The recent history of First Nations Peoples across Australia is marked by both tragedy and resilience. The deliberate and unlawful killing of First Nations People during colonial frontier massacres left lasting scars on families and communities. The violent events that took place in Bathurst in 2024, including the Bathurst War and the declaration of Martial Law, had impacts that can still be felt today by Wiradyuri people. This time in Bathurst’s history is being remembered from August 11th to 17th in Dhuluny, a series of ceremonies and events commemorating the 200-year anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in Bathurst on 14 August 1824.
Dhuluny is an opportunity for people to learn, through truth-telling, a more accurate history of Wiradyuri Country and the way Wiradyuri people fought for their lands and culture. One prominent figure in the Bathurst War was the warrior Windradyne, who along with his warriors led significant resistance against the Europeans during the early 1820s, using guerrilla tactics to attack cattle stations and drive off livestock and stockmen. The Wiradyuri warriors’ knowledge of their land allowed them to strike unexpectedly and evade capture, and their courage and legacy endure as a symbol of resistance against colonisation.
To learn more about Windradyne and the Bathurst War, the book Gudyarra: The first Wiradyuri war of resistance (pictured above) is available through the CSU Library. It talks about the organised resistance efforts led by Wiradyuri people, focusing on the leadership of Windradyne, as well as other prominent figures like Blucher and Jingler. Gudyarra, written by Stephen Gapps, highlights how these leaders and their communities coordinated their efforts to oppose the invasion of their lands, engaging in warfare to defend their territory and way of life.
The Bathurst War remains a painful chapter in Wiradyuri and Australian history. We honour the memory of those who suffered while recognising the strength of those who resisted, and those who still fight today for justice, land rights, cultural preservation, and social equity.
Dhuluny has been planned and coordinated by the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation (WTOCWAC), who kindly provided information for this post. If you’d like to continue to learn, acknowledge and work toward reconciliation, take a look at the following websites:
- Dhuluny: 200 years of Wiradyuri resistance: Get more information about Dhuluny and see the program of local events.
- Wahluu Wiradyuri website: Learn more about WTOCWAC events, work and achievements.
- Bathurst Regional Art Gallery: Dhuluny – the war that never ended: This exhibition responds to Martial Law, truth-telling about frontier wars, and the ongoing violence still experienced by First Nations People.
- AIATSIS First Nations Teaching resources on the Bathurst War, other frontier wars and warriors, and First Nations stories.
- Bicentenary of the Legislative Council and Wiradjuri history: Read the Hon. Jeremy Buckingham’s speech acknowledging the Gudyarra or war against the Wiradyuri people, and the need to recognise and respect this history.
The Bathurst campus Library has a book display with different titles on Wiradyuri resistance, the resistance of other First Nations Countries, and the continuing action from First Nations communities for justice and equity today – come in and visit us to check it out!