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Kudapine sign celebrates Noongar history and connection to country

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Aboriginal NRM

The town of Quairading was originally known in Noongar language as ‘Kwirading’ (meaning the home of the small bush kangaroo). ‘Cubbine’ (Cubbine Road), meaning the place of the frogmouth, was also named by local Aboriginal people. In traditional cultural times, Noongar people would hold large corroborees around the corner at ‘Yamping’ and early farmers, such as the Eatons, would enjoy the sounds of these corroborees.

The information sign acknowledges the area known to Aboriginal people as ‘Kudapine’ Camp and was home to the Noongar families of Blurton, Fitzgerald, Lawrence and Pickett.

From around the early 20th century, these families all lived and worked for the farming families of Eaton, Hayes and Parker.  

The area is valued for its social and cultural connection to the land and as a birthing site, with at least two generations of Noongar families being born and raised here.

The work carried out involved clearing the land, farming, burning coal (for provision of a fuel source during World War 2), fox hunting and selling of their skins and picking wildflowers for sale. In this area, a number of fresh water wells were dug, all had stone walls and were nearly always full.

Although there are few remains left today, the well at this particular site provided fresh water and became an important site to both the Noongar and local farming families and contributed to their ‘sense of place’.

In documenting the historical value of this site, the Aboriginal elders hope to share their stories with younger generations of Noongar people, to create a stronger connection to country and so that it may be remembered for years to come.

 “My Dad used to make a whistle out of spoons, then blow it and sit behind a tree. I would stand behind him and the whistle would make a noise just like a rabbit squealing. The foxes would come and he would have his gun ready!” -  Iris Slater (nee Blurton)

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