organized a group to seek revenge. They were guided by an Indigenous woman and tracked the Taribelang people down the Burnett River. Many Indigenous people had gathered at a place now known as Waterview Station, near Paddy Island.
A major conflict then took place. Many people died while trying to cross from the west bank of the Burnett River to Paddy Island. It is believed that hundreds of people lost their lives during this tragic event.
Today, different groups of traditional owners and neighboring tribes are still discussing who has the right to care for Paddy Island.
