Our Shed’s Indigenous Connections

Origins

The Wynnum Manly area was originally occupied by the Quandamooka indigenous peoples.

The name Wynnum has its indigenous origins as “winam” or “winnam” – the name for the local breadfruit tree or pandanus.

From as early as the 1840’s, the land on which our Shed now stands, was part of what was known as “blacks camp”.

(Notes and Quotes concerning Indigenous Wynnum Manly – Dr Ray Kerkhove, 2016)

The “blacks camp” area seems to have originally been most of the Wynnum foreshore area extending from the northern side of Wynnum Creek to include significant parts of what are now known as Greene Park and Elanora Park.

European settlement in the area began about the 1850’s. In the 1880’s, the native inhabitants apparently advertised fishing and hunting expeditions in the Brisbane newspapers.  This also included trips to St Helena island to catch flying foxes.

About 1908, the area was virtually abandoned, with many of the indigenous community becoming part of the expanding Wynnum residential areas - while quite a few also moved to Stradbroke Island.

The thriving fishing industry developed in Wynnum Creek was driven by both indigenous and non-indigenous groups all working together.

After 1908, the area was taken over by the then Wynnum Town Council.  Over the years, it has had a number of uses – including recreational, a rubbish tip, a rifle range and a race track and a bowls club.  Much of the original foreshore area has now been filled and reclaimed. Its current main uses are recreational and community activities. 

However the term “blacks camp” remained in use for many more decades.  Most longer term Wynnum residents still refer to the area as “blacks camp”.

Current

Our Shed is a continuing supporter of indigenous groups associated with the local Winnam Corporation.  

Future

Since we acquired our current lease at Elanora park (blacks camp), our Shed has been very successful in meeting the needs of men in our community.  As a result, we are currently negotiating with the Brisbane City Council to build another shed.  We currently have three buildings (sheds) and our custom has been to name our sheds after local personalities.  If our negotiations with Council are successful and we are able to build this additional shed, the decision has been taken to call it the “Lionel Morgan Shed”.

Lionel Morgan played rugby league football for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls through the 1960’s. He was an extremely talented player and was the first indigenous player to be selected in an Australian Kangaroos team. He paved a path that many indigenous players are now following.