'I am deeply sorry': WA Governor formally apologises over 1834 Pinjarra Massacre

WA's Governor has delivered a former apology for the actions of his predecessor James Stirling during the Pinjarra Massacre in 1834.

Nearly 200 years after dozens of Aboriginal people were killed on the banks of the Murray River at the hands of Stirling and his men, Governor Chris Dawson said sorry to the Bindjareb Noongar people, and the wider Aboriginal community of Western Australia.

“As Governor of Western Australia, I come to you today to say: I am deeply sorry for the actions of my predecessor and for the pain and suffering he caused,” Governor Dawson said.

“I say sorry to the Bindjareb people, who still feel the trauma of the punishment inflicted on their ancestors that day, when so many innocent lives were taken. 

“The time has come – and the time is right – for the Governor to acknowledge the truth of the past actions of a predecessor. 

“I have a deep hope and faith that a process of healing and growth will follow. 

“I believe this action will be a significant step along the pathway to meaningful reconciliation.”

The apology was issued after the Governor was invited to attend the annual memorial service, held by Traditional Owners, at the Pinjarra Massacre Memorial site. 

Traditional owner Karrie-Anne Kearing welcomed the Governor Dawson's apology and said it had been a long time coming.

“Saying sorry is never easy, it is growth and any growth has some uncomfort and pain associated with it,” she said.

“That shows that how long it has taken for someone in your position to recognise the proof of what happened here and the impact it has on all Aboriginal people.”

Following his address, and as a symbol of ongoing reconciliation, the Governor presented the Traditional Owners with an olive tree, propagated from the olive tree planted in the ground of Government House by Governor Stirling around 1835.

In return, the Traditional Owners presented the Governor with a Jarrah tree taken from Bindjareb country.

That tree will be planted at Government House in the coming months.