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                    Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner

                    Pictures of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner

                    Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner

                    Many of us are familiar with the story of Ned Kelly, but far fewer have heard of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, who are incredibly significant figures in Melbourne's early history.

                    Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner's story reveals key aspects of Aboriginal history in Melbourne and beyond. These men were born in Tasmania and brought to Melbourne in 1839 by George Augustus Robinson, 'Protector of Aborigines'. In 1842, they became the first people to be hanged in Melbourne after they were convicted for the murder of two whale-hunters in the Western Port area. Their execution was the biggest story of the day in the newspapers.

                    Their execution took place before the existence of Old Melbourne Gaol on Russell Street, which was being constructed at the time. Instead, they were publicly hanged on Franklin Street behind the City Baths. They are now understood to be buried on the site of the Queen Victoria Market.

                    Their stories touch on the history of crime and punishment in early Melbourne – the establishment of Melbourne in its wider context of conflict over land, important legal questions debated at the time, the treatment of Aboriginal people in Tasmania, and any historical and community links between Port Phillip and Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). Their stories are central to an understanding of Melbourne's past, present and future.

                    Standing by Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner: A commemorative marker by Brook Andrew and Trent Walter

                    Standing by Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner is a commemorative marker by artists Brook Andrew and Trent Walter, commissioned by the City of Melbourne in early 2016, and opened publicly on 11 September 2016.

                    Read more about the art work.

                    Historical account of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner

                    In 2012–13 a City of Melbourne research project began to investigate the potential for memorialisation of these two Aboriginal men. This came as the result of City of Melbourne's commitment to this action in its Indigenous Heritage Action Plan 2012–15.

                    The outcome of this research project is a booklet about Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner's background and importance to Melbourne's past and present.

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