I walk through Macleod,
the suburb of my home,

Macleod is a place where the
Wurundjeri people used to roam.

I play in Bundoora Park
playground, climbing volcanic
rocks where lava once spewed,

Rocks were used to make stone tools,
which helped the Wurundjeri catch food.

On the way to Woolies I pass wetlands, where
the Wurundjeri gathered fish and eels to eat,

They also collected edible plants, fruits,
grasses, seeds and meat.

The Wurundjeri made canoes, shields and
containers from bark,

When they cut the trees, they were left with
an unmistakable mark.

I know that the Wurundjeri were here,
because there are scars in the trees,

I can’t see any of them now, and I have
a feeling of unease.

But as I walk, I wonder where did they all go?
I will tell you a story, but sadly it is a tale of woe.

It began with a giant ship appearing; was it
visiting just like before?

The Indigenous people were curious,
why were there 10 more?

The HMS Supply anchored, a ladder
was lowered to the ground,

The British disembarked the ship,
some unknown people they found.

The Indigenous said this land was claimed,
but they had no flag for display,

The British placed a tall flag in the ground, and
said this land was for King George of the day.

The British held up their heavy guns, the
Indigenous people were confused,

Why were they doing this to them? They did
not deserve to be abused.

When the British came, they spread smallpox,
and many Indigenous people died,

The British said they would care for their
children, but they stole them. They lied.

Australia Day is January 26, the date the
First Fleet arrived,

Australia Day is hardly a celebration, when
only a few natives had survived.

To Indigenous people Australia day is joyless,
it was the invasion of their land,

We should celebrate on a different day,
and plant their flag in the sand.

Indigenous people were here first, and with
us their land they share,

I welcome the Wurundjeri back to Macleod,
it’s only fair.

Alice
Year 4