Simon Wonga facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Simon Wonga
Portrait by Carl Walter, 1866
Born	c. 1824
Died	1874

Simon Wonga (born around 1824, died 1874) was an important elder and leader (called a ngurungaeta) of the Wurundjeri people. He was the son of another respected leader, Billibellary. Simon Wonga lived in the Melbourne area of Australia before European settlers arrived. He was determined to help his people thrive despite the changes brought by the new settlers.

Simon Wonga's Early Life and Leadership

In 1835, Simon Wonga was present when his father and other Wurundjeri elders met with John Batman. They witnessed the signing of a very important agreement, sometimes called a "treaty." This agreement led to the start of a permanent British settlement in Victoria.

In 1840, Wonga hurt his foot in the Dandenong Ranges. His father, Billibellary, searched for him. When found, Billibellary carried him to a homestead. From there, Wonga was taken back to Melbourne by a cart. He was cared for by William Thomas, an Assistant Protector, and his wife Susannah, who looked after his wound for two months.

After his father passed away in 1846, Simon Wonga became a recognized main leader, or ngurungaeta, for the Wurundjeri and Kulin people. This happened by 1851.

Around 1848, he joined the Native Police Corps. He led groups on horseback with Captain Dana during the early days of Victoria's gold rush, helping to keep order. After the Corps was closed down in 1853, he worked with important people like Colonel Joseph Anderson and Joseph Panton. He also guided famous landscape painters such as Eugene Von Guerard and Nicholas Chevalier. He often visited Lilly and Paul de Castella at Yering Station. Meanwhile, his family stayed further up the Yarra River near Woori Yallock. A special area was set aside for them there, but a gold rush in 1858 changed things.

Working for Land Rights

In February 1859, some Wurundjeri elders, led by Simon Wonga (who was about 35) and his brother Tommy Munnering, asked Protector Thomas for help. They wanted to get land for the Taungurong people where the Acheron and Goulburn rivers meet. He told Thomas, "My friends, the Goulburn people, want a piece of land in their home country. They want to settle there, grow food like corn and potatoes, and work like European settlers."

At first, the Victorian Government seemed to agree with their request. However, a very powerful landowner named Hugh Glass interfered. This led to the people being moved to a colder place called Mohican Station. This land was not good for farming, so they had to leave it.

Finally, in March 1863, the Kulin people suggested a traditional camping spot at Coranderrk, near Healesville. They asked to own this land. This important meeting happened during celebrations for the Prince of Wales's wedding. Artist Nicholas Chevalier drew the scene, and it was shown in newspapers across the country. They were given access to the land. However, it was important that they did not get full ownership of it.

Simon Wonga was also a successful businessman. He traded building materials, handmade baskets, meats, and his labor with farmers and miners. This was noted by Fred Cahir in his book Black Gold (2013).

Family and Passing

Simon Wonga was married several times. Sadly, it is believed that none of his children lived to adulthood. In 1865, a newspaper reported on the death of "Captain Tom," who was believed to be Wonga's son. He passed away from lung and heart problems near Bendigo. The report mentioned his young wife, Eliza, who was from the Goulburn people.

Simon Wonga passed away in 1874, likely from a serious illness called tuberculosis. His cousin, William Barak, became the next ngurungaeta after Simon Wonga passed away.

Simon Wonga's Lasting Legacy

Many places are named after Simon Wonga, honoring his memory. The Melbourne area called Wonga Park is named after him. He gave the name Donna Buang to Joseph Panton for a mountain in the Yarra region. Wonga Road in Millgrove was also named to honor him. Mount Wonga in Gippsland is another place named after him. People tried to find gold there in the 1920s, but it wasn't successful. A group called the Wonga Wonga Society was formed in Gippsland in the early 1900s. They worked to protect the environment.