What was life like for Aboriginal leaders when the First Fleet arrived?
Illustration of Barangaroo (artist’s impression — no known portraits exist).
Barangaroo
Pronunciation
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Barangaroo — buh-RANG-ga-roo
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Cammeraygal — KAM-uh-rye-gal (also: KAM-uh-rye-gul)
Barangaroo was an Aboriginal woman of the Cammeraygal people. She lived on Country around the waters we now call Sydney Harbour.
Before 1788, Aboriginal people had cared for this land for thousands of years. When the First Fleet arrived and a British settlement was built, life changed in many ways for Aboriginal communities.
Barangaroo is remembered as a strong leader who spoke up for her people and worked to protect culture and Country during a time of change.
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This is a short excerpt from Barangaroo’s full classroom profile, available as part of the First Australians Teaching Pack — or try a free mini lesson below.
Profile snapshot
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Name: Barangaroo
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Role: Aboriginal woman and community leader
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Clan / Nation: Cammeraygal, Eora Nation
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Country / Place: Sydney Harbour region
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Time period: Late 1700s
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Known for: Speaking strongly for her people and maintaining cultural authority during early colonisation
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Why they matter: Barangaroo’s actions show Aboriginal leadership, resistance, and the importance of women’s voices in early Sydney
Free mini lesson
Download a free mini lesson with sample historical profiles and a classroom comparison activity.
Compare Barangaroo’s experiences with other Aboriginal people at the time of the First Fleet.
Mini lesson includes:
✔ Colourful and engaging sample profiles for Aboriginal people
✔ Guided discussion prompts
✔ A classroom comparison activity
✔ Student drawing and writing tasks
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