Resistance and Outrage

It was described as an ‘outrage’ in the Port Phillip Herald of the 17^th January 1840, but the conflict is now known as Jaga Jaga’s Resistance or the Battle of Yering.

The incident occurred in early January 1840. This confrontation was a major event in the Wurundjeri resistance to the takeover of their lands and it started in Warrandyte. Jaga Jaga (also known as Jika Jika or Jackie Jackie) and a group of Wurundjeri stopped at Anderson’s Run on their way upriver. James Anderson had established his run at the confluence of the creek known as Bie-el Yallock (Andersons Creek) and the Yarra River.

Settler Anderson had planted out potatoes in the loop of the river now known as Pound Bend and the Wurundjeri proceeded to dig up some of these ‘white man’s yams’ with their digging sticks. When Anderson discovered what he considered to be theft, he went to their camp and proceeded to harangue and threaten them with arrest. However the Wurundjeri were in possession of some muskets given to them by the Chief Protector of Aborigines (apparently to obtain the tail feathers of the Lyrebird for him as these were in much demand). A shot was fired which zipped past Anderson’s ear and he wisely withdrew amid more warning shots. Angry, he lodged a deposition on the 7^{th of} January requesting action be taken.

In response, Henry Fyshe Gisborne, Commissioner of Crown Lands in the Port Phillip District, set out with three troopers to apprehend Jaga Jaga and seize the firearms. The Wurundjeri men had meanwhile continued to Yering Station further upriver and Gisborne, arriving before them on the 13^th January, devised the stratagem that the station owner should kill a bullock and invite the Wurundjeri to the feast. It took several men to capture Jaga Jaga, a well built and powerful man. As other Wurundjeri rushed to his aid, they were deterred by Gisborne drawing his pistol and threatening to shoot.

Jaga Jaga was secured by rope and put in a hut watched over by servants. The remainder of the Wurundjeri strategically retreated leading the troopers into the bush and eventually withdrew into a swamp where horses could not follow. Meanwhile Jaga Jaga succeeded in making good his escape and no arrest was made. Henry Gisborne later reported that he was unable to account for no shots fired by the Wurundjeri as having apparently met their target as the  Wurundjeri were acknowledged to be exceptional marksmen. No injuries to the troopers or white settlers were reported but any injuries to the Wurundjeri were not known.

James Anderson’s reaction to the outcome was not recorded. It appears no further investigation of the incident was carried out or charges laid. The resistance was forgotten.

Battle of Yering Memorial Plaque, Yarra Flats Billabongs, Melba Highway, Yarra Glen’
Artist: Margo Heeley

©2023 Text by Valerie Polley. Photos: Warrandyte Historical Society