Governor Macquarie

The recipients included Aboriginal guides (проводники) who accompanied explorers on their journeys throughout the continent and those who were friendly towards the authorities, or helpful in some way to local magistrates, constables and settlers. The plates were issued at a dinner held each year. Through giving these dinners, the government hoped to foster (стимулировать) a better understanding between the two races in the Sydney region.

The plates were given to both men and women. Each bore the receiver's name, plus a title of " King", " Queen", " Prince" or " Chief". The recipients appeared to be very proud of their new ornaments and wore them at the end of a string or chain around their neck.

The system was not beneficial for many reasons. In Aboriginal culture there was no provision for such uplifted position. The terms " Kings" and " Queens" were foreign to Aboriginal society. Often, the services for which the plates had been awarded had not benefited the other group members, and many of the new " heroes" were not appreciated at all by their own people.

However the people who received them had the power of British guns to back (подкреплять) their position. Yet, many of the Aborigines who were awarded breastplates were also despised (презирать) by Whites in the colony. Often they were comical characters and did not fit into society. Instead, they were beggars and often drunks. The practice of issuing breastplates was discontinued in 1830.