Simon Wonga facts for kids

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

Simon Wonga (1824–1874) was an important elder of the Wurundjeri people. He was the son of Billibellary and a leader known as a ngurungaeta. His people lived in the Melbourne area of Australia before European settlers arrived. Simon Wonga was determined to help his people thrive even as new settlers came to their lands.

Simon Wonga's Life

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

In 1840, Wonga hurt his foot in the Dandenongs area. His father searched for him. When he was found, Wonga was taken to a homestead. From there, he was moved by a cart to Melbourne. He was cared for by William Thomas, who helped Aboriginal people, and his wife Susannah for two months.

Becoming a Leader

Simon Wonga's father passed away in 1846. By 1851, Simon Wonga was recognized as the leader, or ngurungaeta, of the Wurundjeri and Kulin people.

Around 1848, he joined the Native Police Corps. He led groups of armed and mounted police. They worked with Captain Dana during the early years of Victoria's gold rush. The Corps was later ended in 1853. After that, Simon Wonga worked with several important people. He also sometimes guided artists like Eugene Von Guerard and Nicholas Chevalier who painted landscapes.

He was often a guest of Lilly and Paul de Castella at Yering Station. His family stayed further up the Yarra River during this time. A special area was set aside for them there. However, a gold rush in 1858 made them move.

Seeking Land for His People

In February 1859, Simon Wonga, then 35, and his brother Tommy Munnering, 24, led some Wurundjeri elders. They asked William Thomas to help them get land for the Taungurong people. They wanted land where the Acheron and Goulburn rivers meet.

Wonga told Thomas, "I bring my friends Goulburn Blacks, they want a block of land in their country where they may sit down plant corn potatoes etc etc, and work like white man."

At first, the Victorian Government seemed to agree. But a powerful land owner, 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 site. This place was Coranderrk, near Healesville. They asked to own this land. This meeting happened during celebrations for the Prince of Wales's marriage. An artist named Nicholas Chevalier drew the scene, and it was printed in newspapers. The people were allowed to use the land, but they were not given full ownership.

Simon Wonga was also a successful businessman. He traded building materials, baskets, meats, and labor with farmers and miners.

Personal Life and Passing

Simon Wonga was married three times. Two of his wives were Gunai Kurnai women. It is thought that none of his children survived. In 1865, a newspaper reported on the death of "Captain Tom," who was called "the son of Wonga." He had died from lung and heart disease.

Simon Wonga himself passed away in 1874. It is generally believed he died from tuberculosis.

His cousin, William Barak, became the ngurungaeta after Simon Wonga's death.

Simon Wonga's Legacy

The Melbourne suburb of Wonga Park is named after him. He also gave the name Donna Buang to a mountain in the upper Yarra area. Wonga Road in Millgrove was named in his honor. Mount Wonga in Gippsland is also named after him.