Wave Hill Walk-off remembered

One of the most significant events in the history of Aboriginal land rights has been remembered in the Northern Territory, Bill Code reports.

wave hill protest
One of the most significant events in the history of Aboriginal land rights has been remembered in the Northern Territory. The Gurrindji people have been re-enacting what's known as the Walk-off.

In August 1966, Vincent Lingiari, a Gurindji spokesman, led a walk-off of 200 Aboriginal stockmen, house servants, and their families from Wave Hill as a protest against the work and pay conditions.

The strike was part of a widespread campaign begun by workers on Brunette Downs Station and supported by non-Indigenous people, including unionists and the author Frank Hardy.

The protesters camped at Wattie Creek (Daguragu) and sought the return of some of their traditional lands to develop a cattle station.

They petitioned the Governor-General in 1967, and leaders toured Australia to raise awareness about their cause.

Wave Hill Station is located approximately 600 kilometres south of Darwin in the Northern Territory.

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Published 29 August 2011 3:51pm
Updated 3 September 2013 5:56pm
Source: SBS

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