Kurri Kurri Place of - Hunter Living Histories

Aerial view of Kurri Kurri, NSW, [n.d.] Courtesy of the Coalfields Heritage Group, based at the Sir Edgeworth David Memorial Museum at Kurri Kurri.

Aerial view of Kurri Kurri. (Coalfields Heritage Group)
Source: livinghistories.newcastle.edu.au/nodes/view/33065

This work is conducted in memory and respectfully honours the First Australian People,
the Aboriginal People of this land.

Kurri Kurri, the most important word and place

According the this recently unearthed 1933 article below, Kurri Kurri, a township in Newcastle, South Wales is the most important place in all the world.

Kurri Kurri is also the most important word in the Awabakal First Nations Aboriginal language, as it refers to the place where the Great Spirit commenced and completed the Creation in the making of human beings, known as Kuri.

Is it the original Australian Garden of Eden? Read on and let us know what you think.

Story of Kurri Kurri the Kookaburra by Margaret Senior

We thank Mr Kim Smith who unearthed and sent us this article in his quest for the writings of J. J. Moloney, a significant Newcastle antiquarian scholar. If anyone has any knowledge of any further manuscript writings or archives of Moloney, please let us know.

Mr. John Joseph Moloney (1866-1937)

Mr. John Joseph Moloney was a prominent Newcastle businessman and a founder and Secretary of the Australian Society of Patriots who promoted the causes of Aboriginal peoples across the Commonwealth. He was an authority on the original native dialects of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Aboriginal languages. He is associated with the legendary Longworth Institute, once Newcastle’s literary and cultural heart. In 1928 William Longworth donated the building to the Australasian Society of Patriots to be used as a lecture hall, museum, art gallery and herbarium and was commonly referred to as the Empire Club. During the Longworth era it was used as a place of learning with a library, gallery and music recitals. The building remains, but its collections have long been dispersed. The President (Mr. R Weir) of the Newcastle Branch Australasian Society of Patriots, speaking on 10 January 1938 described:

“He had never known a man with a greater love of his native land, its birds, flowers, and animals, Mr. Moloney had originated the idea of having the area from the Hawkesbury to the Hunter River, from the railway to the ocean, proclaimed a sanctuary for Australia’s native birds and animals. The proposal was approved by the Crown, and the area, with other portions of island territory on the eastern coast, was gazetted. By this action of the late Secretary many beautiful native birds and animals had been saved from extinction.”

He died on Sunday 26 December 1937 aged 71.

For more on J. J. Moloney and the Australasian Society of Patriots consult Greg and Sylvia Ray’s Photo Time Tunnel site: https://www.phototimetunnel.com/mysteries-of-the-patriots

Corrobborree or Dance of the Natives of New South Wales New Holland (1821) – Courtesy of UONCC University of Newcastle (Australia)

The Awabakal
by J. J. Moloney, Newcastle

(Reprinted from BANK NOTES, October 1933 p. 43)
Kindly sourced and provided by Jim Smith
[Note: We have added subject headings to make the article easier to read]

The prominence accorded to the action of the Caledon Bay Australians who resisted the intrusion of aliens into their domestic affairs has directed attention to the question of local languages – or, more properly, dialects – which prevail throughout the continent.

Kamilaroi – Key Language of Australia

The key language of Australia is the Kamilaroi spoken on the Lower Guida (Gwydir) or, for present practical purposes, the Moree district.

Examples of Common Words

The many tribes had well-defined boundaries, and within such areas a tribal dialect prevailed. To make the position clear a few examples will suffice, viz. :-

District	Kangaroo	Emu	Native Dog	Cold	Fire	Rain
Newcastle	Moani	Kogkorog	Warikal	Tukkara	Tirriki	Koiwon
Sydney	Patagarang	Marayong	Waregal	Tagora	Gweang	Panna
Wollongong	Booroo	Birribain	Mirrigun	Maiing	Kanbi	Yewi

Words similar to those used by neighbouring tribes frequently occur, and amply demonstrate the relationship without delving into the ethnological issue.

The Awabakal Dialect

The Awabakal dialect may be centralised at Lake Macquarie. The original name of that beautiful expanse of water was Awaba, and hence the name of the nation. This dialect was in use between the Hunter and Hawkesbury Rivers, and from it many of the names of the places in the County of Northumberland were obtained.

