Bourke Tin Camps to feature during NAIDOC Week

The organising committee – back l-r: Kevin Knight, Dwayne Willoughby, Victor Bartley, Venus Dixon, Sandra Kelly, Donna Willis. Seated: Maureen Bares-McKay, Joanne Edwards, Gertie Darrigo and Dot Martin. Photo: Ian Cole

Story by Tricia Duffield and Ian Cole

The once hidden history of the Aboriginal camps around the Bourke township is being honoured in a project that began during Reconciliation Week last year.

Twelve months on, the plan to identify the camps where many Bourke families grew up has progressed significantly.

On Friday, a meeting was held at the Bourke Council chambers to discuss the signage at each of the campsites and plan a celebration during NAIDOC Week.

Maureen Bates-Mackay is one of the people driving the project to preserve this important chapter in the history of Bourke, along with a group of dedicated volunteers, including Bourke Council’s Manager of Environmental Services Dwayne Willoughby.

Four camps have now been identified, in addition to the Pound Yard, which was honoured during a moving ceremony at last year’s NAIDOC Week.

“We’re going to celebrate those camps come NAIDOC Day, Friday 10 July,” Maureen said. “These camps are the Railway Camp, which is across the railway line, coming in from Mitchell Highway, the Sand Camp at North Bourke. and the Billabong Camp, which is down between Anson Street and Adelaide Street. […]

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