“What purpose did it serve?” I wonder as I look at the Deebing Creek School Bridge. The Deebing Creek School Bridge stands as a silent witness to a bygone era. It whispers tales of Aboriginal missions and industrial schools. It represents a complex chapter in Queensland’s history.
Deebing Creek Mission played a significant role in the lives of Aboriginal people. The Aboriginal Protection Association of Ipswich founded it around 1887. In 1896, the Deebing Creek Industrial School was established. Some children from the Myora industrial school were moved here.
The Deebing Creek Mission comprised land gazetted for Aboriginal purposes from 1892 to 1948. An area known as Lot 219 RP858789 was gazetted first. It was used as a farm from about 1900 to support the Mission. Two more land portions were gazetted as Aboriginal Reserves in 1892. This area became the Deebing Creek Mission. It served as a residence and workplace for missionaries and Aborigines until 1915. The mission relocated to Purga in 1915.
Around 1887, the Aboriginal Protection Association of Ipswich started a mission at Deebing Creek. Reverend Peter Robertson of the Presbyterian Church was involved. The Association included local business figures. They aimed to establish a Mission with philanthropic and economic motives. The Committee managed the Mission from 1892-1897.
Statistical Returns for Deebing Creek School No. 612 from 1900 say all children belonged to the Salvation Army. Thomas Ivins, the Superintendent appointed in 1896, was a member. A report from 1906 states that the Deebing Creek Mission was controlled by Church authorities. The Aboriginal Protection Association managed the Mission. They relied on government financial assistance.
Reverend Edward Fuller was the first manager of the Deebing Creek Mission. He lived in a tent for a year from February 1892. Later, he and his family lived in an architect-designed house overlooking bark huts of Aborigines. The government supplied provisions from February 1891 to February 1894.
The Aboriginal Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897 increased state control over Aboriginal people’s lives. It established Protectors of Aborigines. They administered the Act and received annual reports on Missions and settlements. The Act controlled residence, movement, employment, and wages.
Both children and adults were sent to Deebing Creek Mission from all over the State. Reserves like Deebing Creek Mission became “home” to those sent there.
A report from 1896 stated the Deebing Creek Mission housed up to 150 people. Children received a basic education. Aborigines provided labor for land clearing, fencing, and cultivation. The Mission included a house, buildings, and Aboriginal housing.
A short history from 1894 says work began in 1887. In 1894, 62 Aborigines were at the Station and 27 attended school. Each adult male worked four hours daily. By 1897, the land was fenced into three portions. Thirteen cottages had been erected.
A report from 1895 mentions a new building to accommodate 80 people. There was also mention of cricket being played.
The school was a rough slab building canvas-lined with shingles. In 1905, the Secretary of the Aboriginal Protection Association reported the farm was on R. 371.
In 1914, the Deebing Creek Mission was relocated to Purga.
Today, the Deebing Creek School Bridge serves as a reminder. It is a reminder of the mission’s complex history and its impact on Aboriginal communities. It stands as a testament to resilience and cultural significance. It encourages reflection and understanding.