National Archives of Australia
Darwin Office
F1 1971 / 6108
Aboriginal Population Records Births and Deaths in W.A. 1971 - 1974
7. 2.1974 Births and Deaths as reported by the Public Health Office, Wyndham, W.A.
Persons Deceased in Wyndham Area to 31. 1.1974
Wyndham and East of Wyndham
Name Born Caste Notes
Amy Gallagher .1934? F.D. H - Bobby Gallagher, F- June Milbarria (Mabel Downs)
Angela Morechei .1894 F.D. Daughter Nellie Maraltadj
Chamboala Mangolamara .1895 F.D. Daughter Punduala Pangolmora
Joan Ingrid Evans 5. 9.1948 F.D. F - Edmund Evans
Kitty Wungalu .1891 F.D.
Marel? Yawan .1906 F.D. W - Rosie Dunbi (deceased)
Mary Ooman O.A.P. F.D.
Murphy Dumbulabin .1897 F.D. W - Minnie Wigby
Nellie Lulumura .1895 F.D. H - Freddie Mugmoora
Nellie Wongala .1898 F.D. H - Barnabas Bottumgery @ Tuande
Norah Ngidil (Ngidid) .1896 F.D.
Regina Taylor 30. 3.1973 M.R. M - Alexis Taylor (Derby)
Ruphina Tinchala .1910 F.D. H - Jack Waina (deceased)
Sopas Morechei Tootoorook @ Morechei .1900 F.D. W - (Wangy) Nellie Unalgo (deceased)
Stephen Doodaroo O.A.P. F.D.
Tangoa (Targoa?) .1887 F.D.
Tommy Arnoo .1890 F.D.
Trevor John Karadada 9. 2.1973 F.D. M - Regina Karadada
(Wangy) Nellie Anulgo .1886 F.D. H - Sopas Morechei (deceased)
Wilma Lee Shadforth 26. 2.1973 M.R. M - Ethen Shadforth nee Menmuir
Doreen Ex Fitzroy Crossing - Bow River, H - George Wallaby
Duncan Highway Area
Name Born Caste Notes
Butcher Mick Jingalee .1870 F.D. W - Camp Polly Quart (Flora Valley)
David Killengin @ Kilarney F.D. M - Nellie Jadu (ex Mistake Creek)
Lena Charmawawina 18. 1.1973 F.D. M - Linda Charmawawina (Nicholson)
Rosemary Knockera @ Cassidy 21. 6.1972 F.D. M - Marie Knockera @ Cassidy (Gordon Downs)
Walli Rosewood @ Budjungung @ Minan .1914 F.D. W - Lilly Killy-uru (Nicholson)
Wattie Oopah .1905 F.D. W - Big Dinah Tchibilah (Gordon Downs)
Gt Northern Highway Area
Name Born Caste Notes
Dean Mung Mung @ Drill 7. 6.1973 F.D. M - Beryline Mungmung (Texas Downs)
Mabel Meiwellar @ Cup o'Tea .1902 F.D. H - Paddy Rhattigan (Turkey Creek)
Mona Patrick @ Dolgil .1932 F.D. ex Husband Paddy (Springvale)
Matthew Dingjimun @ Wandum F.D. Brother Moosher Dirknaria (Turkey Creek)
@ Mosquito Madutingimia @ Patrick
Ruby Djunmaria @ Doomari .1900 F.D. Son Johnny Mulligan (Springvale)
Births in Wyndham Area to 31. 1.1974
Wyndham
Name Born Caste Notes
Ian Stewart Smith 12. 1.1973 F.D. Mother Enid Smith, Father Brian Smith
Jacqueline Carroll 12. 2.1973 M.R. Mother Phyllis Carroll, Father Jack Gallagher
Arthur Brian Auburn 21. 2.1973 M.R. Mother Patricia Auburn, Father James Hassett
Wilma Lee Shadforth 26. 2.1973 M.R. Mother Ethel Shadforth, babe now deceased
Kathleen Rose Birch 23. 3.1973 M.R. Mother Merle Birch, Father Laurence Carter
Jeremiah James Hester 10. 4.1973 M.R. Mother Emily Hester, Father Stanley Hester
Tanya Rose Reynolds 16. 3.1973 M.R. Mother Rosa Reynolds
Simon (Sinon?) Birch 17. 4.1973 M.R. Mother Margaret Birch, Father Reginald Birch
Thomas Edgar Gallagher 21. 4.1973 M.R. Mother Margaret Gallagher, Father Thomas Birch
Anthony Smith 6. 5.1973 F.D. Mother May Smith, Father Edmund Evans
Lincoln Edward Birch 21. 5.1973 M.R. Mother Dora Birch, Father Edward Birch
Sherylee Ann Johnson 27. 5.1973 M.R. Mother Martha Johnson
Mary Ann Morgan 18. 6.1973 F.D. Mother Ursula Morgan
Cameron Charles Gore 27. 6.1973 M.R. Mother Elizabeth Gore
Craig William Rivers 28. 6.1973 M.R. Mother Dorothy Rivers
Vanessa Jane Benning 16. 9.1973 M.R. Mother Dorothy Benning, Father Barry Benning
Female Morton 5.11.1973 M.R. Mother Emily Morton, Father Ronnie Macale, neo-natal death
Joanna Rae Evans 15.11.1973 F.D. Mother Doreen Evans, Father Harold Jones
Roberta Rose Carlton 18.11.1973 M.R. Mother Kathleen Carlton, Father Duncan White
Matthew Umbulgurri 19.11.1973 F.D. Mother Mercy Mary Umbulgurri, Father Jimmy James
Kalumburu Mission
Name Born Caste Notes
Trevor John Karadada 9. 2.1973 M.R. Mother Regina Karadada, babe now deceased
Desmond Williams 6. 4.1973 F.D. Mother Dianna Williams, Father Darryl Williams
Sebastian Djanghara 20. 5.1973 F.D. Mother Phillipina Djanghara, Father Basil Djanghara
Cindy Clements 21. 6.1973 F.D. Mother Mary Clements, Father Frank Clements
Lorraine Peuromora 24. 7.1973 F.D. Mother Carina Peuromora, Father Rankin Bendomora
Rita Mangolamora 11.10.1973 F.D. Mother Rosary Mangolamora, Father Geoffrey Mangolamora
Gordon Downs Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Male twins Seela (deceased) 3. 4.1973 F.D. Mother Mary Seela, Father Bobby Yumugalaree
Elizabeth Malarvie 1. 7.1973 F.D. Mother Lady Bird Malarvie
Dean Seela 14. 9.1973 F.D. Mother Bonnie Seela, Father Young Popeye
Halls Creek
Name Born Caste Notes
Male Smith 12. 1.1973 F.D. Mother Marjorie Smith
Damien Taylor 3. 2.1973 M.R. Mother Ruth Taylor
Paul Margaret 5. 3.1973 M.R. Mother Mandy Margaret @ Mandy Button, now deceased (?child or mother)
Leslie Chatanalgi 20. 4.1973 F.D. Mother Alice Chatanalgi
Delphine Seeton 18. 5.1973 M.R. Mother Joan Seeton
Aaron Mark Johnstone 30. 5.1973 F.D. Mother Elaine Johnstone, Father Eric Johnstone (now at Kalumburu)
Graham Mairett 1. 6.1973 M.R. Mother Nita Mairett
Mary Kathleen Rivers 25. 6.1973 M.R. Mother Peggy Rivers
Graham Peter Lightning 25. 6.1973 F.D. Mother Molly Lightning (could be?)
Male Carter (stillborn) 3. 7.1973 M.R. Mother Jacqueline Carter
Denise Dreamer 10. 7.1973 M.R. Mother Janet Dreamer, Father Billy Long (could be?)
Dennis Johnson 12. 7.1973 M.R. Mother Beverley Johnson
Kevin Wallaby 12. 7.1973 F.D. Mother Nancy Wallaby
Ian Johnson 20. 7.1973 M.R. Mother Rebecca Johnson
John Mandijerri 22. 7.1973 F.D. Mother Norah Mandijerri
Male twins Deegan (both deceased) 1. 8.1973 M.R. Mother Bonnie Deegan
Leroy Willarney (Hillarney) 4. 8.1973 F.D. Mother Susan Willarney (Hillarney), Father Finnegan Quilty
Karen Butcher 8.10.1973 M.R. Mother May Butcher
Ray Smith 14.11.1973 F.D. Mother Mona Smith
Justin Minga 14.11.1973 F.D. Mother Rita Minga
Vanessa Jane Bradshaw 25.11.1973 M.R. Mother Margaret Bradshaw
Wayne Timbinah 29.11.1973 M.R. Mother Biddy Timbinah
Billy Duncan 20.12.1973 M.R. Mother Myalee Duncan, Father Billy Duncan
Rebecca Johnson 29. 1.1974 M.R. Mother Susan Johnson, Father Walter Alexander Scott
Wayne King 29. 1.1974 M.R. Barbara King
Lamboo Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Female Taylor 9. 8.1973 M.R. Mother Eleanor Taylor
Sharimah Lamboo 17. 9.1973 F.D. Mother Cla..ia Lamboo
Nigel Nuggett 12.11.1973 F.D. Mother Ruth Nuggett
Lansdowne Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Anne Hall 27.11.1973 M.R. Mother Patsy Hall, Father John Curtain
Dunham River Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Damien Trancolino 27.11.1973 M.R. Mother Lulu Trancolino, Father Martin Trancolino
Patrick Harry 26.12.1973 F.D. Mother Norah Harry, Father Freddie Timms
Michelle Malgil 5. 6.1973 M.R. Mother Kaye Malgil, Father Trevor Bedford
Turkey Creek
Name Born Caste Notes
Joseph Nalgil 9. 3.1973 F.D. Mother Ruby Nalgil, Father Bob Yallinga @ Nyalgal
Dean Mungmung (deceased) 7. 6.1973 F.D. Mother Beryline MungMung, Father Tommy Drill
Mabel Downs
Name Born Caste Notes
Kathleen Jamima 14. 4.1973 F.D. Mother Mary Jamima, Father Paddy Thomas
Texas Downs
Name Born Caste Notes
Gary McGinty 9. 3.1973 M.R. Mother Connie McGinty, Father Paddy McGintay
Michael Budbaria 27. 4.1973 F.D. Mother Betty Budbaria @ Carrington, Father Patrick Mung
Ernest Daylight 23. 5.1973 F.D. Mother Jean Daylight, Father Bobby Bungindja
Flora Valley
Name Born Caste Notes
Anna Jaduli 17. 1.1973 F.D. Mother Sheila Jaduli, Father Long Paddy Machucho
Nicholson Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Lena Charmawawina 18. 1.1973 F.D. Mother Linda Charmawawina, Father Sam Wilgin.
Bedford Downs
Name Born Caste Notes
Maria Malay 5. 4.1973 M.R. Mother Julia Malay, Father Sally Malay
Kununurra
Name Born Caste Notes
Female Mengil (stillborn) 23. 5.1973 M.R. Mother Sarah Mengil
Ingrid Ningmaria 20. 6.1973 F.D. Mother Phyllis Ningmaria
Sturt Creek
Name Born Caste Notes
Ronald Padoon 4.11.1973 F.D. Mother Kathleen Padoon
Terry Milner 5.11.1973 F.D. Mother Desley Milner
Terry Nungoray @ Jumbo 29. 1.1974 F.D. Mother May Nungoray @ Jumbo
Birrindudu
Name Born Caste Notes
Male Munckton 16. 7.1973 M.R. Mother Sheila Munckton
31. 1.1973 Births and Deaths as reported by the Public Health Office, Wyndham, W.A.
Birth Particulars - Wyndham District Hospital to 31.12.1972
Residing in Wyndham
Name Born Caste Notes
Leslie Gore 7.11.1972 Caste Mother Sandra Gore, Father Owen Birch
Rachael Jane Edwards 25.11.1972 Caste Mother Veronica Edwards
Justin Howard 31.10.1972 Caste Mother Celine Howard, Father Justin Howard (now Broome)
Julie Carlton 1.10.1972 Caste Mother Dorothy Carlton, Father George Carlton
Michael Craig Bulsey 2.10.1972 Caste Mother Violet Bulsey, Father Michael Bulsey
Rosanne French 25. 6.1972 Caste Mother Vera French
Adrian Bradley Meehan 16. 4.1972 F.D. Mother Sheila Meeham, Father John Selwyn Meeham
Celina Jessell 6. 8.1972 F.D. Mother Shirley Jessell, Father Clancy Patrick
Denise Rex 12. 5.1972 Caste Mother Pauline Rex, Father George Rex
Jodie Carolyn Gore 13. 5.1972 Caste Mother Judy Gore, Father Arnold Green
Paul Henry 9. 5.1972 F.D. Mother Melba Henry
Mildred Rose Ward 5. 1.1972 Caste Mother Pat Ward, Father James Ward (now Derby)
Naomi Jean Taylor 7. 1.1972 F.D. Mother Mary Therese Taylor, Father Leo Taylor, one of these is deceased
Maureen Williams 14. 1.1972 Caste Mother Susan Williams, Father Ronald Williams
James Talbot 1. 3.1972 Caste Mother Geraldine Talbot, Father Richard Lippett, now separated
Donetta Roberts 8. 3.1972 Caste Mother Margaret Roberts, Father Dennis Gore
Glen William Johnson 2. 2.1972 Caste Mother Dora Johnson, Father William Grant, DOB may be 2.12.1972
Louella Elizabeth Evans 2.12.1972 F.D. Mother Doreen Evans, Father Harold Jones
Leon Coomerang 8.12.1972 Caste Mother Barbara Coomerang, Father Peter Coomerang
Residing Halls Creek (most first names of children are not known by me)
Name Born Caste Notes
Female Carey 31. 8.1972 Caste Mother Rona Carey
Pauline Macale 12.12.1972 Caste Mother Tiny Macale
Noreen Macale 12.12.1972 Caste Mother Tiny Macale
Female Lannigan 7. 9.1972 Mother Ivy
Female Long 9. 8.1972 Caste Mother Beverley
Male Bradshaw 19. 9.1972 Caste Mother Daisy
Male Smith 12. 1.1973 Caste Mother Marjorie
Male Smith 8.12.1972 Caste Mother Anita
Male Nipper 26. 9.1972 Mother Dolly Nopper
Male Carter 3. 7.1972 Caste Mother Freda Carter
Female Thomas 6. 8.1972 Caste Mother Helen Thomas, Father Basil Thomas
Nicholson Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Nuggett Rosewood @ Killy-Uru 6. 7.1972 Caste Mother Lilly Killy-Uru @ Rosewood
James Edwards 1.1972 Caste Mother Peggy Hector, Father Arthur Edwards, born Halls Creek
David 12.1972 F.D. Mother Doreen David, Father Jock Mosquito
Gordon Downs Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Angela Gordon 18.10.1972 F.D. Mother Clarice Gordon, Father Ginger Kuljearee
Rosemary Knockera @ Cassidy 21. 6.1972 F.D. Mother Marie Knockera, Father Fidler
Female Puddin (neo-natal death) 19.11.1972 Mother Peggy Yoo-Yoo @ Puddin
Sturt Creek Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Daniel Cassidy 18. 9.1972 Mother Topsy Cassidy
Dunham River Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Damien Henry 5. 6.1972 F.D. Mother Susan Henry, Father Cecil Gallagher
Denise Sampi(e) 23. 9.1972 F.D. Mother Angelina Sampi, Father Morton Sampi
Jessell (have not seen, now KNA) 29. 6.1972 Mother Dora Jessell
Mabel Downs Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Jacqueline Mung Mung 6. 5.1972 F.D. Mother Ethel Mung-Mung, Father Mossher Dirknarrie
Jane Tinmaree 3. 5.1972 F.D. Motheru Rita Tinmaree, Father Roper Thomas
Turkey Creek
Name Born Caste Notes
Jonathan Harry 27. 7.1972 F.D. Mother Nora Harry, Father Freddy Timms
Osmond Valley Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Morris Johnson 3. 8.1972 Caste Mother Susan Johnson, Father Walter Scott
Lissadell Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Phillip Drill 9.10.1972 Caste Mother Ivy Drill, to Perth adoption
Bow River Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Dracey Ramsay 20. 7.1972 F.D. Mother Mona Ramsay, Father Rammy Ramsay
Kalumburu
Name Born Caste Notes
Basil? Clement 4.10.1972 F.D. Mother Camilla Clement, Father Frank Clement
Jacinta Marie Undalghumen @ Joseph 11. 9.1972 F.D. Mother Jane Undalghumen, Father Placid Joseph @ Undalghumen
Paul Clement 23. 7.1972 F.D. Mother Mary Coleman @ Clement, Father Peter Clement
Home Valley Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Unnamed 22. 3.1972 F.D. Mother Ursula Morgan, Father Douglas Morgan
Landsdowne Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Francine Marie Nundje 10.11.1972 F.D. Mother Shuba Nundje
Female Wungundin 18. 8.1972 Mother Helen Wungundin
Inverway Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Dinah Malywmmare (Lewis 24. 9.1972 Male stillborn child
Springvale Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Kerry Birdwood 13. 8.1972 F.D. Mother Maudie Birdwood, Father General Birdwood
Shane McAdam 2. 5.1972 Caste Mother Evelyn McAdam, Father Gilbert McAdam
Flora Valley Station
Name Born Caste Notes
Jillian Noodjong 23.12.1972 F.D. Mother Bridget Noodjong, Father Boxer Milner
Dennis Coatchilli 6. 1.1972 Mother Biddy Coatchilli, Father Freddy Brown
Debra Sturt 3. 5.1972 F.D. Mother Juney Sturt, Father Sambo Gordon
Persons deceased Wyndham area (to my knowledge) to 31.12.1972
Resided in Wyndham
Name Born Caste Notes
Albert John Meehan 24. 4.1970 F.D. Mother Sheila Meehan, father John Selwyn Meehan
Naomi Jean Taylor 7. 1.1972 F.D. Mother Mary Therese Taylor, Father Leo Taylor
Nellie Dar OAP F.D. No known relatives
William Long .1895 Caste No known relatives alive, originated Queensland?
June Martin .1948? F.D. Father Frank Martin
Kathleen Holstein .1920 F.D. Son in Northern Territory
Norah Njidil .1896 F.D. Daughter Mary Munmee
Douglas Smith @ O'Reeri 20. 2.1952 F.D. Mother Mary O'Reeri
Resided Stations
Kalumburu Mission
Name Born Caste Notes
Eugene Peter Nanchimara 1. 7.1916 F.D. Wife Dorothy Morechi
Fulgentius Coolamara .1911 F.D.
Kangoora Tudununga 1. 7.1885 F.D. Wife Elizabeth Tudununga
Kitty Peuromora 1. 7.1931 F.D. Husband Allan Molly Peuromora
Mengary Ugnular Katechara 1. 7.1910 F.D.
Minjey Chitala 1. 7.1910 F.D.
Patricia Nawunmien 1. 7.1910 F.D. Husband Damper Reynolds @ Allanca
Rosie Dunbi OAP F.D. Husband Marel Yawan
Solomon Fredericks @ Goodong 1. 7.1934 F.D. Wife Eileen Fredericks
Undoli Tari 1. 7.1886 F.D. Daughter (Judy) Kitty Peuromora, DOB also 1896
Wowlongay Chararalamara 1. 7.1889 F.D. Husband Mickey Newben
Duncan Highway area
Name Born Caste Notes
Eva Yanigan 1. 7.1908 F.D. Husband Jungles Gurul (Nicholson)
Kruger Ronjuker 1. 7.1894 F.D. No known relatives (Nicholson)
Nellie Jadu @ Mega .1904 F.D. c.c. Bunda Jimmy (Nicholson)
Mailman Blowee .1907 F.D. Wife Nellie Mahana (Gordon / Sturt)
Piper Majooka @ Mathuga .1904 F.D. Wife Sheila Wodella (Gordon)
Pompey Mulla OAP F.D. Wife Maudie Yoorinalli (Gordon)
Baby Puddin (neo-natal death) 18.11.1972 F.D. Mother Julie Yoo-Yoo (Gordon)
Cyril Noodjong 25. 4.1971 F.D. Mother Bridget Noodjong (Flora)
Joe Kelly .1914 F.D. Daughter Karen Kelly (Nicholson / Mistake)
Northern Highway area
Name Born Caste Notes
Biddy Navongle 1. 7.1890 F.D. No living relative (Texas Downs)
Eddie Hart 17. 9.1917 Caste No living relatives known, ex South Australia
Rosie Martin @ Brockman .1919 Caste Husband Demon Brockman (Dunham)
Tommy Arnoo 1. 7.1890 F.D. Wife Judy (Karungie)
Toby Nyalge .1890 F.D.
Tommy Yungamoo (?Yungaroo) .1903 F.D. Brother Harry (Bedford)
Letter dated 6. 4.1972 from District Hospital Kununurra
listing births and deaths in the last six months.
Births
Mother Born Sex Child Notes
Claris Bibbi 18. 6.1971 M c/o Birrindudu
Amy Ward 23. 6.1971 F Carol / Coral Mistake Creek
Ula Chulung 3. 8.1971 F Eunice Kununurra, now in Darwin?
Maralyn Johnson 5. 8.1971 M Colin Kununurra
Alma Chulung 10. 8.1971 F Stillbirth Kununurra
Cissy Everett 26. 8.1971 F Denise Kununurra, to Broome
Angela Jones 2. 9.1971 M Kununurra, to Perth, entry crossed out
Irene Me Rae 26. 9.1971 F Kununurra
Patsy Hall 23.10.1971 F c/o Shedleys, Kununurra
Marlene Turner 6.11.1971 M Vincent Kununurra
Nancy Hann 10.11.1971 M Kununurra
Jean Johnson 23.11.1971 F Laura Kununurra
Peggy Johns 29.11.1971 F Maxine Kununurra
May Bradshaw 18.12.1971 M James Kununurra
Veronica Charles 31.12.1971 M Michael Kununurra
Dolly Thompson 7. 1.1972 F Mary Anne Newry Station
Alice Brumby 5. 2.1972 F Newry Station, wrongly registered under the name Nigmaria
Molly Simon 10. 2.1972 F Ana Kununurra
Elizabeth Bradshaw 1. 3.1972 M Jonathan Kununurra
Jean Daylight 2. 3.1972 F Rosemary Kununurra
Doreen Calwol 8. 3.1972 M Gregory Kununurra
Rosie Dingle 15. 3.1972 F Angie Kununurra
Dorothy Davies 21. 3.1972 F Geraldine Kununurra
Jessie Toby 4. 4.1972 M Darilin Kununurra
Deaths
Name Born Died Notes
Lily Boeyin Aged 70+ 6. 7.1971 Resident Kununurra
Alec Turner Aged 50 13. 9.1971 Resident Argyle
10. 3.1972 Births and Deaths as reported by the Public Health Office, Wyndham, W.A.
Some births and deaths in Kununurra and Wyndham to 10. 3.1972
Births
Biddy Darlboonji Veronica 18. 2.1972 Gordon Downs Station
Mary Seela David 1. 9.1971 Gordon Downs Station
Bonnie Seela James 15. 9.1971 Gordon Downs Station
Maizie Gordon Randal 22.10.1971 Gordon Downs Station
Linda Yandingalli Brian 17. 7.1971 Nicholson Station
Topsy Sturt (deceased) Rosalyn 15.10.1971 Flora Valley Stn
Mabel Holmes Bronwyn Martin 9. 3.1971 Ex Halls Creek
Lena Nundia Female child 22.10.1971 Birrindudu Station
Marlene Turner Male child 6.11.1971 Nicholson Station
Peggy Hector James Edwards . 1.1972 Nicholson Station (I am unsure of date)
Biddy Coatchilli Dennis . 1.1972 Flora Valley
Josephine Moore Dennis Greenwood 8.12.1971 Wyndham
Nancy Hann Male child 10.11.1971 Kununurra
Rita Jessell Dennis 26.10.1971 Kununurra
Margaret Gallagher Priscilla Margaret 28.12.1971 Wyndham
Theresa Caradada Stillborn 1. 1.1972 Kalumburu
Pat Ward Mildren (Mildred?) Rose 5. 1.1972 Wyndham
Mary Taylor Naomi Jean 7. 1.1972 Wyndham
Susan Williams Maureen 14. 1.1972 Wyndham
The only death we have recorded here is Topsy Sturt maternal death mentioned
above. H - Brandy Menjarrie, however I may be able to advise of others
when I return from my first station run which I expect to be in April.
Letter dated 14.10.1971 from Aboriginal Population Records Darwin to Public
Health Sister Wyndham.
Aboriginal Population Records
Research Branch
Welfare Division
Public Health Sister Wyndham
Public Health Office
Wyndham W.A. 6740
Dear Sister Bedford
Thank you for arranging to have that birth form fixed up and
I can well understand how busy you are and realise the difficulties in
tracking people down.
Regarding the second part of your letter. The lists I sent
to Mr Jordan were very rough and I explained when I sent them to him
that they were only rough field notes, and much of the name information
was not there.
I should explain that you should not take those lists as an
indication of the way we operate. I have attached a copy of the first
draft of an information pamphlet we will publish later about this section.
Our mode of identifying people is not purely by names but by family
relationships as well, the reason being that we realise that not everybody
has the insight into the Aboriginal world to realise that many of the words
appended to Aborigines as names are not names at all and bear no relationship
to our christian-name-surname system.
Therefore, rather than adopt a condescending attitude to those
who obviously have not the time or the interest to study the Aboriginal
social systems we ask instead that the person to be identified is asked
his father's name, mother's name, wife's name, children's names, brothers
and sisters name. With such an array it is usually possible to identify
a person quickly and unambiguously. (Actually, the Registrar of Births
Deaths and Marriages will ask for similar information when you apply for a
Birth Certificate. For some reason, people in general think that you can
identify somebody from a name only - which can never be done unambiguously,
because no matter how unusual a name is, somebody else will be sure to
have it as well).
In actual recording of a personal record, we do of course record
all names used by a person, or by other people for that person. Thus, you
are right when you say that women adhere to their own names and do not adopt
their husband's names on marriage. In the Territory we find that many
families are adopting English surnames for the whole family and some Aboriginal
surnames. However, I would like to stress that point: women do not
adopt their husband's names unless they are true surnames. I did not
record all of the information on the lists I sent Mr Jordan because I knew
most of the people already, and my listing was just a check on who was at
those stations at the time, to update the records when I got back to the
office and raise any queries with the stations concerned. Examples were
births and deaths of people belonging to N.T. stations which occurred in
W.A. - which is why I wrote to you. It seems that I will be flat out
maintaining decent records for Rosewood and Newry at least unless Sister
Terry can help out with a list of Kununurra births and deaths. I hope she
will be able to manage it.
Another point I should mention is that over most of the N.T. and
this includes the area around the W.A. border, that children do not take on
their mothers personal name as a surname. They are often recorded this
way in station and medical records, but in actual fact they have personal
Aboriginal names of their own. Those are not given immediately on the
birth of the child, but are given usually in the first year of its life
by family arrangement.
I suppose all this seems very pedantic and therefore I will now
collect together what I can for Waterloo and Timber Creek and figure out
Limbunya and Inverway when I return from leave. I would be grateful for
some of your station lists if it does not involve you in too much work and
those I am most interested in are Carlton Hill, Ivanhoe, Argyle Downs,
Lissadell, Ord River, Nicholson, Gordon Downs, Flora Valley and Sturt Creek.
A listing of people at Kununurra Reserve is always helpful, but again I do
not want to impose upon you too much when you are so busy. A lot of the
people in Kununurra are closely related to people across to Timber Creek and
even Port Keats Mission. In fact they all speak basically the same language
and have precisely the same social system.
Many thanks for your assistance.
I attach also copies of a card and computer listing so that you
will know something of the system of recording we use.
Yours sincerely
Len Muller
for Assistant Administrator (Welfare)
10. 3.1972 Births and Deaths as reported by the Public Health Office, Wyndham, W.A.
Births and deaths in the Wyndham area to 27. 9.1971
Births
Barbara Coomerang Dallas M 16. 5.1970 Wyndham
May Smith Bradley M 1. 6.1970 Wyndham
Judy Gore Melinda F 9. 6.1970 El Questro
Madigan Thomas Peter M 3. 7.1970 Mabel Downs
Emily Hester Bliss Calwyn M 19. 7.1970 Now deceased
Elaine Johnstone Matthew M 29. 7.1970 Wyndham
Enid Smith Fiona F 30. 7.1970 Wyndham
Pat Ward Cameron M 30. 8.1970 Now deceased
Una Morgan Dean Matthew M 27.10.1970 Wyndham
Margaret Birch David M 24.10.1970 Wyndham
Cecelia Andrews Nigel M 9.10.1970 Wyndham
Dora Johnson Lisa F 2.10.1970 Wyndham
Mary O'Reeri Ann F 27. 9.1970 Wyndham
Marie Knockara @ Cassidy Dallas F 21. 9.1970 Gordon Downs
Doreen David Timothy John M 20.12.1970 Nicholson
Doreen Evans Henry John M 4. 1.1971 Wyndham
Susan Henry Cecil James M 12. 1.1970 Wyndham
Pauline Rex Maria F 18. 1.1971 Wyndham
June Cummungs @ Skuthorpe ? F 24. 1.1971 Wyndham
Lovey Weaver Lorraine F 28. 1.1971 Wyndham
Greta Reynolds Samantha F 1. 2.1971 Mount House
Merle Birch Lawrence Wayne M 6. 2.1971 Wyndham
Biddy Darlboonji Veronica F 18. 2.1971 Gordon Downs
Shirley Jessell Theresa F 3. 3.1971 Dunham River
Marian Zammit ? M 19. 3.1971
(This is a white woman address c/- Hortnulpie Mail Bag Alice Springs.
With the S.A. Baryties Co.)
Esmae Roberts Charmaine F 24. 3.1971 Wyndham
Vera French Julia F 14. 4.1971 State Ward for Perth
Angelina Sampi Rebecca F 25. 4.1971 Dunham River
Beryl Evans Brenda F 28. 4.1971 Wyndham
Julia Malay Sampson (R) Kevin (C) M 17. 5.1971 Bedford Downs
(R = Registered. C = Called.)
Polly Widalgil Wayne M 4. 7.1971 Bedford Downs
Eileen Bray Margaret F 10. 7.1971 Turkey Creek
Linda Yandingalli Brian M 17. 7.1971 Nicholson
Parry Imberlong Desley Ann F 17. 7.1971 Limbunya, NT
Mercy Mary Umbilgurrie Beverlin F 30. 7.1971 Wyndham
Evelyn Carroll Alan F 13. 6.1971 Dunham River
Ruth Evans John M 25. 7.1971 Kununurra, ex Limbunya NT
Edna Skeen ? M 7. 8.1971 Rosewood NT
Mary Seela David M 1. 9.1971 Gordon Downs
Elaine Johnstone Claudia F 5. 9.1971 Wyndham (was at Limbunya part year)
Bonnie Seela ? M 15. 9.1971 Gordon Downs
Mary Lou Bedford Geraldine F 16. 9.1971 Bedford Downs
Josie Malay Lindsay M 21. 9.1971 Bedford Downs
Letter from Joan Bedford, Public Health Sister Wyndham presumably to
Welfare Darwin undated.
RW5/71/834/100
Thank you very much for your letter of the 20th August 1971.
Only one copy of station lists will be required, thank you, as Mr Jordan
and I can easily use this copy from the one records department. In the
list received by the hospital just recently, it was noted that some of the
younger women were listed under their husbands names. On the list received
last year these were listed under their aboriginal which is often what they
go by. Do I presume then, that you are not using female aboriginals names,
even though they are not legally married, if so will it not cause a great
deal of confusion, as many of them do not call themselves by their
husbands names and refer to themselves by their own aboriginal and white
names together, calling their children often by their aboriginal name and not
their husbands? The reason I mention this is that already in our records,
we have had one of these girls in hospital not using her husband's name,
quite some (..confusion..)was caused when on looking at the lists they found that she was
listed under her husband's name. We hope that you will advise us what your
plans in the Territory are as regards this, as we still find it essent-
ial to list these girls entirely under their own names, being sure to
include the husband's as a qualifying name.
I was wondering if you would require a list of our station natives? These
lists certainly will never be complete, or entirely up to date, as we find
that they are outdated by the week rather than the month, but I have drawn
up lists as things stood in June of this year, and wonder whether or not
you would like copies of these.
Could you please forward to us list of natives for Waterloo, Limbunya,
Inverway and Timber Creek.
Yours sincerely
Joan Bedford
Public Health Sister Wyndham
Deaths June 1970 to September 1971
Name DOB DOD Address Next of Kin
Norah Manjidarri .1937 20. 6.1970 Gordon Downs H - Larry Tedullan
Edith Edwards .1904 21. 8.1970 Wyndham H - Charlie Djeela
Charlie Number .1922 19. 8.1970 Wyndham S - John Curtain
Jack Waina .1907 6. 9.1970 Kalumburu D - Hilda Gerrard
Nellie Ouyoy .1891 18. 1.1971 15 Mile Wyndham H - Charlie Majaru
Jack Doolan Jordan .1931 19. 1.1971 Bedford Downs W - Helen Clifton
Boniface Weaver 18. 3.1933 2. 2.1971 Wyndham W - Lovey Weaver
Carol Mung Mung . 4.1970 6. 2.1971 Mabel Downs M - Ethel Mung Mung
James Wynmuru .1900 8. 3.1971 15 Mile Wyndham W - Dolly Jimilwa
Major Thomas .1936 20. 5.1971 Bow River W - Melba Henry
Jane Jamima 27. 2.1971 2. 6.1971 Mabel Downs M - Mary Jamima
Dolly Kelly .1910 27. 8.1971 Spring Creek H - Joe Kelly
Billycan Palabil .1916 26. 7.1970 Mabel Downs W - Judy Palabil
Lydia Wynmuru .1901 14.12.1970 15 Mile Wyndham H - King Peter
Mamulla Yalimae .1896 16. 2.1971 Kalumburu
Cameron Ward 13. 8.1970 11. 6.1971 Wyndham M - Pat Ward
Theresa Candery .1921 21. 6.1971 Kalumburu Mission
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