suspicion or contempt for the riders from the big city , a hot spot for the virus . No ! We were welcomed .
Over delicious pizza and ice-cold beers we discussed the history of Harrow , what it meant to be a local , a farmer , a nurse , an Aboriginal person of the area . Laughter rang through the evening air , stories of sheep , motorcycles , travel , culture , people , and the story kept coming back to one man … Unaarrimin … Johnny Mullagh .
At not much taller than a set of cricket stumps , a dynamo of a woman joined us , helped herself to a slice of pizza before introducing herself as Josie . We three slipped side glances at each other as Josie launched into a frenzied assault of questions . Not malicious , simply curious . An immediate warmth that we all felt , one of those chance encounters you ’ re unlikely to ever forget .
The conversation swung rapidly between Covid and how it affected the community , what was it like living through a lockdown in Melbourne , and the history of Harrow . We laughed and joked as if old friends of a lifetime . Then it happened , the conversation again swung in the direction of one man … Unaarrimin … Johnny Mullagh .
Insistent that we return the following morning to visit the centre and experience the full story of the Aboriginal IX we bid Josie and our new friends good night . A chance encounter that delivered so much . Sleep came easy , despite the chill of the air and a squadron of mosquitoes the size of small birds buzzing around the tent . The Johnny Mullagh Reserve felt warm , comforting like that of returning to a parental home . Something in the air suggested we were welcomed , respected , for wanting to know more .
A light fog blanketed the valley as we waited for the Johnny Mullagh Centre to open and as if on cue the fog lifted as the doors opened , an unseen hand guided us in .
The centre guides the uninitiated through an experience that relates to cricket buffs , historians and general public at a pace that is easy , respectful , and informed .
Unaarrimin became an early advocate for human rights , petitioning and fighting for the freedoms of his Aboriginal people near and far . Perhaps a consequence of what he ’ d witnessed during his time as a touring cricketer or his time in far off lands .
Upon return to Australia , many of his cricketing teammates had been left to uncertain futures , it seemed the curiosity shown towards them extended only as far as the British coastline . At home , in Australia , there seemed to be nothing more than a level of content .
Of those that toured England many were discarded like used toys . King Cole ( Bripumyarrimin ) died whilst on the tour , others died young back in Australia . Some were forced to live on reserves whilst two others simply vanished . Records are few for all .
Unaarrimin continued playing cricket , even at the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground , and although forced to bat last , kept his dignity until the end . He played cricket until just before his death .
Unaarrimin , Johnny Mullagh , left a legacy that took well over a century to be recognised , however it ’ s a legacy that will forever remain and a legacy that is unequalled by most .
The human dynamo , Josie rushed through the front doors as we headed to our bikes , a genuine pleasure in seeing us visit her centre . Preparing our gear , we thanked her for a wonderful night , and the joy that the Johnny Mullagh Centre had brought .
Riding away , a quick glance in the mirror revealed a fleeting glimpse , an athletic man , dark skinned , cricket bat in hand . A squint and the apparition was gone , Josie ’ s last
words now permeating through my mind .
“ You ’ ll be back … you will be back !”
We will be back … LW
In 2002 The Australian Sports Hall of Fame recognised the 1868 First Australian XI to tour England for their contribution to sport . Two years later the players were posthumously awarded their cap numbers by Cricket Australia , the same year the Johnny Mullagh Interpretive Centre was opened in Harrow . The Victorian Government inducted Unaarrimin as one of the original 20 into the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll , and 151 years after the tour of England , Cricket Australia announced that a medal would be awarded to the best player of the Boxing Day Test match held at the MCG , the inaugural winner was Indian cricketer , Ajinkya Rahane , awarded on December 29 , 2020 .
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