Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll

Mullagh, or Unaarrimin as he was also known, was one of 20 Indigenous Victorians, who were inducted into the Honour Roll for their accomplishments spanning the areas of health, education, politics, sport and the arts.

Announced by Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu last Friday, along with Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell, the inductees were acknowledged for having had a significant impact on society for their deeds.

Born in 1841 in the Wimmera region of westernVictoria,Mullagh became one of Australia’s first international cricketing stars, joining an all-Aboriginal team to tour England in 1868.

During a dominate display, Mullagh made 1,698 runs and took 257 wickets during the 45-game tour, despite being the side’s pre-eminent wicket-keeper.

His match winning exploits allowed the Australian outfit to register a number of defeats against English teams with vastly more experience.

As a result, the Melbourne Cricket Club wasted little time acquiring Mullagh’s services, playing professionally for a season before the lure of home proved too strong.

Mullagh was selected to play for Victoria against an All-England side in 1879, and played the 1884-85 season in an Adelaide competition as part of a Western District team.

Revered Indigenous leader Aunty Joy and Imparja Cup representative Alex Kerr were both in attendance to represent Noogal Toengorrt Tani last week during Mullagh’s induction.

The inaugural inductees to the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll were:

Alfred Bamblett
William Barak
Geraldine Briggs AO
Albert ‘Alby’ Clark
William Cooper
Lester Marks Harradine
Merle Jackomos OAM
Melva Johnson
Johnny Mullagh or Unaarrimin
John Stewart Murray OAM JP
Sir Douglas Nicholls KCVO OBE JP
Lorraine ‘Bunta’ Patten
Dorothy Peters
Elizabeth Pike
Joan Robinson
Archie Roach
Lionel Rose MBE
Nessie Skuta OAM
Alma Thorpe
Joan Vickery AO

Click here to learn more about the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll.

Click here to learn more about Johnny Mullagh.