October

18 October: Anniversary of the closure of Wybalenna, Flinders Island

Wybalenna is one of the most significant Aboriginal historical places in Tasmania. It is located on the west coast of Flinders Island, the largest island in the eastern part of Bass Strait.

George Robinson’s so-called friendly mission from 1829 to 1831, and the Black Line in 1830, led to an agreement – or, some say, a treaty – between Aboriginal clan leaders and Governor Arthur in October 1831. The agreement led to the progressive removal of Aboriginal People from mainland Tasmania from 1831 to 1835. The forced exile of Tasmanian Aboriginal People to Wybalenna on Flinders Island paved the way for the unimpeded ongoing invasion of Tasmanian Aboriginal lands.

Following the departure of George Robinson to Port Philip (now Victoria) in February 1839, there was a dramatic reduction in resources provided to the Settlement. Most of the convicts and soldiers were removed. Doctor Jeanneret was appointed Commandant in 1842. Children were again removed to the Orphan School against their parents’ wishes. In February 1846, Walter Arthur and other Aboriginal People petitioned Queen Victoria to prevent Jeanneret returning. In spite of the petition, Jeanneret was reinstated. Conflict escalated and in 1847, Governor Denison ordered the closure of Wybalenna.

By the time the settlement closed in 1847, approximately 130 people had died at Wybalenna. On 18 October 1847, the remaining 14 men, 23 women and 10 children were removed from Wybalenna and taken to the former convict station at putalina/Oyster Cove.

31 October: Anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act

The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 was Australia’s first federal human rights and discrimination law. Enacted shortly after the formal abandonment of the While Australia Policy, it was also a legislative expression of a new commitment to multiculturalism.

The Act promotes equality between people of different background, and it protects people from unfair treatment or vilification on the basis of their race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin. The Race Discrimination Commissioner works with governments, partners, education providers, the media and workplaces to help organisations understand their rights and meet their legal responsibilities.

Find out more about racial discrimination on the Australian Human Rights Commission website.