Mulubinba – Site of the City of Newcastle

The site of the city of Newcastle was known to the Australians prior to the advent of the invader as Mulubinba. The meaning of the word is derived from the fact that a species of rhubarb abounded in the swampy lands adjacent to the port, and was termed “Mulubin.” The affix “ba” signifies “of,” and hence Mulubinba – the place of the Mulubin – where the Mulubin grows.

Nobby’s Island from Mullumbimba Cottage, (c.1830) Courtesy of the Newcastle Art Gallery)

Tulkaba – Swansea

The location mis-named Swansea should be Tulkaba from Tulka (the ti-tree), where the ti-tree grows in profusion.

Swansea Heads, Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia [n.d.] (Courtesy of the Newcastle and Hunter District Historical Society archives) Archives Shelf Location: A8805-P0522

Tirrikiba

Tirrikiba is derived from Tirriki (flame), the flame of a wood-fire.

Nulkaba – near Cessnock

Nulkaba (near Cessnock) is from Nulka (iron) the iron-stone is visible on the roadside.

Nulkaba Potteries, Cessnock November 2000. Photograph courtesy of Mr. Bill Ruddick. Bill Ruddick Collection.

Minmi

Minmi (Minmai) is the name of a giant lily of Australia.

Giant Lily drawn as one the Protected Plants of New South Wales. Margaret Senior Archives MS2367

Waratah

Waratah rembrances the bloom which formerly adorned its landscape – the greatest bloom in the universe.

Kotara

Kotara means a waddy used in defence or offence.

Awaba

Awaba is the name of the lake, and signifies smooth water.

Wyee

Wyee has reference to bush-fires.

Waiong – Wyong

Wyong (Waiong) is the name of the small yam or native potato used as food by the native people.

Wyong from School Hill. Postcard, [n.d.] from a postcard in an album belonging to Francis Richard (Frank) Moore (1878-1964). Moore Family Postcards

Tugra – Tuggerah

Tuggerah (Tugra) means a bleak, cold place.

The Entrance to Tuggerah Lakes, Warner Estate. Postcard, [n.d.] Courtesy of Francis Richard (Frank) Moore (1878-1964) - Moore Family Postcards — The Entrance to Tuggerah Lakes, Warner Estate. Postcard, [n.d.] Courtesy of Francis Richard (Frank) Moore (1878-1964) – Moore Family Postcards

Koolewong

Koolewong was the local name for the little native bear (koala).

Woy Woy

Woy Woy (Wauwai) was the name of a dreaded fish, most probably the shark.

Deerubbin – The Hawkesbury River

The Hawkesbury River was called Deerubbin, and has reference to the legend of the great eel who forced his way from the Burragorang Valley to the open sea, leaving his trail behind him.

Hawkesbury River, NSW. In William David Lawton (1889-1957) Collection. Archive Shelf Location C2018(xviii), an envelope containing family photographs and postcards, [c. 1910s-1920s].

Kurri Kurri – Place where the Great Spirit commenced and completed Creation

Possibly the most important word in the district is that of Kurri Kurri. Here we have practically the same story as related in Genesis. All things were made in Kurri Kurri. Here the great Spirit commenced and completed the Creation. The site of the present town is quite modern, but the name will keep in memory the traditions of a great people. The word Kuri means man (mankind). The similarity of the two versions is remarkable and worthy of research with a view to establishing contact.

Aerial view of Kurri Kurri. Courtesy of the Coalfields Local History Association Inc., based at the Sir Edgeworth David Memorial Museum at Kurri Kurri.

Killibinbin – Kilaben Bay

The date of the halo has recently been discussed in the metropolitan press, and the idea accorded to the ancient Greeks, but the Australians had forestalled the Greeks by centuries. The word Killibinbin (erroneously spelled Kilabin) provide the halo meaning. The word portrays the heavenly evanescent glory of the sun dancing on the waters. Imagination is not difficult to those who have witnessed the sun rising over the glorious prospect presented from an elevation at the end of Killibinbin Bay.

The Leeholme Estate, Kilaben Bay near TorontoLake Macquarie. Choice waterside and ocean residential sites with good garden soil and facilities for bathing, boating and fishing. For sale on the ground by Messrs Lang Wood & Coy, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, 1921. A.F. Hall, Licensed Surveyor. Archives Location: M3255 — The Leeholme Estate, Kilaben Bay near Toronto Lake Macquarie. Choice waterside and ocean residential sites with good garden soil and facilities for bathing, boating and fishing. For sale on the ground by Messrs Lang Wood & Coy, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, 1921. A.F. Hall, Licensed Surveyor. Archives Location: M3255

Awabakal Language Preserved

There is now no person living who can converse in Awabakal, but it is gratifying to know that the language has been, in a large measure preserved and available to students interested in the ethnology of possibly the most ancient section of the human race.

Queen Margaret and the History of the Awabakal post the arrival of the British

Old Margaret, here photographed and described as "An Awabakalin or 'A Woman of the Lake Macquarie Tribe AETAT 65'" in John Fraser's (ed) An Australian language as spoken by the Awabakal, the people of Awaba or Lake Macquarie (near Newcastle, New South Wales) being an account of their language, traditions and customs/ by L.E. Threlkeld ; re-arranged, condensed and edited with an appendix by John Fraser. Sydney : Charles Potter, Govt. Printer, 1892. — Old Margaret, here photographed and described as “An Awabakalin or ‘A Woman of the Lake Macquarie Tribe AETAT 65′” in John Fraser’s (ed) *An Australian language as spoken by the Awabakal, the people of Awaba or Lake Macquarie (near Newcastle, New South Wales) being an account of their language, traditions and customs*/ by L.E. Threlkeld ; re-arranged, condensed and edited with an appendix by John Fraser. Sydney : Charles Potter, Govt. Printer, 1892.

The dwindling of the nation commenced on contact with the British, and for some years the bulk of the people were settled at Puntel (Toronto). After 1841 the remnant crossed over to Tulkaba (Swansea), and at a spot known as Kalog-gabba (“Far Away”) the exit was made. Queen Margaret, recognised as the last full-blood of the Awabakal nation, died in Newcastle Hospital, and was interred at Sandgate (Newcastle District General Cemetery).

By J. J. Moloney, Newcastle
October 1933

Article from Bank Notes October 1933, p.43 sourced and kindly provided by Mr. Jim Smith. Transcribed by Gionni Di Gravio, OAM

More articles on J.J. Moloney

PERSONAL. (1920, September 21). The Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer (NSW : 1898 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166214019

“BULBA” (1921, March 14). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162608923

WANGI REGATTA (1924, January 4). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954), p. 5. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163223836 Meaning of word “Wangi” : “Where are you going?”

TOM DILLON (1924, May 10). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165277533

NEW RAILWAY STATION (1924, October 3). Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954), p. 8. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137776281 re: Kotara

A COMMENDABLE SCHEME (1926, January 12). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73000592

THE PROPOSED ABORIGINAL STATE. (1927, September 30). Daylight (Adelaide, SA : 1919 – 1928), p. 6. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article263568982

Aborigine Graves. (1927, January 26). The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW : 1894 – 1939), p. 4. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125136484

ART IN NEWCASTLE (1927, February 10). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163405432

ART IN NEWCASTLE
Fernyhough Collection
VALUABLE OLD PRINTS

The valuable gift of 11 prints by W. H. Fernyhough from the Misses Parnell to the Australasian Society, is but further evidence, if indeed it is required, of the necessity of an art gallery and museum in Newcastle.

These prints, all of aboriginal subjects, and drawn in this State in the early 30’s, are valued at £100 each. Their historic value, however, cannot be estimated in coin of the realm. If they should be destroyed by fire, and the Society’s building is not fire-proof, they could never be replaced.

W. H. Fernyhough, an Englishman, was well to the front as one of the early Australian engravers. By preserving the features and dress of notable aborigines in the tribes surrounding Newcastle, Sydney, and the South Coast he has performed a work of considerable historic importance.

MISSES PARNELL’S GENEROSITY

The sketches which the Newcastle Society is so fortunate to possess through the generosity of the Misses Parnell, are from original pen and ink impressions. The artist concentrated upon the heads of these early inhabitants of New South Wales, reproducing them in silhouette. Considerable attention was also paid to the dress. In almost every instance the blacks were wrapped in the blankets which the early administrations presented to them.

