Disappointed by the result of the voice to parliament, Geoff Reid decided to do something to draw attention to a sad part of indigenous history.
He set out on a ‘Walk 4 Stolen Children Land and Lives’ from Ballina to Myall Creek, stopping at several massacre sites along the way.
His intention was to walk alone, but was soon joined by Ann and Phil Jarman, who supplied a support vehicle, and Ann decided to walk with him.
“I am participating in the 474km walk from Lismore to Myall Creek to let people know that 90% of our Indigenous population were killed by the Europeans and the Indigenous people that were left were put into missions as they were not allowed to live on their own country,” Ann said.
“When on the mission, the children were stolen and many repercussions have occurred due to children being taken away.
“The walk is to make people aware of these issues, but most importantly the massacres that have occurred all around the state.”
The 2026 Myall Creek massacre Memorial and Commemoration will be held over the June long weekend, Friday 5th June to Sunday 7th June.
This annual gathering honours the 28 Wirrayaraay people murdered at the site in 1838 and serves as a major focus of Australian reconciliation.