I rediscovered Australian history travelling through the outback
Anne Sinclair, 68, was born in England but spent most of her youth in Darwin, Northern Territory. Now in a position to travel and explore the world, Anne looks forward to sharing her personal experience and encourages others to step out and have fun.
Where to begin? Do I mention the fact that at school, which now seems like a life time ago… I was thoroughly excited to learn the history of Australia. Our early explorers like Burke and Wills; then the poetic writings of Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson. How refreshingly Australian – through and through!
Well, all I can say now is... Australian history is waiting for you to re-discover.
Over five weeks (in June 2016) I have been most fortunate to be motoring through our great states of Queensland, New South Wales and portions of Victoria. Just tippets I know – but the overflow of historical events in these regions leaves a taste of pride. Pride for the astounding and outstanding courage shown by the early immigrants and all pioneer explorers.
From the shining gem fields, the glittering gold mines, small towns boasting their birth of great politicians, writers and celebrated movie and theatre actors alike – it’s all here. If this is not enough to use as a drawn card – Aces high and all – the locals proudly speak of and display their beautiful heritage towns and cities – just begging you to enjoy your time here, there and everywhere! After all, it’s your Australia!
Travelling along the Tropic of Capricorn and heading inland from Rockhampton, you will be introduced not only to the sapphires, rubies and sparkling gems on offer, but notorious bushrangers such as Patrick and Jimmy Kenniff were renown in this area. While their home was Augathella, their resting places are now Dutton Park and Charters Towers Cemeteries, Queensland. Augathella also proudly display their rightful ownership of the ‘Smiley’ stories. Author Neville Ramond wrote stories of his childhood friend Didy ‘Smiley’ Creevey. The theme song was even top of the ‘hit parade’ on the wireless. Locals also remember ‘Chips’ Rafferty as a young shearer on the Nive Downs Station.
Seeing the vastness of our great Australia is likened to a passionate reminder for me – a reminder of the forthright nature of the heroic people who shaped our country and styled our future.
At Barcaldine – we are reminded of the Great Shearers Strike. The plaque installed here does actually commemorate the 125th Anniversary and was aptly donated by the Australian Workers Union.
This Great Shearers Strike saw shearers down their tools – demanding better working conditions and for the ‘recognition of unionism’. Many of the thirteen men (the Strike leaders) after spending three years in hard labour as prisoners’ – had then become predominant figures in our history and its continuing story. Brave men!
Freedom without Dishonour, inscribed on this sign, highlights the great pride we should all feel for these gallant shearers.
Again, re-shaping our great nation – we meet Captain Starlight – a man whose legend is largely contested, but was believed to have weaved his magical contribution in these parts of Australia too. A cattle rustler extraordinaire credited with the theft of over 1000 head of cattle and one white bull. The team of rustlers had to move the herd from Queensland to South Australia to sell and make their fortune. But, Harry Redford (Starlight) decided, midway during the trek, to sell the white bull for much needed supplies – and this became his downfall. Caught soon after, and placed before the court ... the jury voted Starlight, ‘not guilty’ to a stunned judge. Such interesting historical information – do these stories of anarchy shape our nation?
These tales go on and on...
And, close to the Gemfields in Central Queensland – around the Tropic of Capricorn – we can marvel at the stone pitching or rock-reinforced dams at 12 Mile Dam, on the road to Isisford. Constructed in 1892, the 12 Mile Dams’ use of stone for building is believed to be one of the oldest techniques known. The pioneers of Australia however, had to make do with whatever material they could get their hands on. This stone pitching dam shows such splendid examples of craftsmanship, including I think... grace and design. The stone pitching causes water to be stored in an adjacent dam.
Any excess of water had a natural by wash, relieving pressure which might have washed the dam away.
The views on offer at one of the many lookout positions at Mt Morgan, still in Central Queensland – is described as ‘a dramatic landscape’. The Arthur Timms lookout – displays an historical vision of a grand monument to this Gold Mining town, and it’s evident and recorded support to Australia and its industry. The main stack of this magical creation was completed in 1905 – making it Australia’s tallest free standing brick chimney. Mt Morgan is bursting with exciting history.
There is so much more out there – so many interesting stories of heroism, patriotic contributions to the true ‘Aussie spirit’.
From a small grave tucked in from the highway, near Anakie, in Queensland. The grave is that of a Piano Tuner dating back to his death by drowning, in 1906. The head stone reads ‘Friends, you have passed me by in this lonesome grave for this past half-hundred years, where I laughed my last and wept my final tears’ – Taman Shud.
To the Prisoner of War relic camp in Cowra, New South Wales. Cowra’s passion for peace and international understanding was officially recognised when the town was awarded the Australian World Peace Bell. World Peace Day commemorations are held on the third Tuesday in September, each year. The POW Camp – gone but definitely not forgotten – outlines the heroic actions of not only the guards but the support given by some of the Italian prisoners once WWII was declared as, over! The List of the Formal Declarations of War – from 1939 to 1945 – for me, reads as a shameful mess. A message of shame.
So, this is just a sneak preview of what you have on offer if you take the first step. Fuel up the van – map in hand, and head in-land to discover your Australian legacy.
There is so so much more. And, I am only hoping that I will find more of these amazing unique, hidden, magical, historical treasures. Talk about exciting your own spirit of discovery – go and search your Australia, because its history is there... waiting for you!
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