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A Wiradjuri warrior, thought to be Windradyne
Born	c. 1800 Northern Wiradjuri nation (Central West (New South Wales))
Died	21 March 1829 (aged 29–30) Bathurst, New South Wales
Resting place	Brucedale Station, Peel
Monuments	Grave of Windradyne
Other names	Saturday, Windrodine, Windradene
Occupation	Warrior
Years active	1822–1829
Known for	Fighting British settlers

Windradyne (born around 1800, died March 21, 1829) was a brave Aboriginal leader. He belonged to the Wiradjuri nation in central-western New South Wales, Australia. British settlers also knew him as Saturday. Windradyne led his people during a challenging time. He worked to protect his community and their land from the expanding British settlements. This period is often called the Bathurst War.

Who Was Windradyne?
- Windradyne's Appearance
British Settlers Arrive
- Crossing the Blue Mountains
- Early Meetings with Wiradjuri People
The Bathurst War Begins
- Growing Tensions and Conflicts
- Martial Law and Its Impact
Seeking Peace and Reconciliation
- The Parramatta Feast of 1824
Windradyne's Final Years
Remembering Windradyne
See also

Who Was Windradyne?

Most of what we know about Windradyne comes from British records of his time. We believe he was born around 1800. An article written after his death in 1829 suggested he was about 30 years old. It is thought he did not have children.

Windradyne's Appearance

People described Windradyne as a strong and impressive man. He had broad shoulders and muscular arms. He had dark brown skin and thick, curly black hair. He often wore a headband and had a long beard. One drawing thought to be of Windradyne shows him as a powerful Wiradjuri warrior.

When Windradyne met Governor Thomas Brisbane in 1824, people were impressed. A newspaper called him "one of the finest looking natives." They noted his strong build and "noble looking countenance." Another person said he was "a very fine figure, very muscular." These descriptions show he was a respected and striking leader.

British Settlers Arrive

The arrival of British settlers in Australia in 1788 led to many changes. As more settlers arrived, they moved further into Aboriginal lands. This often caused disagreements and conflicts. These events are known as the Australian frontier wars.

Crossing the Blue Mountains

For many years, the Blue Mountains protected the Wiradjuri lands. They kept British settlers from moving into central New South Wales. But in 1813, explorers found a way across the mountains. They saw vast lands, which were the home of the Wiradjuri people.

Soon after, in 1814, a road was built over the mountains. In 1815, Governor Lachlan Macquarie visited the area. He chose the spot for the town of Bathurst. This opened the region for British settlement.

Early Meetings with Wiradjuri People

At first, some meetings between Wiradjuri people and British explorers were friendly. In 1813, a surveyor named George Evans met Wiradjuri women and children. He shared fish and gifts with them. Governor Macquarie also met Wiradjuri people in 1815. He described them as "inoffensive and cleanly." His aide called them "harmless and inoffensive."

Windradyne would have been a teenager at this time. It's possible he was among those who met the British. However, as more settlers arrived, tensions grew. The Wiradjuri people began to lose access to their traditional lands. Their hunting grounds, water sources, and sacred sites were affected. This led to increasing conflict.

The Bathurst War Begins

After Governor Macquarie left, Governor Thomas Brisbane took over in 1821. He encouraged faster settlement in the Bathurst region. Many new settlers arrived, which put a strain on resources. This also created more problems between the Wiradjuri people and the settlers. Windradyne, a young man in his early twenties, became a main leader for the Wiradjuri. He led his people in defending their way of life. This period of conflict is known as the Bathurst War.

Growing Tensions and Conflicts

In 1822, Windradyne is believed to have led some early actions. These included attacks on settler livestock. More attacks on settlers and their workers were reported. These actions made some settlers fearful. Some even left their properties.

In late 1823, Windradyne was linked to conflicts where two workers died. Soldiers were sent to arrest him. It took several soldiers to capture him. He was sentenced to one month in prison. A newspaper reported that the Wiradjuri explained their actions. They said "white men have driven away all the kangaroos." They felt they needed to take settler cattle for food.

After Windradyne's release, conflicts continued to grow. There were tragic losses of life among the Wiradjuri people. This included women and children. Some settlers also faced attacks. The Wiradjuri warriors, led by Windradyne, sought to protect their community. They used their knowledge of the land to their advantage.

Martial Law and Its Impact

By August 1824, the situation was very serious. Governor Brisbane declared martial law in the region. This gave soldiers more power over Aboriginal people. More troops were sent to Bathurst. This led to a sharp increase in violence. Many Wiradjuri people suffered greatly and lost their lives. It is estimated that a large number of Wiradjuri people in the Bathurst area died during this time.

A reward was offered for Windradyne's capture. Despite this, he was never caught or betrayed. The heavy losses eventually led many Wiradjuri people to seek peace. Governor Brisbane ended martial law in December 1824.

Seeking Peace and Reconciliation

After the intense conflicts, Windradyne gathered his people. They decided to seek a formal end to the fighting. The Governor held an annual gathering for Aboriginal people in Parramatta each December. This seemed like a safe place for Windradyne to meet the Governor.

The Parramatta Feast of 1824

On December 28, 1824, Windradyne led his Wiradjuri people on a long journey. They traveled nearly 200 kilometers across the mountains to Parramatta. At the feast, Windradyne became the center of attention. Governor Brisbane formally granted him a pardon.

A newspaper described the event as very special. Many different Aboriginal groups attended. Governor Brisbane was also present. Windradyne, known as 'Saturday', led his tribe. He wore a straw hat with the word "PEACE" on it. He also had a small branch, like an olive branch, symbolizing peace. This showed his desire for an end to the conflicts.

Governor Brisbane reported to his superior that Windradyne had come to receive his pardon. He was happy that the "great and most warlike Chieftain" attended the conference. After the meeting, Windradyne returned to Bathurst. He continued to be a respected figure among his people.

Windradyne's Final Years

Windradyne passed away in 1829. Accounts of his death are slightly different. They agree he was injured in a tribal fight near the Macquarie River. He was then taken to Bathurst Hospital.

One report says he died in the hospital. He spoke to his people until the end. He was then buried nearby with his weapons. Another story, passed down by the Suttor family, suggests something different. It says Windradyne left the hospital. He returned to his people at Brucedale Station. There, he died from his injuries. He was given a traditional Wiradjuri burial at sunrise. He was seated, facing the rising sun, wrapped in his cloak with his weapons. This second account is likely more accurate. His recognized grave site is indeed on Brucedale Station.

Remembering Windradyne

Plaque at Windradyne's grave

Today, Windradyne is still honored as a great Wiradjuri warrior. His grave site on Brucedale Station is an important place. In 1954, a monument and plaque were placed there. In 2006, the site was officially recognized for its historical importance.

Wiradjuri people have planted trees around his grave in a special diamond shape. This honors his memory.

A suburb in Bathurst is named after Windradyne. One of the student buildings at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga also carries his name.

In 2004, Windradyne was honored in the New South Wales Parliament Buildings. A cloak representing him was displayed. It spoke of his leadership and resistance around Bathurst.

In 2008, Windradyne's story was featured in the documentary series First Australians. He is also the subject of a song by Troy Cassar-Daley.