Probably the most interesting impression in the collection is a sketch of Piper, the faithful servant of Sir Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor-General. The aborigine is seen, an impressive figure, in the cock-hat and borrowed plumes of his master. It was Piper who accompanied Major Mitchell on his first expedition into the interior.

Another figure of historic interest in the collection is King Bungaree, an old-time chief, of the Broken Bay tribe. Bungaree also had a fancy for a cock hat. The sketch incidentally shows the medal he so proudly wore with his name inscribed on it. Gooseberry, his widow, and her portly blanket-wrapped figure, was the subject of another study.

Boardman, a Lake Macquarie native, spear in hand; Jemmy, of the Newcastle tribe; the sailor-garbed Mickie, another early Newcastle resident; Cullabaa, who hailed from Lake George, with Punch, his wife; Tommy, from Broken Bay; Bill Worrall, of Five Islands (South Coast), who also had a fondness for nautical attire; and Mary, a Botany Bay aborigine, are the subjects of the other prints in the Fernyhough collection.

NEWCASTLE’S COLLECTION

The Misses Parnell, who handed them over to the society with the hope that they will be preserved for Newcastle citizens for all time, were well known residents of Newcastle until their recent removal to Sydney. Theirs is the third generation of a pioneer family. Keen interest in the early history of Newcastle prompted their wish that the collection should be housed in this city.

School children, in charge of teachers, may see these works, and the society’s other exhibits, on application to the secretary (Mr. J. J. Moloney).

ABORIGINAL MISSIONS. (1927, August 4). Freeman’s Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 – 1932), p. 25. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116750167

“ABORIGINAL GRAVES” The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954) 2 December 1927: 4. Web. 18 Jul 2023 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163621815>.

“MOSCHETO ISLAND.” Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954) 21 June 1930: 14. Web. 19 Jul 2023 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137862807>.

ABORIGINAL NAMES. (1931, October 6). Daily Mercury (Mackay, Qld. : 1906 – 1954), p. 11. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article170286877

“Kurri Kurri meant the ‘beginning of the world,’ and Hexham the ‘meeting of the waters,’ which, he said, he thought most apt Wyee was a bushfire, and Tirrikiba, the post office at the Steel Works, was ‘a place of flame,’ another apt name. Hamilton, he said, was formerly known as Nickimble, or ‘place of coal.’

BACK TO SCHOOL (1933, July 13). Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954), p. 8. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135100793

ABORIGINAL NAME PLACES. (1934, January 4). The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (NSW : 1906 – 1954), p. 12. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166953959

BULBA ISLAND’S INTEREST (1934, October 24). Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954), p. 23. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134816095

“RECORD OF CRUELTY” (1935, April 1). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166101483

WHAT’S IN A NAME?’ (1935, April 9). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166091104

HOW IS THIS FOR A NAME? (1935, April 9). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954), p. 7. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166091095

SKULL AND BONES (1935, May 16). Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139249770

SKULL AND BONES “Many May Be Found” “MR. MOLONEY’S STATEMENT. The Secretary of the Australasian Society of Patriots (Mr. J. J. Moloney) said yesterday thatthe discovery of the skull and bones of an aboriginal, during excavation work in Church-street, Newcastle, need cause no surprise. Skulls and bones could be found in almost any backyard in the vicinity of Corlette, Laman, Tooke, Kenrick, and Union Streets…

TWO MORE HUMAN SKULLS FOUND (1935, May 16). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954), p. 10. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166097532

ABORIGINAL PLACE NAMES. (1936, July 8). Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954), p. 6. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140515772

Aboriginal Place Names. (1936, July 14). The Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer (NSW : 1898 – 1954), p. 1. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167101436

Australasian Society of Patriots. (1937, June 8). The Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer (NSW : 1898 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167099140

The Moree Baths. (1937, September 28). The Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer (NSW : 1898 – 1954), p. 1. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167103401

LATE MR. J. J. MOLONEY (1937, December 27). The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 – 1954), p. 5. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166678570

Passing of Mr. J. J. Moloney. (1938, January 7). The Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer (NSW : 1898 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved July 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167886336

Hunter Living Histories

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