USA Africa Dialogue Series - A story about racism against and colonial treatment of Australia’s aboriginal people.

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When Gladys Gilligan and Arthur Prosser decided to marry they had to get approval from Chief Commissioner Auber Octavius Neville. Three times they asked and three times they were denied. Undeterred, they sought out Reverend Sprattling who agreed to marry them without the required approval, knowing that if found out, he too could be found guilty.

Gladys and Arthur were married in February 1938 in Gingin.

When Gladys required medical treatment in Perth that was not available to her in Bunbury, Arthur accompanied her to Perth. Arthur found a job to support them during their expected long stay, but was soon ordered by the Native Department to obtain a permit to remain in the city.

He refused.

A few days later, Gladys and Arthur were stopped by the police and taken to a police station where the Native Department were contacted.

They were ordered out of Perth. Gladys and Arthur were not free to stay in Perth, nor walk the streets, without a permit and without a permit Arthur couldn't work to pay for Gladys' essential medical treatment.

Before leaving Perth, they visited the Sunday Times office to let the wider population know what was happening. Their story was published on June 26th, 1938.

Sadly Gladys died in 1944 aged 28, leaving behind two young children. Arthur died in 1988 aged 72.

From the Sunday Times June 26th, 1938 edition. The Aborigines Act Amendment Act 1936 (WA), determined that any:

"person with native blood flowing through their veins, shall:

- Not visit the city of Perth without a permit.

- Not work for a white man without a permit.

- Not marry without the consent from the Commissioner of Native Affairs.

- Not give their children in marriage without consent of the Commissioner of Native Affairs."

Gladys and Arthur's biographies can be found at https://www.streetsofbunbury.com/the-prossers

Article courtesy National Library of Australia

: Gladys & Arthur on their wedding day with Rev Sprattling in February 1938 at Gin Gin.

Courtesy Moore River Native Settlement Centenary photographic collection by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries

City of Bunbury Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre Bunbury Historical Society - King Cottage Museum State Library of Western Australia National Library of Australia Jaysen Miguel, Bunbury Mayor Don Punch MLA Nola Marino MP

All reactions:

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