Details

Latitude

-31.99833333

Longitude

115.9622222

Start Date

1899

End Date

1908

Layer Warning:

This layer contains historical information about Aboriginal people that may be distressing. It contains names of people who have passed away.

In 1899 the Governor of Western Australia, John Forrest, gazetted a 500-acre reserve at Welshpool. It was intended be a central living area for Aborigines in the Perth metropolitan area who were physically incapable of working. It was thought they could camp there while their families grew flowers, fruit and vegetables for the local market and for themselves. Charles Timbul (Timble) and Ngilgie were the first residents at Welshpool Reserve. Unfortunately Nyoongars from all over the area were moved there as the new Chief Protector of Aborigines, Henry Prinsep, wanted all Aborigines in the metropolitan area moved to reserves. In 1903 it became a ration station but by 1908 was deserted. 1903 at Maamba: "They’d have a billy of tea with them. I suppose they drank it on the way and then mother’d make them a big billy of tea and they’d really enjoy the day out. And I think they used to come about, oh perhaps every couple of months or something. And I know I used to be very fascinated with them, to hear them talk. No boots and stockings on the nor anything, as tough as could be. But mother was very fond of the natives." (Melville or Melva Caporn. Melba White, oral history, 27 September 1979, 2. Police, Gazette, August 1952, 318. Bodney, Melva, @ Bodney, Melba, Cited in Cook 2016)

Sources