Local Sorry Day

For countless centuries, the Pine Rivers Shire occupied families of the Australian Aboriginals. The most reliable method of distinguishing the tribes was through language spoken.

Living in bark huts, or open campsites, most of the tribes remained within the boundaries of their territories, others were nomadic, were a free race of people, living strictly by their own beliefs and traditions, living in clans of approximately fifty to sixty people, close to the many creeks and lagoons, to feast on the abundance of wild fowl, fish, and eel in the area.

Land natives would select a hunting site near swamps and waterholes to capture various birds, cockatoos, swans, and other wildlife to be found there, although the larger animals as the kangaroo, possums, wallabies, Emu and other reptiles and marsupials were the main diet. Other foods included eggs, yarns, nuts, wild fruit and berries, and many other vegetation which grew in the area.

Aboriginal laws for hunting were strict and clearly defined. If a hunter was in violation of these laws, it would not be tolerated; he would be put to death. He would track and kill an animal, or gather enough food only to suffice his appetite; one would kill only for survival, never fore the sake of killing.

Tribal population was limited, to ensure the supply of food was not exhausted. Preservation of life was restricted to only the strong and the able, the weakest members being killed in tribal clashes. No children diseased or deformed were allowed to survive.

When a member of the tribe died, the sacred ceremonies and rituals would be performed, and gifts of weapons and tools were offered, enabling his spirit to hunt for food. Following a death, the tribe renounced their camping grounds, and moved to another.

There was never theft, or dishonesty among the aboriginal clans. By the severe laws of discipline to which they adhered, the items were sacred until the return of the owners.

Infidelity of the wives, or an improper act of a maiden was unknown for the penalty would be death.

The children were eager to learn the traditions, customs, legends that were handed down from generation to generation. All this being part of the preparation, to introduce precision and accuracy in the hunting skills.

From 1799, when Matthew Flinders landed at Bribe Island, the customs of countless centuries began a slow but sure pattern of decline.

The 2007 repeated rape by 9 men of a 10 year old over two weeks shows the strict customs and discipline of countless centuries has gone. The abhorrent sanctioning of that act by a government court employee is worse than the act (if that’s possible).

July 16th, Bribe Landing Day – should be local “Sorry Day”.

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