At a bend in the Murray River near Robinvale in north-west Victoria, Aunty Thelma Chilly feels both joy and sorrow. As a child, she played on this riverbank, learning the traditions of her ancestors. But it’s also the place where her family was forced to leave their home due to the White Australia Policy.
Aunty Thelma’s family, like many others, was relocated from Punt Bend to the Manatunga mission during the era of forced assimilation. Now, decades later, she is leading efforts to reclaim the land by hosting an annual cultural gathering for Aboriginal families from across Australia’s east coast.
A Place of Belonging and Memory
In 1956, after severe flooding, Aboriginal families living at Punt Bend were moved to an industrial area in Robinvale. The town’s non-Indigenous population pushed for their relocation, viewing them as a “problem,” Aunty Thelma said. A welfare board was created in line with assimilation policies, and families were moved into basic concrete structures at Manatunga mission.
Despite the displacement, families kept returning to Punt Bend — year after year — reconnecting with their land and ancestors.
“This land is where many of our people lived before missions,” said Aunty Thelma. “Their descendants still come back here. It’s now a place of learning, of passing down culture and knowledge.”
A Cultural Gathering on Tati Tati Country
Each year at Easter, families gather at Robinvale for a four-day camp on Tati Tati Country, which is near the traditional lands of the Latje Latje, Wadi Wadi and Mutti Mutti peoples.
“Every year, we try to offer something new — particularly for the children — to help them understand and embrace our culture,” Aunty Thelma said.
Activities include fishing, weaving, crafting with emu feathers, and cultural ceremonies like the Welcome Baby to Country. These traditions are taught by elders to younger generations, creating a bridge for those who may have grown up disconnected from their culture.
Matthew Chilly, a talented artist, contributes by creating ceremonial pieces and sharing stories through his craft. “He was taught by elders here when he was younger, and now he’s passing that knowledge on,” Aunty Thelma said.
Preserving Identity Through Generations
The annual camp is both a healing space and a powerful act of cultural reclamation. It offers a way to reinforce pride in First Nations identity while ensuring important knowledge is preserved and passed down.
“The trauma from the past — the missions and the welfare board — is not forgotten,” Aunty Thelma said. “But this is how we heal and keep our culture strong. I’m so thankful we can continue this tradition and share it with our children.”
A Step Forward During Reconciliation Week
This gathering aligns with the spirit of National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3), which this year carries the theme “Bridging Now to Next.” The theme reflects how Australia can move forward by learning from the past and fostering unity, respect, and understanding between cultures.
