Burke Local History
The Local History of Burke, Queensland, Australia
Burke is a region in North West Queensland, situated around 1,500km from Brisbane, the capital city of the state. It covers an area of around 115,000km², with a population of just over 2,000 people.
Indigenous History
The Burke region is home to many Indigenous communities, including the Kalkadoon, Mingginda, Garawa and Waanyi peoples. These communities have lived in the region for thousands of years and have a rich cultural heritage.
The Indigenous peoples in the Burke region were traditionally hunter-gatherers, hunting kangaroos, emus and other wildlife, and gathering bush foods such as berries, nuts and yams. They also had a deep spiritual connection to the land, with Dreaming stories and songs that told the stories of creation and explained the natural world.
European Settlement
European settlement of the Burke region began in the mid-1800s, with the arrival of pastoralists and miners. The region was attractive to these settlers due to its fertile land and rich mineral deposits.
In 1861, Robert O'Hara Burke and William Wills led an expedition from Melbourne to the northern coast of Australia, passing through the Burke region on their way. The expedition ended in tragedy, with both Burke and Wills dying on the journey, but it played a significant role in opening up the region to European settlement.
By the late 1800s, the Burke region was a major centre for mining, with copper, silver, lead and zinc all being extracted from the region. The region was also home to many large pastoral stations, with cattle and sheep farming becoming the mainstay of the local economy.
Recent History
In more recent times, the Burke region has experienced a decline in mining and pastoral activity, leading to economic challenges for the local communities. However, the region has also become a popular destination for tourists, with its rugged landscapes and unique cultural heritage attracting visitors from around the world.
Efforts have also been made to strengthen the local economy through initiatives such as renewable energy projects and the development of new industries such as aquaculture. These efforts are helping to secure a sustainable future for the Burke region and its communities.
History of in Burke
The Burke region of Queensland has a rich and diverse history, spanning thousands of years of Indigenous culture and more recent European settlement. While facing challenges in the modern era, the region has a strong sense of community and a determination to build a sustainable future for its people and the environment.