Ron was a local historian, and long time member of One Fire.

Ron passed away in July 2017. He had been a key member of Geelong One Fire since it's foundation, providing new members with information about local pre colonial history.

Over many years Ron Milligan gathered written and oral accounts from many sources about the Wadawurrung people. He wrote articles and provided talks to assist the broader community to connect with the impact of the early years of Settlement/ colonisation on the Wathaurong or Wadawurrung people.

MY BACKYARD

Ron's daughters and some local friends have createded a booklet of the paintings which Ron exhibited at The Gordon TAFE Gallery in 2015. It was produced in consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

The Forward contribution from the late Jurrawaa -
This is Reconciliation in its purest form. Accepting, Acknowledging and Agreeing that together we can make our world a better place. I am honoured to have known Uncle Ron, and honoured to own two original pieces from the set. To borrow words from Tandop.... “May we walk together and learn in peace”. 

The booklet is available in both A4 and A5 format. For $15 and $10.

For information or to purchase My Backyard, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ron's reasearch included learning about Willem Baa Ni ip and William Buckley. The following are pieces of his writing, with a song that Ron wrote.

The Geelong Advertiser: November 2005 - 120th Anniversary of Willem Baa Ni ip death (note: he was not the last of the Traditional Owners, but the last still living on Country at that time)

Notes for a One Fire talk in March '16

What became of the Wathaurong People of the Geelong District

Catch the Spark, Whitefellas Lament - a song         

Ron Milligan - photo by Peter Jones