About the Wathaurong - The
Wathaurong People
Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the Wathaurong people occupied
what is now known as the Bellarine Peninsula.
Geelong itself was first 'established' by Europeans between 1836-1838.
As a result of declining food sources (due to the introduction of
sheep and cattle) and a severe influenza epidemic in 1839, the Wathaurong
population began to decline rapidly. By 1853 the Wathaurong numbered
30-40, compared to 300 seventeen years earlier living permanently
around Geelong (Heritage Branch, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria).
Most of the history around Geelong highlights and promotes William
Buckley - the non-Indigenous escapee who lived for over 30 years with
one of the Wathaurong clan groups.
One hundred and forty archaeological sites have been recorded in
the Bellarine region; they are a testimony to the large array of human
pursuits carried out by the Wathaurong.
Boundaries
The traditional boundaries of the Wathaurong peoples start along
the coastline from Werribee to the Lorne Peninsula area. It traverses
inland to Colac, through to Cressy onwards to Ballarat. Within these
boundaries there were approximately 14 clan groups who were traditional
owners of their particular ancestral site.
Today the Wathaurong Co-operative in North Geelong is a key means
by which the Wathaurong people are maintaing their cultural identity.
Further information...
To learn more about the Wathaurong people, contact:
