Maria (Polly) Cutmore, Gomeroi Elder and direct descendent of the Weraerai clan of the Gomeroi, The Weraeria people were the victims of both the Waterloo Creek and the Myall Creek massacres which occurred southwest of Moree, New South Wales during 1837-1838. Polly was born in the black ward of the Moree District Hospital, the McMasters Ward – the segregated section of the hospital, staffed with Aboriginal nurses. Standard practice at the time, Polly's birth records, like most Aboriginal people from the McMaster Ward, were burned and destroyed.
She grew up on the Aboriginal only Mehi Crescent Mission on the outskirts of Moree and was subjected to racist laws, only allowed to go to town at certain times, not allowed into the local public swimming pool or certain clubs, and segregated seats at the local cinema. Polly recalls being doused in the toxic chemical DDT as child before she was allowed to swim in the Missions pool, a precaution which was reserved for Aboriginal children in case they had head lice. The Missions pool, or the Moreee Baths and Swimming Pool, is a heritage-listed swimming pool in Moree and was the first site of successful protests for Aboriginal rights led by Arrentre man Charles Perkins in 1965. Known as the Freedom Rides, university students travelled around rural New South Wales protesting for Aboriginal rights and thrusting the entrenched issues of open racism and segregation into the national agenda. The publicity of such events at the pool contributed to the 1967 Referendum, leading to change within the Australian Constitution and an increase in the recognition of First Nations rights.
Polly is a fierce activist fighting tirelessly for her community, and the preservation of Gomerio land, water and sacred sites. Frequently voicing her concerns for Country, she has spearheaded a number of campaigns regarding the lack of water, the impact of gas mining and the acknowledgement and meaningful recognition of the 1837–1838 massacres. Polly continually advocates for justice and wellbeing for her community, people, Country and culture.
