Page 5 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

was subjected to introduced diseases, massacres and discriminatory government policies” that still
have inter-generational effects today. And yet in spite of this, Aboriginal culture remains a dynamic
force in contemporary society, contributing to the diverse and thriving Western region of Melbourne,
including the City of Maribyrnong.

Aboriginal people began moving back into Kulin territories from missions and government reserves in
the early years of the twentieth century, particularly in the 1920’s and 1930’s.

They worked in the large industries that were established in Maribyrnong - Angliss and Pridhams
Meatworks, the munitions factories, Kinnears ropes and the railways - and were at the forefront of
the Aboriginal rights movement during the 1930’s and 1940’s led by William Cooper. His home in
Footscray was one of the early headquarters of the Australian Aborigines League. “The Aboriginal
community has never been static, either prior to or after European contact. It has continued to adjust
and adapt to a changing environment.”

http://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

William Cooper

“The animals at the Zoo are looked after. They have servants to care for them, Food is supplied for
them. Their homes are sure. Not so the blacks. We still feel unsafe in the hands of those who are
controlling and “protecting” us.

We still meet people who, with their sense of British superiority, look down upon us with disdain as
unworthy of consideration — as “Abos”, a race of another color-whereas the two races should be on
the best of terms and give to each other full credit for the good qualities of which they are
possessed.” ~ William Cooper

https://waynera.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/cooper.pdf

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider