Projects for Reconciliation (Richmond/Hawkesbury Area) was the first ever winner of the Local History Project iniative in Reconciliation Week 2004. The Local History Project provided resources and support for a Local Reconciliation Group to develop and promote a Local Symbol of Reconciliation. The project gave a great opportunity for a Local Reconciliation Group to move reconciliation forward in their community and provide inspiration to other groups across the country.

Profile of the Richmond Hill Aboriginal Memorial Project

A moment in history that until now remained silent, a significant amount of hard work from volunteers, and support from the NSW Reconciliation Council has culminated in Richmond Hill Memorial Garden.

The final stages began in March this year to erect a memorial garden on this important site. This garden is to honour and commemorate the Darug people of the Richmond/ Hawkesbury area in NSW. The memorial site commemorates the ‘Battle of Richmond Hill’ that occurred in 1795, where Darug people fought bravely to defend their land from invasion.

It is perhaps the first time where the colonial authorities expressly state their intent to 'destroy' the whole Aboriginal population of an area and sent troops to do this. It was a turning point that set the tone for future relations across the nation. The pattern of interaction here was to be replicated on other frontiers as the settlers expanded out into other parts of NSW.

The memorial will create a visible, public and permanent place to honour the Darug people killed in defending their land and increase knowledge in the community about the true history of the area.

Led by the Projects for Reconciliation Inc with support from the NSW Reconciliation Council (NSWRC), the project started in 2004 and has received over $40,000 from the NSWRC, the NSW State Government under the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Trust and generous donations from community members.

The design for the garden was drawn up by a working group including established Aboriginal artist Aunty Edna Mariong Watson, Leanne Tobin, and Chris Tobin. The Long Necked Tortoise is an important animal to the area and to the Darug Nation.  In the centre of the garden will be a water and river stone feature that symbolises the spiritual and material value of the strong and beautiful Napean River

The memorial represents a further step on the journey towards achieving reconciliation. Acknowledging past injuries and injustices is crucial to fostering the healing process and in moving forward.

The Convenors of the LRG are Chris Tobin and Melissa Stubbings.

For more information please contact NSWRC.

Local Reconciliation Groups