3. Bobby Wabalanginy

Write a letter to Bobby Wabalanginy explaining to him how valuable you think he has been for people living in the colony.

Kaya! Thank you, Bobby. From the beginning of your encounter with the colony you have given a sense of unity and respect that many of the colonisers should learn from.

When your parents died Bobby, a time for grief and sorrow, you transformed your sorrow into a mystical unity between both sides. I recall that well, the way you stood on both Wunyerans and Dr Cross’ shoulders, uniting them through your very flesh and bones. You acted like the anchors to a ship and, in the midst of the ferocious waves, you remained steadfast and purposeful. You were like a bridge by communicating language, respect, knowledge and cultural appreciation to two opposing sides.

“Reconciliation and unity” by Brendan Jones

Bobby it is your very respect and oneness with the land that allowed the colony to survive the way it did. It was your pure willingness to aid their empty promises of sharing the land with your fellow Indigenous people that allowed the colony to survive. I know it pains you to see how they treated the land in all of its mystical beauty. The land to them was like a virgin or a Garden of Eden that was to be conquered, but to you the land was your mother, teacher, ancestor and friend.

There is only so much you can do to persuade the stubborn, egocentric people in our world Bobby. I truly believe that your very willingness to unite both sides was not only valuable to the colony, but a vital lesson for modern Australia to learn. Thanks to you Bobby Wabalanginy, Australia has a model of unity to strive towards.