The Warrangesda Aboriginal Mission.

Rare, c.19th engraving of Warangesda Mission an Aboriginal reserve established in 1880 in the Riverina region of New South Wales, near Darlington Point on the Murrumbidgee River. It was founded by the Aborigines Protection Association during a period of expanding European settlement across the Riverina, when many Aboriginal groups had already been displaced from their lands.

The mission was first administered by John Brown Gribble, who organised the settlement with the aim of providing rations, housing, and Christian instruction. His administration brought him into conflict with local pastoralists, and he left the mission shortly after its establishment. Management then passed to his son, Ernest Gribble, followed by other superintendents. Over time, administrative responsibility shifted from missionary control to the New South Wales Aborigines Protection Board.

Under the Protection Board, Warangesda operated within a regulated system. Residents were subject to rules governing movement, employment, and daily routines. The mission included housing, a school, and areas for agricultural work. Children attended the mission school, and families lived in accommodation provided on site. The Board exercised authority over labour arrangements and could direct where individuals worked.

The mission was originally called the ‘Camp of Mercy’ by its founder. It closed in 1912.

From the original edition of Illustrated Sydney News.

References:
Gibbs & Shallard. Illustrated Sydney News. ISSN 2203-5397.

Collections:
State Library of New South Wales: F8/39–40
State Library Victoria: PCINF SLVIC=1853–1872
National Library of Australia: Bib ID 440095