Resettlement Podcast series launch
Published: 14 Feb 2025 9:14am
The Museum of the Riverina has officially launched its new podcast project RESETTLEMENT: Wiradyuri Gawaymbanha-gu Mamalanha, a name which means Wiradyuri Welcome to Visitors.
Aunty Dot Whyman was the cultural advisor on this project and it is narrated by proud Wiradyuri man Luke Wighton.
The podcast series explores the history of the Aboriginal Family Resettlement Scheme, which saw Aboriginal families move to larger rural centres like Wagga Wagga to access housing, health and education services.
This project came about as part of Wagga Wagga City Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan which identified the need to record the experiences of local First Nations people who moved to Wagga Wagga under this scheme which commenced in the early 1970s.
This podcast series would not have been possible without the generosity of the contributors telling their stories, including Aunty Dot Whyman, Uncle Hewitt Whyman, Aunty Maria Williams, the late Uncle James Ingram, Aunty Pam Honeysett, Uncle Craig Honeysett, Aunty Lottie Bamblett, Uncle Greg Packer and Geoff Simpson.
The stories that they shared throughout this project provide unique and important insights into Wagga Wagga’s history and represent a significant contribution to an ongoing commitment to truth telling.
Council’s Museum of the Riverina managed this podcast series including securing the funding required to make it a reality from a NSW Department of Planning and Environment Community Heritage grant.
Over seven episodes, the nine First Nations contributors relate how the scheme impacted their lives and how it changed the social fabric of Wagga Wagga more broadly.
“This podcast series represents an important move forward in truth-telling in Wagga Wagga,” Museum Manager Luke Grealy said.
“The experiences related in this podcast series tell a multi-layered story that includes racism and the challenges experienced by Aboriginal families in finding access to essential services, but also resilience, hard won success and community building."
Podcast participant Uncle Hewitt Whyman said everyone involved had done a tremendous job working on the project.
“I think what’s important about the podcast is that it acknowledges and recognises First Nations people who came to Wagga on their own journey to bring about a better standard of living for their people,” Uncle Hewitt said.
“Over the more than 50 years I've been here, I’ve seen huge changes – better education and access to health, better health facilities, better housing and employment.”