Eighty years to the day after 800 Aboriginal pastoral workers across 25 stations in the North West walked off their stations in an act of defiance, Pilbara locals have commemorated their brave actions.
About 100 people gathered in Port Hedland on Friday (May 1) to walk their choice of one or 3km to honour the courage and leadership of Aboriginal pastoral workers who walked off Pilbara stations in 1946, with many local organisations issuing statements of support in relation to the commemorations.
The strike was an act of defiance against the Aborigines Act 1905 (WA), protesting decades of exploitation, unpaid labour and discriminatory control over every aspect of their lives.
It lasted for three years, making it the longest strike in Australian history, and while the workers’ demands were not fully met, many left their stations to work independently and it was a historical moment that helped to inspire many other communities to fight for their rights.
After the walk, the Milpaku Kuma Port Hedland Community Centre hosted a further commemorative event welcoming 300 attendees.
Nanna MK led proceedings as MC, with a welcome to country by Uncle Alfred Barker.
Across the course of the evening there was truth-telling and stories shared about the strike by Aunty Eileen Rule (McKenna), Aunty Doris Eaton, Aunty Barbara Hale, Nanna MK, Rose Murray from the Pilbara Strike committee and recordings from Clancy McKenna and Lilly Massy.
Bruce Thomas, a traditional Mangala man who grew up with Nyangumarta people, is the Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre chair and he grew up during the 1946 Pilbara Strike.
He said on the night the strike was not just about wages.
“Our old people weren’t just standing up for wages,” he said.
“They were standing up for dignity, for freedom, and for the right to live on our own country.”
Desert Wave Record Artists Mr Widdy, Until Closing Time and the Yurti Band from the Strelly remote Ccommunity led a vibrant live music program into the night, with elders dancing to the Yurti Band.
Attendees enjoyed free-flowing food, including 150 kangaroo tails that were cooked onsite by the Nyamal Rangers, with face painting and a photo booth providing family fun.
City of Karratha mayor Daniel Scott said the 80th anniversary was an important opportunity to reflect on the strength, resilience and leadership shown by Aboriginal people across the Pilbara.
“The Pilbara Strike is a defining moment in our region’s history and a powerful example of collective action driving meaningful change,” he said.
“We recognise the courage of those who stood together to demand fairness and dignity, and the lasting legacy they have created for future generations.
“The city is committed to acknowledging and respecting the histories and contributions of Aboriginal people, and to continuing to support reconciliation and shared understanding across our community.”
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