The Framlingham Mission holds a significant place in the history of the Framlingham area, located in southwestern Victoria. For thousands of years, this land was inhabited by the Gunditjmara People. They were renowned for their advanced agriculture and aquaculture systems, exemplified by the famous eel traps. However, the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century brought about profound changes for the Gunditjmara people. The impact was devastating, as European diseases wreaked havoc, their land was stolen, and Indigenous children were forcibly separated from their families. This affected not only the Gunditjmara people but Indigenous communities across Victoria.

In 1865, the Framlingham Aboriginal Station was established on the Framlingham Reserve, adjacent to the Hopkins River, approximately 25 kilometres from Warrnambool. It resided in Girai Wurrung country, occupying 3,500 acres of land, which the government had designated for this purpose. The Wesleyan Methodist Church formed the Framlingham Aboriginal Mission as a refuge for Indigenous people displaced by European settlement. The mission's primary objectives were to provide religious education and assimilate Indigenous people into European norms. The missionaries aimed to teach them agriculture and encourage a settled lifestyle, diverging from their traditional ways.

Over time, the mission expanded to include a school, church, and other facilities, evolving into a self-sufficient community. However, life on the mission was arduous, with Indigenous people subjected to strict rules and regulations that curtailed their freedom and autonomy. The Church of England Mission briefly oversaw the Framlingham Aboriginal Station before returning it to the Central Board for the Protection of Aborigines. The decision was motivated by financial constraints and a disagreement with the manager, Daniel Clarke. By 1867, the Board determined that the Aborigines residing in Framlingham should be relocated to Lake Condah, where a new Aboriginal station would be established. Purranmurnin Tullawurnin, a Buninyong woman and widow of William Buckley, a British convict who lived among the Wadawurrung people for 32 years after escaping from the British, was questioned as she refused to leave the mission.

Local resistance resulted in the continuation of the Framlingham Station, which was operational again by 1870. Aboriginal people frequently moved between Framlingham and Lake Condah. Living conditions were rudimentary, and it was not until 1878 that the school received a teacher, making it the last Aboriginal station to do so. Housing for up to 90 residents had to be provided, along with basic rations of flour, sugar, tea, and tobacco. Nevertheless, the residents were expected to augment these supplies through their efforts, hunting and procuring their own meat.

Although the Station closed its doors in 1890, Aboriginal people continued to reside in Framlingham. In 1970, under the Aboriginal Lands Act, Framlingham was entrusted to the Framlingham Trust, resuming its operations under Aboriginal ownership. Despite the numerous challenges, the Gunditjmara people have tenaciously preserved their cultural heritage and connection to their land. They have tirelessly fought for the recognition of their rights as Indigenous Australians. Today, the Gunditjmara people still reside in the Framlingham area, actively promoting their culture and history.

Written by james Vegter