Tullamarine

Is it just a rumour, or is it true that Tullamarine was once a place where a powerful spell was cast? Tullamarine might seem like an ordinary suburb today, known mostly for its bustling airport. But beneath the surface, Tullamarine holds a history as rich and intriguing as any spell. Tullamarine actually takes its name from a Wurundjeri man named Tullamareena. According to legend, he was present at a crucial land deal in 1835 between John Batman and the Wurundjeri people. However, Tullamareena became known for his resistance against the British occupation of his people’s land. Now, let me tell you about a daring act that made Tullamareena a legend. In 1838, he was wrongly imprisoned for allegedly stealing potatoes. He managed to escape and, in a remarkable act of defiance, burned down Melbourne’s first gaol along with his friends! This bold act solidified his status as a symbol of resistance against colonial injustice. While he was eventually recaptured and sent to Sydney for trial, fate intervened. The trial was dismissed because Tullamareena couldn’t understand English. He was subsequently released, hundreds of kilometres from his home. The story goes that Tullamareena walked all the way back to the Tullamarine area, where he placed a powerful spell on the land near what is now the airport. Today, Tullamarine stands as a testament to his legacy, a name forever entwined with resilience and defiance.