Named spaces at the Nellie Hamilton Centre

Learn more about the history behind the named spaces at the Nellie Hamilton Centre.

 

The Nellie Hamilton Centre

Nellie Hamilton, Ngambri-Kamberri (Walgalu) and Moolingoolah (Ngarigu) born circa 1837, died 1 January 1897

Nellie Hamilton was born in the Queanbeyan/Canberra region circa 1838. Nellie lived a long life, straddling quite different worlds. She maintained her extensive connections with the Ngambri-Kamberri’s neighbouring groups and was constantly employed by local European families as a domestic or a nursemaid. Nellie is recorded as an orphan on the 1838 Queanbeyan blanket distribution list and on the 12 September, 1844 at Yarralumla Station by George Augustus Robinson, Chief Protector of Aborigines. Growing up with the Ngambri-Kamberri, Nellie would have used both Walgalu and Ngarigu words. The upper Molongolo community shared the area east of the Queanbeyan River (Jullergung) with the Ngambri-Kamberri and was Nellie’s most favourite place of identification.

Nellie’s foster mother was Nanny (Juninmingo), Ngambri-Kamberri women, and daughter of James Ainslie and a local Ngambri-Kambri woman. Nellie married Bobby Hamilton a Ngambri-Kamberri Walgalu man who was also an orphan. They had 3 children: Edward, born 1856, and Millie, born circa 1860 and child who died at birth. Nellie’s tribal father was Onyong (Allianoyonyiga) aka Jindoomung, Ngambri-Kamberri (Walgalu).

Nellie was a prominent resident of the Queanbeyan district. In the defence of her leader Onyong who survived being shot at by Henry Hall for spearing cattle is recorded as having exchange with a non-Aboriginal resident as follow’s:

[Prominent Resident]: We white fellows don’t allow of thieving; our law punishes thieves. ‘Yah, yah retorted Nellie. ‘Your law! I no tink much of your law. You come her and take my land, kill my ‘possum, my kangaroo; leave me starve. Only gib me rotten blanket. Me take calf or sheep, you been shoot m, or put me in jail. You bring your bad sickness ‘mong us. And what is that, over there?’ pointing to the Queanbeyan jail. ‘That,’ replied the white man, ‘is our jail to put bad people in.’ ‘Yah,’ again exclaimed Nellie, ‘blackfellow have no jail; bail he want em.’

Nellie may have enjoyed the unique status of ‘Queen of Queanbeyan’ that the European residents had bestowed upon her. She was awarded ‘a brass plate’ in 1888 on the recommendation of Harold Davis which proved she was well liked and highly regarded by the Europeans, but her husbands were all Aboriginal, which suggests that she preferred to conform to culturally acceptable ’tribal’ marriages. Nellie’s second husband was Parson Williams, a Wodi Wodi South Coast man. Nellie’s third and last husband was King Billy of the South Coast (attached photo). In 1889, the Board for the Protection of Aborigines declined to build a hut at Queanbeyan. Nellie passed away, allegedly, on 1 January 1897. Her death was not officially registered. The records state she was buried outside consecrated ground outside the Queanbeyan Riverside cemetery and her grave is not marked. There is a proposal from the HAPI to have a statue of Nellie Hamilton installed in this area, subject to funding and Council approval.

Malunnggang Walk

Malunggang (Ngunnawal word for platypus)

Gumbiyan (Queanbeyan) was more than a picturesque landscape; it was a source of life, a lifeline for the community. The Malunggang (platypus), with its sleek and mysterious appearance, symbolized the health and vitality of the Gumbiyan Nganga (Queanbeyan River). Its presence indicated the purity of the water, and the Ngunnawal people believed that the platypus was a guardian, ensuring that the waters remained clean and pristine.

The Ngunnawal community has a deep connection with Malunggang. They see it not only as a provider of life but also as a sanctuary for hunting and gathering. The crystal-clear waters teemed with an abundance of aquatic life, offering sustenance and nourishment for the people. The lush surroundings provided a rich tapestry of resources, from plants to animals, supporting the community's physical and spiritual well-being.

The new QPRC building is a hub of services for community and the river has been the hub for our peoples for tens of thousands of years, Malunggang is a key indicator our waters were clean, thus sustaining life, just how Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council provides a service to our community.

 

Djara Gardens

Djara is the Ngunnawal word for stars. The Djara Gardens evokes the canopy above, mirroring the vibrant community under protection of Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council. Djara represents our ancestors keeping watch over all on dwarura.

 

Aunty Louise Brown Park

Aunty Louise Brown, a proud Ngunnawal woman, left an indelible mark on her community through a lifetime of dedicated activism and service. Born in 1951, she spent her formative years on Erambie Mission in Cowra, New South Wales, where her deep connection to her culture and people took root.

In 1968, Aunty Louise embarked on a career path that would intertwine with her passion for advocacy. Landing a position at the Department of Aboriginal Affairs (DAA), she worked alongside esteemed figures such as the late Charlie Perkins and Reggie Saunders, honing her skills as a telephonist, operating a telephone switchboard, managing incoming and outgoing calls, and providing assistance to callers.

Aunty Louise's commitment to social justice was further evidenced in 1972 when she stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow Aboriginal activists at the Tent Embassy protest, demanding land rights for Indigenous peoples across Australia.

In 1984, a pivotal moment presented itself when Aunty Louise received a call from her brother, Crow Williams, urgently seeking assistance at the Aboriginal Legal Service. Despite initial apprehension due to being a mother to her fifth child, a nine-month-old daughter, she courageously accepted the role and spent the next 15 years as an Administration Officer, advocating justice for First Nations people within the legal system.

Transitioning from her role at the Aboriginal Legal Service, Aunty Louise continued her community-focused endeavours, dedicating her time to various organisations and initiatives. From serving on the United Ngunnawal Elders Council to contributing her expertise to the ACT Heritage Council and the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services as a Board Member, Aunty Louise played an instrumental role in preserving and promoting Ngunnawal heritage and First Nations rights.

A talented artist, Aunty Louise's creativity manifested in the vibrant artwork she designed and delivered across multiple locations across Queanbeyan, leaving a lasting visual legacy for future generations.

In 2018, Aunty Louise faced a personal battle with breast cancer, demonstrating her resilience and strength in overcoming adversity with grace and determination.

Above all, Aunty Louise cherished her role as a mother to Anthony, Tina, Justin, Adrian, and Nevada, and as a nurturing Nan to Shannon, Justine, Nyima, Travis, Chloe, Jed, Jasmine, Kelsea, Talieka, Johbie, and Leilani.

Aunty Louise Brown's legacy lives on as an inspiration to all who knew her, her impact echoing through the hearts and minds of her community. Her passing on May 19, 2022, marked the end of a remarkable chapter, but her spirit and contributions endure as a testament to the power of advocacy, resilience, and unwavering love.

 

The information on this page was provided by the First Nations Advisory Committee to Council.