environment | March 22, 2026

Why is the Pinjarra massacre important?

Why is the Pinjarra massacre important?

The Battle of Pinjarra, which occurred in 1834, is one of the most notorious massacres of Aborigines in Australian history. Their plan was to punish any Aborigines in the local area in order to drive home the message that the settlers and their cattle must not be attacked or speared.

What happened in the Battle of Pinjarra for kids?

On October 28, 1834, at Pinjarra, Stirling and his party encountered a camp of 70–80 Binjareb Nyungar. The Europeans took up positions on both sides of the river, surrounding the unprepared Aboriginal people. When the Binjareb tried to flee and some of the men grabbed their spears, Stirling and his men opened fire.

How many Aborigines were killed in the Pinjarra massacre?

Notes from Governor James Stirling and Captain John Septimus Roe say there were around 15 to 20 Bindjareb Noongar people killed during the massacre, while some traditional owners put the figure at more than double that, along with one colonial officer.

Where was the Battle of Pinjarra?

Pinjarra
Pinjarra massacre/Location

When did the Battle of Pinjarra end?

October 28, 1834
Pinjarra massacre/End dates

When did the Battle of Pinjarra happen?

Pinjarra massacre/Start dates

Where did the name Pinjarra come from?

It is thought that the name (pinjarra) is a corruption of the Aboriginal word (beenjarrup) meaning (place of the swamp). The first Europeans into the Pinjarra area were Lieutenant Preston and Dr Alexander Collie who explored the Murray River district in 1829.

Why is Pinjarra called Pinjarra?

It is thought that the name (pinjarra) is a corruption of the Aboriginal word (beenjarrup) meaning (place of the swamp). The Battle of Pinjarra, which occurred in 1834, is one of the most notorious massacres of Aborigines in Australian history.

What did James Stirling do for the Swan River Colony?

Admiral Sir James Stirling (28 January 1791 – 22 April 1865) was a Scottish naval officer and colonial administrator. His enthusiasm and persistence persuaded the British Government to establish the Swan River Colony and he became the first Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Western Australia.

How old is Pinjarra?

50-year-old
Pinjarra is a 50-year-old saltwater crocodile weighing 750 kilograms from Queensland.

Is Pinjarra a country town?

Town infamous for the Battle of Pinjarra and the Fairbridge Farm School for British orphans. Pinjarra is a rural service town which, in recent times, has become a popular daytripper destination for Perth holidaymakers wanting to visit the local zoo or take pleasant walks in the hinterland.

What did James Stirling discover?

He is chiefly remembered for his exploration of the Swan River, followed by his eventual success in lobbying the British Government to establish a settlement there. On 30 December 1828, he was made Lieutenant-Governor of the colony-to-be.