Acknowledgement of Country

Bollards Electrical Solutions would like to show our respect to Elders past and present and on the lands we stand. Further to this we pay huge respect and love to the Tribal Peoples that lost their lives in the Pinjarra Massacre.

The Pinjarra Massacre of 1834, also known as the Battle of Pinjarra, was a large-scale colonial attack in Western Australia. Led by Governor James Stirling, British forces violently confronted the Bindjareb Noongar people amid rising tensions over land and resources. This violent event resulted in significant loss of life among the Noongar men, women, and children, leaving a lasting scar on Indigenous communities. While the exact death toll remains uncertain, estimates suggest a substantial number of casualties.

Today, it is recognised as a key moment in the history of colonial violence in Australia. The massacre remains a painful reminder of colonial violence, with memorials and commemorations by both Noongar and non-Noongar communities ensuring that the event is remembered today.

Sources:

Goot, M. (2019, November 18). The Pinjarra Massacre: It’s time to speak the truth of this terrible slaughter. The Guardian>. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/18/the-pinjarra-massacre-its-time-to-speak-the-truth-of-this-terrible-slaughter

Wainwright, J. (2021). Colonial violence in Australia: A case study of the Pinjarra Massacre. Journal of Australian Studies, 45(3), 305-319. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14623528.2021.2023986

Cheryl Matrin - Aboriginal Elder

Cheryl Martin

Cheryl Martin, a resident of the Rockingham and Baldivis area, is a traditional owner and proud member of the Binjarup Whadjuk Clan. Raised alongside her six siblings by parents Robert and Theresa Walley in the Baldivis and Kwinana areas, Cheryl’s ties to the region run deep.

Countless evenings of her childhood were spent in the Kwinana bushlands, where she immersed herself in her cultural heritage. Over the years, Cheryl has devoted herself to researching her family history, utilising various resources and organisations such as the Department of Indigenous Affairs and oral traditions passed down by her elders. This passion for her culture drives a strong sense of responsibility to share the knowledge she has gained throughout her journey.

As a cultural leader and advisor, Cheryl has fostered deep connections within her community, earning respect for her work in conservation and preservation of Aboriginal sites. Her main goal is to represent her community positively, focusing on land preservation and promoting cultural knowledge.

Sources:

Moorditj Koort. (n.d.). Cheryl Martin. Moorditj Koort. https://www.moorditjkoort.com.au/board-members/cheryl-martin

 

Uncle Clarry Walley - Aboriginal Elder

Uncle Clarry Walley

Uncle Clarry Walley is a Bilya Tribal Elder of the Bilya Country being the Peel Region. Uncle Clarry has resided in Pinjarra his whole life and is the highly respected Elder of the region. The Cultural knowledge of the region has been passed down to Uncle through his family and is regularly consulted in relation to the Peel region.

The meaning of Bilya is the water people umbilical cord to the waterways.

Cultural Sensitivity Warning

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this content contains references to people who have passed, as well as stories involving violence and colonial brutality. We have included them to acknowledge, honour, and pay respect to their contribution and efforts to our struggles, our progress and achievements.