TRAVERSE Issue 30 - June 2022 | Página 69

TRAVERSE 69
out of Bingara . It was a nice free flowing track that weaved through some beautiful countryside . Twenty minutes into the track I came across what I thought was just a rest stop . I pulled over . It then hit me . This was the site of the Myall Creek Massacre .
I ’ d had no knowledge of this event or what had occurred at this site back on the 10th of June 1838 . This was the site that eleven colonial stockmen massacred twenty-eight local Indigenous Wirrayaraay woman , children , and elderly men .
The memorial site was done in a very respectful way snaking its way through the 500-metre track with details and facts of the event . The track terminates at the site of the massacre . Reaching the end of the trail I was covered in goosebumps , the hairs on my neck stood tall as I learnt of what happened at this site in 1838 .
The afternoon was one of reflection before an early night . A reflection of the events of 1838 but also what this ride had provided me ; the beauty of the Mt Kosciuszko region with sweet memories of climbing to the summit , reflection of what this ride taught me about myself and what I need to do with my anxiety and depression . They ’ re not an easy fix , but acknowledging them is the first step , a step in the right direction .
Reflection also made me realise that Australia is vast and diverse and has many hidden gems if we are just prepared to take the leap and get out there and find them and learn . I have learnt a lot on my journey but still have a lot of learning to do , mostly about myself , but also about our country and its history and hidden gems . CB
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