Bennelong Point inherited the name from an Indigenous man who was part of the first encounter between black and white in Australia.
Bennelong Point is the name of the small jutting piece of land that stretches into Sydney Harbour. The Sydney Opera House proudly stands as an Australian Icon looking regal but blending harmoniously with the aquatic harbour seascape.
Bennelong was born in 1764 of the Wangal people. His story is a sad one. He was one of the first indigenous people forced to live with the early Australian convict settlers. The intention of Sir Arthur Phillip was to ‘civilise' the indigenous people into the European way of life so that they could enjoy its 'benefits'.
“Bennelong was captured in November 1789 as part of Phillip's plan.” Looking back, one could now interpret this capture as an arrogant plan to teach these people the language and customs of the English. Phillip also wanted to learn the ways and customs of the ‘locals. ’ Like Arabanoo, (Windows media download) Bennelong was able to adopt much of the European dress and ways of behaviour. He was also able to learn “fair enough English.”
Bennelong was able to communicate the language of the Sydney Aborigines. He also cooperated with Governor Phillip bestowing him with the Aboriginal name Wolawaree, thus locating him in a kinship relationship. “in order to enable communication of customs and relationship to the land. “
The Governor built Bennelong a hut on what is now Bennelong Point, the modern day site of the Sydney Opera House
Ironically, a theatre that hosts a variety of world stories – was the site of an early Australian Encounter. Here, Bennelong “entertained the Governor,” and the battle with regard to the rights of the Indigenous Population of Australia began.
