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Timtumili Minanya (River Derwent)

Born from a lake in the country of the Big River people, she winds her way through the mist; with many rivers becoming one; and salt water converging with fresh water to become an estuary.

Timtumili Minanya is the main tributary of the Derwent Estuary and begins its journey to Storm Bay as fresh water from Liyaluwina (Lake St. Clair) on the Central Plateau in the country of the Big River people.

It has always been integral and vital resource for the Aboriginals whose country she flows through; particularly around the middle and lower sections of the estuary.

Flowing through Wulawali (New Norfolk), she is joined by a number of fresh water tributaries, including the Nive, Dee, Ouse, Clyde Rivers and Kutalayna (Jordan River) on the left bank, and Repulse, Tyenna, Styx, Plenty and Lachlan Rivers on the right bank.

The largest river system of Lutruwita (Tasmania), it is over 190 kilometres in length until it reaches the Derwent Estuary, which itself is approximately 60 kilometres long, and is located at the site of Nipaluna (Hobart), extending to the Iron Pot Lighthouse.

River Derwent, 1921
River Derwent, 1921. Source: State Library of Tasmania, NS5748/1/90
River Derwent, black swans, 1957
River Derwent, black swans, 1957.  Source: State Library of Tasmania, AB713-1-5799

Aboriginal heritage

Any physical evidence of the Big River people, including the Linawina (Palawa Kani spelling for the people of Wulawali) from country at and around Wulawali (where New Norfolk now stands), Mumirimina on the eastern shore from Kutalayna, and the Muwinina on western shore and country around Nipaluna (where Hobart now stands) has either been severely impacted or destroyed forever due to the building of hard infrastructure, such as the Causeway, towns/ cities, later bridges and dwellings.

There are however a number of Aboriginal heritage places that have been located, including artefact scatters, rock shelters, stone quarries and remnants of many past feasts. Many are within the area around Bridgewater and Granton.

These places are tangible reminders of Palawa Ngini (the Old People). Of their ingenuity and survival skills that have been developed over millennia. Of their commitment to care for country – not simply ‘manage’ – in a sustainable way.

That they were here – and have been since the time of the first Ancestor to walk this country, Palawa.

References:

  • Derwent: Hydrodynamics and Sediments – Coastal Environmental Modelling Team State of the Derwent Report Card 2016
  • Historical lead isotope record of a sediment core from the Derwent River (Tasmania, Australia): A multiple source environment - ScienceDirect
  • Australian Museum
  • Mumirimina people of the Lower Jordan River Valley, Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre