The Death of Burigon, Chief of the Newcastle Tribe (1820)

This work is conducted in memory and respectfully honours the First Australian People, the Aboriginal People of this land. Thanks to historian Dr Mark Dunn who, whilst conducting research for his PhD, came across this important sketch map locatedĀ  within the State Records of New South Wales, showing the actual location of the attack on … More The Death of Burigon, Chief of the Newcastle Tribe (1820)

Lt William Sacheverell Coke and Desmond

This work is conducted in memory and respectfully honours the First Australian People, the Aboriginal People of this land. The second-in-charge of the Colony of Newcastle in 1827 was just 22 years old. Lieutenant William Sacheverell Coke is another of those early European inhabitants who kept a record of his relationships with the local Aboriginal … More Lt William Sacheverell Coke and Desmond

Historic Return of Newcastle Treasures for Exhibition

On Friday 26th October 2012 a public announcement was made by Dr Alex Byrne of the NSW State Library, relating to the exciting news that the artistic treasures of early Newcastle would make their historic return to the City for the first time in over 195 years. The forthcoming “Treasures of Newcastle from the Macquarie … More Historic Return of Newcastle Treasures for Exhibition

Professor Michael Rosenthal on Edward Charles Close

Panorama of Newcastle 1821 formerly attributed to Sophia Campbell, currently acknowledged as the work of Edward Charles Close. Click on image for a larger view. (Courtesy of the State Library of NSW) The School of Humanities and Social Science is proud to present the first of its 2012 History Seminar series in Cultural Collections Auchmuty … More Professor Michael Rosenthal on Edward Charles Close

Aboriginal Burial Ground Discovered on Parry Street

Coal River Working Party researcher Mr. Russell Rigby today alerted us to a series of articles in TROVE relating to a discovery of Aboriginal remains on the corner of Parry Street (and the present Union Street) in 1881. They have been kindly transcribed by him and are located below. The Newcastle Herald has not been … More Aboriginal Burial Ground Discovered on Parry Street

Dr Jim Wafer – On the Hunter River – Lake Macquarie language.

Dr Jim Wafer is a member of the Endangered Languages Documentation, Theory and Application (ELDTA) group at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and has worked with Australian Aboriginal languages for the past 35 years. He is currently collaborating with Professor Hilary Carey on an edition of Lancelot Threlkeld’s translations into the Hunter River-Lake Macquarie language. … More Dr Jim Wafer – On the Hunter River – Lake Macquarie language.

NSW Upper House takes action for the sake of our Aboriginal Heritage

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY IN THE NSW UPPER HOUSE LOSS OF UNIQUE ABORIGINAL HERITAGE IN NEWCASTLE WEST That this House notes that: Approximately one year ago a fast food restaurant costing $2.5 million was built in Hunter Street, Newcastle West, over one of the most significant Aboriginal heritage sites in New South Wales. The Excavation Report … More NSW Upper House takes action for the sake of our Aboriginal Heritage