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    Quick Tour William Barak
William Barak spent his childhood in a traditional Aboriginal lifestyle, although living in the new settlement of Melbourne meant he was not initiated. He had to learn much of his tribal customs and lore in an informal way. He received some education at the Reverend Langhorne's mission school near Geelong which he attended from 1837-1839. It is important to remember that state education did not become 'free, secular and compulsory' until 1872. He was a member of the Native Police Force for a short time. He lived with his first wife, Lizzie, in the Goulburn Valley at Acheron. In 1863 he moved to Coranderrk which was set aside by the government. Barak worked for a small wage on the station farm at Coranderrk. He became the owner of a few horses. At Coranderrk he gained some further education and could read but not write. From the late 1870s he became a leading spokesman for his people. He was acknowledged as the leader at the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station and an important negotiator between his people and the government. Much of the knowledge and understanding that government officials gained at this time was due to the efforts of William Barak. He suggested to the government of Victoria that they set up self-governing Aboriginal communities. 'Give us this ground and let us manage here ourselves ... and no one over us ... we will show the country we can work it and make it pay and I know it will', he said. His ideas were never taken up by the authorities. Barak died in 1903. To find out more about indigenous voting rights in Australia, visit http://www.aec.gov.au/_content/When/history/ab_vote.htm |
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Page last reviewed: 7 Dec 05 © Copyright 2008 Government of Victoria Disclaimer Privacy Accessibility Contact Us |
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William
Barak was born in 1824. He was a member of the Woiworung people
of southern Victoria. He later became a spokesman for their
cause.