blocked by the Liberal Party opposition in the Legislative Council. However, the federal Labor government under Bob Hawke intervened, passing the Aboriginal Land (Lake Condah and Framlingham Forest) Act 1987, which gave of the Framlingham forest to the Framlingham trust. Although the title is essentially inalienable, in that it can only be transferred to another Indigenous land trust, the Framlingham trust has no rights to prevent mining on the land, unlike trusts or communities holding native title. The Kirrae Whurrong Aboriginal Corporation was established under the Aboriginal Lands Act 1970 in order to hold in trust "the land of the Framlingham Forest and Reserve returned to the Aboriginal community". 1983: Ash Wednesday On 16 February 1983, one of the Ash Wednesday fires started here and swept through the district killing nine people, destroying many homes, farm buildings and livestock. The cause was believed to be poorly maintained power lines. 2009: Framlingham Forest IPA In 2009, an Indigenous Protected Area was dedicated, known as the Framlingham Forest IPA, covering of native forests. It is the largest remnant of native forest containing the stringybark and manna gum savannah in the area. The Framlingham Aboriginal Trust manages the land. Traditional ownership The formally recognised traditional owners for the area in which Framlingham sits are groups within the Eastern Maar peoples, who are represented by the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC). Post offices Framlingham post office nearby opened on 1 March 1859 and closed in 1975. A Framlingham East post office was also open from 1925 until 1945. Description In the 2016 census, the township had a population of 158. The town has a hall and a public reserve with tennis court and barbecue facilities. The fire station was opened in 2015. The school, established in 1872, was closed in 1993. Notable citizens Archie Roach, iconic singer, songwriter and musician, resided in Framlingham in his early years before forced removal of Roach and his siblings by government agencies, as described in his 1990 debut single, 'Took the Children Away' Reg Saunders, famous Aboriginal soldier, born in Framlingham in 1920 Paul McGinness, founder of Qantas, born in Framlingham in 1896 Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, AFL football player for the Western Bulldogs, number 1 national draft pick for 2020 AFL draft See also Kirrae Wuurong Gunditjmara References Further reading Framlingham Community Stories Aboriginal communities in Victoria (Australia) Indigenous Australian reserves Warrnambool Indigenous Protected Areas of Australia