Aboriginal Cooks River
Aboriginal people have lived along the Cooks River for more than a thousand generations, watching the lower river slowly take form over many millennia. The clans of the valley were known as the Wangal, Cadigal and Gameygal, ‘gal’ meaning the people of each clan area. They were impacted greatly by the arrival of Europeans, but Aboriginal people have continued to visit and use the river since that time.
We do not know the traditional Aboriginal name for the Cooks River, though it undoubtedly had one. Wolli Creek appears to be the only name that has survived in popular usage today.
Cooks River Stories
Jennifer Newman, Wiradjuri woman and member of the Cooks River Valley Association, reflects on the Aboriginal history of the Cooks River and the important role that rivers play in our lives.
This video was produced by two Year 8 students – Nareema and Chloe – from Canterbury Girls High School.
How did Aboriginal people live in the area?
Travel back in time to see the Cooks River and its people prior to European settlement. This computer simulated virtual Cooks River showcases the many landscapes, plants and animals that would have while completing a set of cultural tasks. It shows us a glimpse of what traditional Aboriginal life along the river may have looked like.
Aboriginal people from other areas who have come to live along the river have developed a strong sense of custodianship for Aboriginal heritage and the environment. It remains a greatly valued river. Hear the diverse range of experiences that Aboriginal people have had within living memory along the length of the river.
There is a long history of Aboriginal associations with the Cooks River catchment found from the archaeological past, and oral and documentary history from more recent times. This publication compiles and reviews previous research and records to create a comprehensive narrative of the Aboriginal history of the Cooks River catchment.