In 1867, Dan Dan Nook, Willem Baa Niip, and Harry Gore, believed to be the last three Wadawurrung men still living traditionally on Wadawurrung Country, were instructed by Mayor Johnstone to plant three memorial She-oaks in Johnstone Park, where the Gordon Institute of Technology now stands.

In 1868, when Harry passed away, Mayor Johnstone prepared a tombstone at the Western (Herne Hill) Cemetery. Many things contributed to the rapid decrease of Wadawurrung on their Country. Disease, violence and the theft of their land had killed so many. But King Jerry and King Billy, as they were known in Geelong, were survivors.

They had been confined to one acre of land on Ghazeepore Road in Waurn Ponds. Despite being deprived of their families and their fishing and hunting grounds, often starving and lonely, they did not give up. Dan Dan Nook competed in the pedestrian races in Geelong, organised by the Commun na Feinne, the Geelong-based Scottish Highland society, that sought to create an inclusive, harmonious and just environment. Dan Dan Nook won a medal for ‘best runner’ in 1860, but it failed to register with the colonial government.

In 1866, Dan Dan Nook was referred to by Mayor Johnstone to the visiting Governor as one of a ‘doomed race.’ Listening to the Mayor speak of the injustice that had befallen his people that day, though, Dan Dan Nook was inspired. He went to court to claim compensation for having his lands stolen. According to the Geelong Advertiser, Dan Dan Nook ‘proclaimed his intention of demanding restitution of all provinces of which he has been illegally deprived, having held them by indefeasible title from time immemorial.’ Dan Dan Nook was mistaken for being drunk and thrown out. He died in 1870.

In 1877, Willem Baa Niip took up the fight, arguing in court that a man had kicked him off land that had been his ancestral country for 2000 generations. Again, just like Dan Dan Nook, there was no acknowledgement of the pain and suffering visited upon Willem Baa Niip as a result of his removal from his ancestral Country.  He died in 1885, completely alone, having died fighting for his rights for his land. As for the She-oaks, all trace of them is gone. The fact that Wadawurrung People and Culture have managed to survive and thrive demonstrates enormous strength, resilience and adaptability.

Text: Maria Takolander and Corrina Eccles