lieved to be the banks of the Murray .
“ Mt , Dispersion . Named by Major Mitchell on May 26th , 1836 , after an encounter with aborigines at this spot .”
I stared in disbelief at the simple marker . An encounter ? An understatement ! I sat down heavily on the earth bank , tears began to well on the lower rim of my eyes . I was struggling to comprehend what I was seeing . A local farmer pulled up giving me his version of events . Stunned I listened , sadness was now turning to anger .
Meet The Locals
Following the Mitchell Expedition of 1836 I was in constant contact with the man through his journals and maps . He seemed a determined and hard man , yet always respectful of Aboriginal culture and beliefs although , not always agreeing with either . The events of May 26th 1836 shook me , I found it hard to believe most of what
I had read or heard , yet here was the hard truth of it , Mitchell ’ s party had shot and killed many local Aboriginals some as they were retreating , swimming across the Murray River .
Whichever side of the story is closest to the truth we will never know . The facts are that there was a horrible misunderstanding by two very different groups of people . One group panicked and attacked , the result was human beings losing their lives .
The farmer was clear on one thing , the fight did NOT happen where the marker suggests . He was adamant that it took place 400 metres up stream , where the land was flatter and more conducive to camping – on both sides of the river . The Mt Dispersion incident stuck with me for some time .
I couldn ’ t help recount the numerous times that locals , both of Aboriginal and European background gave me support and encouragement on my expedition . Many had varying opinions of Mitchell , I ’ d like to think that we discussed his story ( and mine ) with honesty and open mindedness that enriched both sides .
Upon reaching the Victorian western district town of Harrow I met two friends , Ray aboard a Triumph Tiger 800xc and Andrew on a BMW F800ST . I ’ d been inspired to do this ride through conversations with these two , they were to join me on the last leg . Ray would ride the tracks and trails with me and we would meet Andrew at various points where we could . It was good to have company yet I now felt that I was being rushed , racing from one town to the next without learning the whole history of the area and the expedition . This was somewhat reflective of Mitchell ’ s own team and expedition , the rushing led to tensions and disagreement , we too could sense it building . Thankfully moments of humour and chance
TRAVERSE 45