23/08/2026
Today is the 60th anniversary of the Wave Hill Walk Off
In 1966, Gurindji stockmen, domestic workers and their families walked off Wave Hill Station, led by Vincent Lingiari, in a stand for fair wages, better conditions and, ultimately, land rights. The Gurindiji people set up a camp at Daguragu for nearly 9 years (also known as Wattie Creek), requesting the government return some of their land.
The Gurindji strike helped to make the Australian public aware of First Nations land ownership claims. It also influenced the first legislation in Australia that allowed First Nations peoples to apply for ownership of their traditional lands, the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
Stories like the Wave Hill Walk-Off are an important part of our history, and music can be a powerful way to share them with children.
Paul Kelly's 'From Little Things, Big Things Grow' tells the Gurindji story and helps bring history to life, creating opportunities to talk about courage, fairness, respect and the importance of standing up for what is right.
You can read more about The Wave Hill Walk Off via The National Museum's Digital Classroom resource here: Wave Hill Walk-Off | Australia’s Defining Moments Digital Classroom | National Museum of Australia https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01jg8M0
You can listen to how From Little Things Big Things Grow came to be and listen to it here: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01jgjb0
