Truth-telling a confronting history

Dhuluny-200 years of Wiradyuri Resistance: 1824-2024. The commemoration of the declaration of ‘Martial Law’.

The Dhuluny Project was a series of events commemorated from 11 to 18 August 2024 that marked the 200-year of the proclamation ‘declaration of martial law’ Wiradyuri Country and the ensuing frontier violence.

Why was Dhuluny important?

Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation (WTOCWAC) took the initiative to offer the opportunity to share and understand the true history of our Countries untold frontier violence, through a series of events that celebrated the resilience of the Wiradyuri nation and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, commemorating and honouring the fallen on all sides of the frontier wars.

It’s important to remember history and the effect that history continues to have.

WTOCWAC received funding grants, sponsorship, and in-kind contributions from Bathurst Regional Council, Charles Sturt and other community allies to go toward working together to remember the resilience and strength of Wiradyuri, their allied nations, warriors, and also the fallen innocent on all sides. Charles Sturt, WTOCWAC Elders, and selected staff from Charles Sturt’s Centre for Law and Justice scheduled the Dhuluny Conference over two days. The event convened a diverse assembly of Wiradyuri Elders, First Nations academics, scholars, artists, and community leaders who provided profound insights into the historical and contemporary significance of these events; and explore the enduring impacts of colonial violence and the resilience of the Wiradyuri people.

Wiradyuri language: Dhuluny is a Wiradyuri word meaning ‘truth, rectitude, that which is direct, straight, acting, living or gospel’ – aptly encapsulated the conference’s mission to confront and reflect upon this pivotal chapter in Australian history.