Marribank today
For some years, town-dwellers at Katanning had been objecting strongly to disturbances at the local Aboriginal encampment, and to the lack of facilities there, suggesting that a new camp be established at Carrolup Pool 25 km from town.
They were accompanied by Annie Lock, of the Australian Aborigines Mission, who had sought government support since 1912 for the establishment of a mission farming settlement in the local area. She assumed responsibility for issuing rations, and in June 1915 a Superintendent was appointed to the new ‘native settlement’.
Carrolup-Marribank has had a chequerd history since it first opened as an Aboriginal settlement on the banks of the Carrolup River in 1915. Unfortunately, the various government departments charged with setting up the settlement were unprepared for what lay ahead. Many Aboriginal children enjoyed their time at the settlement, however the “Stolen Generation” era proved to be a dark time for the children.
Many mothers took their children to Marribank asking the staff to look after them. Like any mother, this would have been a difficult decision to make.
Who is responsible for the Marribank settlement today?
Considering its importance to Aboriginal people in particular and the greater population in general. So much of their history is intertwined with this place and in Katanning and Carrolup in general. It is an important heritage site where black and white cultures came together. Some good, Some bad.
So just who is responsible for the disgraceful condition of this important heritage site today (refer photos above) and what has happened to all the money that has been sunk into the various projects to restore the site? All the windows are smashed. doors removed, walls falling into disrepair.
Important Marribank and Aboriginal artifacts have been removed. Many were taken by the government for safe storage in Perth only to disappear. A bit like the children’s artwork, possibly the single most important collection in Australia today.
But what do we do? How do we make a change?
To effect change, Aboriginal people need to be leading the way. It has to be them telling their stories, especially about Marribank. And all levels of government need to come together to support them in this venture as do the local non-aboriginal people of the district. It is simply too important for our local heritage.