On this day in 1879, in far north Queensland at Cape Bedford more than 40 Guugu-Yimidhirr people were killed.
CN: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers should be aware that this contains traumatic historical information about massacres that occurred in this country post-invasion.
On this day in 1879, in far north Queensland at Cape Bedford more than 40 Guugu-Yimidhirr people were killed. Native Police and their superintendent hemmed twenty-eight Aboriginal men and thirteen women in a narrow gorge; none of them escaped. Four swam out to sea, and never returned, and it is thought that they drowned.
An inquiry heard, “Both outlets were secured by the troopers. There twenty-eight men and thirteen gins thus enclosed, of whom none of the former escaped. Twenty-four were shot down on the beach and four swam out to the sea never to be seen again.”
Sub-Inspector O’Connor of the first Lower Laura detachment was reportedly involved in retaliation for alleged spearings of two whites. The massacre was investigated by Bishop Hale of the Aboriginal Commission and later by journalist R Spencer Browne.
There was no consequence for anyone involved in the apparently sanctioned killing of over 40 Guugu-Yimidhirr people.
The prevailing context is that violence was commonplace against Indigenous people throughout this period and where any resistance ensued – the reprisals by the native police and pastoralist were often abhorrent in their manner (including that they often targeted women and children) and with over 300 massacres this killing was no different.
Throughout the period of mass reprisals and massacres, countless deaths occurred which to this day cannot be accounted for with any pinpoint accuracy. We know that our oral histories tell us and we know that there are often times records of massacres occurring but the detail and ability to track exactly who was killed presents great difficulty for many families and communities.
Regardless – we remember them. We remember their resistance, their sacrifice and remind ourselves that their power resides in us to continue to resist – as they would have wanted us to. There has never been justice – just us.
Natalie Cromb is a Gamilaraay woman, mother, lawyer, writer and mentor. She is also the former Commissioning Editor of IndigenousX and long-time, continuing, collaborator of IndigenousX.
Daily Reporting: Jeffrey Winmar inquest, March 30th, 2026
The inquest into the death in custody of Noongar man Jeffrey Winmar commenced on 30 March, 2026. These daily reports from Dhadjowa aim to ensure that the community can be truthfully informed of what takes place inside institutional walls.
Jeffrey Winmar was a 28-year-old Noongar man. He was a beloved son, father, uncle, brother, grandson, and cousin to many. He was a family man who loved spending time with his siblings, nieces and nephews. Jeffrey is remembered by his family for his infectious smile and as the protector of his younger siblings.
Jeffrey was hospitalised after a police pursuit on 9 November 2023. He died two days later in Box Hill Hospital on 11 November 2023.
Multiple police units, including a drone and the canine unit, attended Jeffrey’s house for a planned arrest. In total, 11 police officers were involved in the arrest and pursuit.
Jeffrey’s family hold serious concerns about the conduct and accountability of police during the arrest and his pursuit. Jeffrey Anderson, Jeffrey’s father, states:
“There is a lot we don’t know about the circumstances leading up to Jeffrey’s passing. We are waiting for answers about what happened.”
Know Your Rights: A Community-Led Shield for Aboriginal Families Against the Child Protection System
Aboriginal children are removed from their families at unprecedented rates and rarely go home. This is not accidental, but by design. NSW Peak Body AbSec, through Aboriginal-led and community-based UNSW research, have launched the Know Your Rights website so that families can protect themselves against the system.
