Macintyre River
Walker had attracted attention, it was later stated, by his capacity to engage local Aborigines, understand their culture, speak their language and use this to secure peaceful coexistence between them and the white settlers. The Native Police Force was formed in August 1848 and commenced working in late that year subsequently arriving at the Macintyre River (at the present day south eastern border of Queensland) on 10 May 1849 with a band of fourteen 15 to 25 years old Aboriginal troopers picked from four different Murrumbidgee tribes. By all accounts a well drilled and highly disciplined band greatly committed and attached to their Commandant who remained exceedingly proud and protective of his men.
As Commandant of the Native Police Force, Walker was successful in ending the attacks of the Bigambul people in the Macintyre district. His stated aim was their annihilation, and by 1854 only 100 of the Bigambul people were left alive.
Read more about this topic: Frederick Walker (native Police Commandant)
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