Today community members from Central Australia gathered at Yurrkuru to commemorate 90 years since the Coniston massacre.

The Coniston massacre was a series of killings between August and October 1928, with large numbers of Aboriginal people from the Warlpiri, Anmatyerre and Kaytetye nations killed.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion said that the anniversary was a solemn commemoration for the families and descendants of the victims as well as for the entire Central Australian community.

“It is important that we remember the Aboriginal men, women and children who were killed during this dark chapter of Australian history and acknowledge the impact on families and communities that these crimes have on First Nations peoples,” said Minister Scullion.

“Today we also reflect on the resilience of the local Traditional Owners in more recent history. In 2014 I was honoured to join Traditional Owners and deliver a deed of grant to the Yurrkuru Aboriginal Land Trust – handing back land which was central to the Coniston massacre.

The Central Land Council hosted an event to commemorate the massacre at Yurrkuru (Brooks Soak), approximately 60 kilometres from Yuendumu.  The event brought together Aboriginal families from across Central Australia, as well as descendants of those responsible.

“I commend the Central Land Council for this work to ensure that the Coniston massacre is never forgotten.”