Regarding your story on Peat Island transfer of ownership (CCN328) – isn’t Peat Island Guringai land?
I’ve done research into the Darkinjung and they would have rarely come as far south as Peat Island.
Only after European settlement introduced smallpox, influenza and the common cold that wiped out the Guringai population north of the Hawkesbury River over 230 years ago did the Darkinjung come south from Wyong and further north and east from the Great Dividing Range, Sugar Loaf etc.
The land on the south Central Coast, Broken Bay, Hawkesbury River and Northern Beaches and suburbs was traditionally occupied by Guringai people with Darkinjung permitted to enter for hunting and gathering purposes only.
I believe that Peat Island would be a major asset for all if it is incorporated into the National Park system.
Used for foot traffic only and partially revegetated with local bird habitat plants and eucalypts.
Also, having picnic facilities, electric barbecues and a kayaking, canoe, boat area where people can come ashore to enjoy the Island.
Email, Feb 6
Elizabeth Leslie, Green Point
The term Guringai is an unfortunate misrepresentation of local First Nations people by White settlers almost 100 years after their arrival. The Darkingjung LAC’s claim feels about as legitimate as possible when you consider how LAC’s are currently split up, and I am glad it is being looked at favourable by government