There are memorials all around Melbourne for colonial heroes, but very few for the many Indigenous people who lost their lives trying to protect their people and land. Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner were Tasmanian Aboriginal men who were transported to the state of Victoria and were the first people hanged in Victoria for their role in fighting against colonisation.
This permanent public artwork was commissioned by the City of Melbourne in 2016 from leading artists Brook Andrew and Trent Walter, who created six colourful newsstands revealing the histories of this site. The memorial to Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner is situated on a small reserve at the intersection of Victoria and Franklin streets, near where they were hanged.