THE ‘true’ history of Walyalup has been told by a group of 12 Indigenous and non-Indigenous storytellers featuring their lived experience around reconciliation and healing.

Compiled by the Centre for Stories in partnership with the City of Fremantle, Truth Telling in Walyalup is an anthology of “difficult paths and reimagined futures” which offer “a unique lens on our shared histories”, of Country and colonisation.

Contributors include Casey Mulder, Uncle Gerard Shaw, and Vaughan Wayne, amongst others. 

City of Fremantle Aboriginal engagement officer Brendan Moore is featured in the series, and chose to tell the story of how he completed the Rottnest Channel Swim. 

• Brendan Moore says completing the Rottnest Channel Swim put to bed an old myth about Aboriginal people and swimming.

“I chose to tell that story because it breaks down the stereotype and misconception that Aboriginal people can’t swim,” Mr Moore said. 

“It’s not necessarily a huge deal, but it’s important because it’s part of a bigger narrative that Aboriginal people can or can’t do things.” 

Amongst this challenge is woven the painful history of Wadjemup Rottnest Island, which was used in early colonisation as a prison for Aboriginal men. 

Telling the true story of Wadjemup is an important facet of Fremantle’s reckoning with its colonial history, according to Mr Moore. 

“Obviously people were sent there from Fremantle, and the reason why it’s important is because so many people don’t know about it,” he said. 

Whitewashed

“That part of the history has been whitewashed.” 

Non-indigenous voices are also showcased, including that of Fremantle poet and research consultant Nandi Chinna, who tells of her experience engaging with Aboriginal culture which has allowed her to properly care for the Country on which she lives. 

“Once I learned about the true history of colonisation, I was pretty horrified to realise that this country that I grew up in was living on the back of lies, disadvantage, and murder,” Ms Chinna said. 

“I felt like I needed to contribute to making a better future, and to become an ally… and a huge part of that is to actually listen. 

“That is what Aboriginal people have been asking for from the beginning.” 

Ms Chinna hopes by sharing her story, more non-Indigenous Australians will be encouraged to delve into First Nations “culture, knowledge, and learning” which can foster friendship and reconciliation. 

“If you seek it out, there is so much you can learn,” Ms Chinna said. 

“As I say in the story, it makes non-Aboriginal people feel more at home because our culture has only been here a short time, so we should understand the place where we live.” 

Truth Telling in Walyalup is available to read and listen to on the Centre for Stories website.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER