Convincing Ground Massacre - Present Day Controversy

Present Day Controversy

In 2005 a developer was granted the right to build homes on the site. This caused a dispute between the Western Victoria's Glenelg Shire Council and the local Koorie community on whether or not the location should be protected.

Kilcarer clan traditional owner Walter Saunders, a descendant of one of the two massacre survivors, explained the cultural importance of the site on ABC radio:

"It stands on the same level as the Eureka Stockade and Gallipoli from our perspective. It is the first recorded massacre in the state. This is where Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people fought over the resources of this great country and they happened to kill a large number of my relatives and my mother's relatives."

As a result of a confidential agreement in 2007, some development would occur but the Convincing Ground would become a public reservation.

Read more about this topic:  Convincing Ground Massacre

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