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Written by Terry Pollard
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Wagga Wagga, a place of many Mokes
What many people don't realise is the connection the Moke has in Wagga Wagga history that was very much an influencing factor in the selection as the place for the next big Moke event.
Looking at the official history of the area you will read of Wagga being an Aboriginal word for "crow" and the plural of the word is made by repeating it, so Wagga Wagga is considered to be 'Place of many Crows". However, in a dialect of a smaller tribe, people of the Mowogjdri tribe, "Wagga" is a term used to describe a mule or donkey, which we know as a Moke, so therefore, "Wagga Wagga is a place of many Mokes". And it will be again in 2009.
Another interesting view of history, differing from the official version, is that Charles Sturt and his party camped in the area that is now the town of Wagga Wagga during their expedition to follow the Murrumbidgee to the great inland sea, dragging a whale boat with them. However, those in the know realise that dragging the whale boat was a ploy to disguise the real reason for the trip (as known only to those on the trip) which was a 1981 gal Moke with disc brakes and a blue denim roof rumoured for sale in the area!
"History is just the accepted fiction"
For more information on Wagga Wagga and the surrounding region go to the Tourism Website and become acquainted with the available services and attractions.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 19 March 2008 )
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