Maya Living Free Healing Association members Mirrisa Morgan-Bamblett, Myheasha Morgan-Weis, D'Sean Morgan-Weis, Felicia Morgan and Izaak Morgan-Weis with a banner and T-shirts in honour of Maloga. Photo: Emily Donohoe
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Maya Living Free Healing Association hosted the Maloga Riverland Revival morning tea celebration on Friday, August 2, to mark 150 years since Maloga was established.
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Led by Yorta Yorta and Wollithiga woman Felicia Morgan Winyar, the group meets each Friday at Echuca East Recreation Reserve to provide a healing space for First Nations people. Members participate in arts and craft, hold discussions and share resources.
The group marked the 150th anniversary of Maloga, a mission that was around 25km from Moama.
Maloga was established by Christian missionary and teacher Daniel Matthews in 1874, alongside his wife and fellow teacher Janet.
The mission provided housing and education to the largely Yorta Yorta community, who chose to live at the site, for 14 years.
“That’s the beauty of Maloga — there was a choice given to them,” Ms Morgan said.
“They started planting wheat, they had cows, chickens ... all of these new farming practices.
“We’ve evolved from these two wonderful people.”
(From left) Elizabeth Atkinson-Barber, Sarah Edwards-Walker, 'grandmother' and Louisa Frost-Atkinson with their children at Maloga. The term 'Lubras' is considered derogatory. Photo: State Library of Victoria and Felicia Morgan
The buildings and many of the residents were moved to Cummeragunja in 1888.
Ms Morgan hosted the event to acknowledge their role in shaping the region’s Indigenous history following colonisation, particularly as a descendent of Maloga residents.
“We are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Maloga,” she said.
“We want to share the stories about Maloga and what they first had given us and been able to help us.”
Felicia Morgan, Izaak, D'Sean and Myheasha Morgan-Weis perform Bura Fera. Photo: Emily Donohoe
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
During the celebration, Ms Morgan’s grandchildren Izaak, Mhyesha and D’Sean Morgan-Weis performed the song Bura Fera.
They used their clapping sticks and sang along to the Yorta Yorta translated hymn, often traced back to the Cummeragunja Choir.
For those interested in joining the Maya Living Free Healing Association, please contact Felicia Morgan on mayahealinginfo@gmail.comor drop in to a healing group session from 9am to 2pm each Friday.
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