On the bicentenary of the Hume and Hovell expedition’s arrival in Bulla, Hume City Council is reflecting on our journey to become who we are as a community in 2024.
Hamilton Hume and William Hovell were explorers who had a significant role in expanding the colonial presence in South East Australia.
The duo’s journey began near Yass in 1824 seeking to find new grazing land for the colony. They trekked to the west of the Great Dividing Range through what’s now known as Victoria to Corio Bay.
On 14 December 1824 they camped in what is now known as Bulla.
As we reflect on this moment in our shared history, we acknowledge that this expedition contributed to the dispossession of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, including the Gunung Willam Balluk clan, who called this land home for many thousands of years.
Hume City, like much of Australia, is the product of the interwoven histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, settlers, refugees and migrants, each with their place in the community.
By remembering the expedition of Hume and Hovell, we can understand what the explorers learned about our local area as they made their way through the landscape.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the seven-man group provides an understanding of how European settlers learnt about the living conditions in Australia, and the knowledge Traditional Owners have understood about this land for many thousands of years.
Learn more about the Hume and Hovell expedition (link).
Quotes attributable to Hume City Mayor, Cr Jarrod Bell:
“Hamilton Hume and William Hovell’s journey in 1824 marks an important moment in our shared history and creating the vibrant and diverse Hume we know today.
“It’s important to also acknowledge how the colonial expansion shaped the lives of First Nations people, with its often-harmful impact on the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and other Aboriginal peoples across Australia.
“As we mark this 200th anniversary, we remain committed to learning from our past, embracing the full history of this land, and working together toward a future of respect, reconciliation, and understanding.”
