Returning Artefacts to the Traditional Custodians

The artifacts—a digging stick, boomerangs (Burragun), and another stick possibly used ceremonially —had been held by the Hurley family since circa. 1911. As the Hurley family ancestors have since past, some of the information and history has unfortunately been lost with them. What we know is that the brothers, Thomas Francis and John (Jack) Hurley, lived with their family on a dairy farm in the Newmarket area. In the early 1900’s, the brothers would regularly play in Enoggera Creek with the aboriginal children, and it is understood that the artefacts were given as gifts to Thomas and Jack, becoming cherished items displayed in the family’s Newmarket home for over a century. When the home was sold in 2019, Wendy and Tom Hurley (grandson of Thomas Francis), safeguarded these artifacts with the hope of returning them to their rightful owners.

 

The perfect opportunity arose when Wendy saw Derek’s incredible Welcome to Country at the NSCF Winter Solstice Festival. His deep connection to Country and stories of the Jagera and Turrbull connection to Enoggera Creek and surrounding areas really resonated with Wendy, who realised Derek was the missing link she had been seeking.

 

The return of these artifacts has been a profound and moving process for both families. The artifacts represent a missing link to the past, and their return is a crucial step in restoring lost parts of the Yerongpan Clan history. The Hurley family feels deeply privileged to have connected with Derek and to have played a part in this important act of reconciliation.