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Long before European settlers arrived, the Penrith region was home to the Mulgoa people, a clan of the Darug nation. These Indigenous Australians thrived in the area, constructing makeshift huts known as gunyahs and sustaining themselves by hunting kangaroos, fishing in the Nepean River, and gathering native plants such as yams. Their way of life was deeply connected to an intricate system of laws and traditions originating from the Dreamtime.
However, the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 brought devastating consequences. Introduced diseases, particularly smallpox (known as galgala), rapidly spread among the Mulgoa people, leading to significant loss of life. Despite this tragedy, early European explorers, including Watkin Tench, noted the warmth and friendliness of the Mulgoa people, describing their interactions as marked by "unabated friendship and good humour."
Today, the legacy of the Mulgoa people remains an integral part of Penrith’s cultural and historical identity, with efforts continuing to preserve and honor their traditions and contributions to the region.