Massacre at Baladuna Waterhole

Date: 15 May 1897
Place: Baladuna Waterhole
Event type: massacre
Direct violence: Yes
Roberts (2005, p 201) wrote: "In 1897, a large number of Garrwa people, among them Peter Garinjamaji and Illiburra ('Crooked Foot'), were gathered for a Kunabibi ceremony at Baladuna Waterhole on Settlement Creek. Many were shot when a large group of armed stockmen from Wollogorang led by the manager, Robert ('Bob') Shadforth, attacked the gathering and kidnapped women, including one of Illiburra's wives. Garinjamaji was shot in the shoulder by an infamous stockman of mixed descent named Yellow Paddy. The survivors fled into the rugged hills where Illiburra, a tall man regarded by Europeans as the local 'king', immediately planned a counter-attack, sending nightly scouting parties to watch the station. It was Shadforth he particularly wanted, which suggests he may have had other grievances against him."
Notes:
CorroborationRating: ***
LanguageGroup: Garrwa
Victims: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People
VictimsDead: 15

People involved

This data has not yet been gathered. Research work is ongoing. To help, please consider donating or contact us to volunteer or about setting up research projects in your area.

Sources

Event mentions

  • Massacre at Baladuna Waterhole
    15 May 1897 — Baladuna Waterhole — massacre
    Roberts (2005, p 201) wrote: "In 1897, a large number of Garrwa people, among them Peter Garinjamaji and Illiburra ('Crooked Foot'), were gathered for a Kunabibi ceremony at Baladuna Waterhole on Settlement Creek. Many were shot when a large group of armed stockmen from Wollogorang led by the manager, Robert ('Bob') Shadforth, attacked the gathering and kidnapped women, including one of Illiburra's wives. Garinjamaji was shot in the shoulder by an infamous stockman of mixed descent named Yellow Paddy. The survivors fled into the rugged hills where Illiburra, a tall man regarded by Europeans as the local 'king', immediately planned a counter-attack, sending nightly scouting parties to watch the station. It was Shadforth he particularly wanted, which suggests he may have had other grievances against him."
    Source: Roberts, 2005, pp 58 and 201; Jane Morrison, Australian Frontier Conflicts, https://www.australianfrontierconflicts.com.au; Spearim, B and McVeigh, S ABC News, 19 December 2022, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-19/fred-leone-garrinjamaji-aboriginal-warrior-family-ties/101761576