ABSTRACT
Melbourne was founded in 1835 and what is now the state of Victoria was occupied within a decade. After a generation or so, the Aboriginal population had been reduced to a few thousand, most of whom were herded into reserves. These reserves were remote from centres of European population, and the Aboriginal people had no voice. They were largely forgotten, and it was expected that they would die out. A very different picture presents itself today. Aboriginal people in Victoria, as in other parts of Australia, are now seeking to establish their identity. They are taking a great interest in their traditional culture and are keen to revive their traditional languages.
