Overview
- Governor Chris Dawson apologized for the actions of his 19th‑century predecessor Captain James Stirling, who led the ambush on a Bindjareb Noongar camp at Pinjarra.
- Around 100 elders, descendants and community members gathered at the Murray River site to hear the apology, with emotional reactions reported.
- The ceremony featured a symbolic exchange of trees, with a propagated olive linked to Stirling presented to Traditional Owners and a jarrah to be planted at Government House.
- Dawson framed the apology as part of truth‑telling intended to begin healing and reconciliation, acknowledging enduring trauma within the community.
- The public acknowledgment has prompted new calls to review WA roads and landmarks named for Stirling, with officials noting both community sensitivities and practical hurdles to renaming.