Corroboree in the Camperdown District from a sketchbook by William Adeney of Chocolyn (Elizabeth Adeney) c1845. Englishman, William Adeney, settled on his property, Chocolyn, north of Camperdown, in the early 1840s.

Corroboree in the Camperdown District from a sketchbook by William Adeney of Chocolyn (Elizabeth Adeney)

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When he died at Camperdown in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun, also known as 'Camperdown George', was the last member of the Liwira Gundidj clan of the Djargurd Wurrung still living on Country.

Image of Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) wearing traditional possum skin cloak and holding a spear at Lake Gnotuk, Camperdown, Victoria

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When he died in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan still living on Country at Camperdown. The Wombeetch Puyuun Grave Monument was erected by his friend and Guardian, James Dawson in 1885, largely at his own expense. At the top is engraved 1840, which marked the beginning of the demise of the local First Nations people. Below are a boomerang, a club, and a message stick. At the bottom is the year 1883 which saw the last of the local First Nations people on Country with the death of Wombeetch Puyuun. On the base are the words: "In memory of the Aborigines of this district. Here lies the body of the chief, Wombeetch Puyuun, and the last of the local tribes". Standing facing the monument is Kaawirn Kuunawarn (Hissing Swan), Elder of the Kirroe Wuurong tribe.

Kaawirn Kuunawarn (Hissing Swan at the Wombeetch Puyuun Grave Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery

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James Dawson (1806-1900), pastoralist, friend to First Nations people, environmentalist, patron of the Arts and author of "Australian Aborigines" (1881). Dawson came from Bonnytoun, near Linlithgow, Scotland and arrived in Melbourne with his wife, Joan Alexander Park, on 2 May 1840. They made their first home in the colony farming in Port Phillip, near Anderson's Creek on the Yarra River, where their daughter, Isabella was born in 1842, then from 1844, moved to 'Kangatong' station on the Moyne River, east of Macarthur. In 1866 the Dawsons left the Port Fairy district and lived in various residences in Melbourne. By 1868 the family had settled in Camperdown at 'Wuurong', on the banks of Lake Bullen Merri. Unlike most people at the time, Dawson and his daughter shared a deep interest in, and respect for First Nations people. In 1876 James Dawson was appointed local Guardian of the Aborigines in the Camperdown district. He was a prolific letter writer and an early advocate for indigenous rights and was dedicated to exposing injustice and the maltreatment of First Nations people. He had befriended Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) who was the last of the local Djargurd Wurrung living on Country when he died in February 1883. In 1885 James Dawson erected the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument at Camperdown Cemetery in his memory. His friend's remains were reburied at the foot of the obelisk and the two dates, 1840-1883, mark the 43 years it took for European settlement to displace the Djargurd Wurrung from the Camperdown District.

Side portrait of an elderly James Dawson.

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James Dawson (1806-1900), pastoralist, friend to First Nations people, environmentalist, patron of the Arts and author of "Australian Aborigines" (1881). He married Joan Alexander Park in 1877. Joan was the niece of the famous African explorer, Mungo Park. James Dawson came from Bonnytoun, near Linlithgow, Scotland and arrived in Melbourne with his wife on 2 May 1840. They made their first home in the colony farming in Port Phillip, near Anderson's Creek on the Yarra River, where their daughter, Isabella was born in 1842, then from 1844, moved to 'Kangatong' station on the Moyne River, east of Macarthur. In 1866 the Dawsons left the Port Fairy district and lived in various residences in Melbourne. By 1868 the family had settled in Camperdown at 'Wuurong', on the banks of Lake Bullen Merri. Unlike most people at the time, the Dawson's shared a deep interest in, and respect for First Nations people. In 1876 James Dawson was appointed local Guardian of the Aborigines in the Camperdown district. He was a prolific letter writer and an early advocate for indigenous rights and was dedicated to exposing injustice and the maltreatment of First Nations people. He had befriended Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) who was the last of the local Djargurd Wurrung living on Country when he died in February 1883. In 1885 James Dawson erected the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument at Camperdown Cemetery in his memory. His friend's remains were reburied at the foot of the obelisk and the two dates, 1840-1883, mark the 43 years it took for European settlement to displace the Djargurd Wurrung from the Camperdown District.

Studio portrait of James and Joan Dawson taken in Australia.

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Isabella Park Taylor, nee Dawson (1842-1929), friend of Western Victorian First Nations people, and student of their languages and customs. Isabella grew up at "Kangatong" (1844-1866) in the company of First Nations people and became fluent in their languages. With her father, James Dawson, she wrote the book "Australian Aborigines" (1881). She married William Andrew Taylor in 1877 and they built a fine homestead on their property at "Renny Hill'' near Camperdown, Victoria. Together they had two children, Effie, born 1878 and Katherine in 1880.

Studio portrait of Isabella Dawson as a young woman

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Isabella Park Taylor, nee Dawson (1842-1929), friend of Western Victorian First Nations people, and student of their languages and customs. Isabella grew up at "Kangatong" (1844-1866) in the company of First Nations people and became fluent in their languages. With her father, James Dawson, she wrote the book "Australian Aborigines" (1881). She married William Andrew Taylor in 1877 and they built a fine homestead on their property at "Renny Hill'' near Camperdown, Victoria. Together they had two children, Effie, born 1878 and Katherine in 1880. William Taylor (1849-1927) was a farmer, Councillor and civic leader. In 1883 he gifted the world's oldest statue of Robert Burns to the people of Camperdown.

William and Isabella Taylor (nee Dawson) seated together in the garden at "Renny Hill".

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Isabella Park Taylor, nee Dawson (1842-1929), friend of Western Victorian First Nations people, and student of their languages and customs. Isabella grew up at "Kangatong" (1844-1866) in the company of First Nations people and became fluent in their languages. With her father, James Dawson, she wrote the book "Australian Aborigines" (1881). She married William Andrew Taylor in 1877 and they built a fine homestead on their property at "Renny Hill'' near Camperdown, Victoria. Together they had two children, Effie, born 1878 and Katherine in 1880. She is pictured with her grandchildren, Jack and Katherine Thornton, Effie's children.

Isabella Taylor (nee Dawson) seated with her two young grandchildren Jack and Katherine Thornton.

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Isabella Park Taylor, nee Dawson (1842-1929), friend of Western Victorian First Nations people, and student of their languages and customs. Isabella grew up at "Kangatong" (1844-1866) in the company of First Nations people and became fluent in their languages. With her father, James Dawson, she wrote the book "Australian Aborigines" (1881). She married William Andrew Taylor in 1877 and they built a fine homestead on their property at "Renny Hill'' near Camperdown, Victoria. Together they had two children, Effie, born 1878 and Katherine in 1880.

Studio portrait of Isabella Taylor (nee Dawson) sitting at an occasional table.

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James Dawson (1806-1900), pastoralist, friend to First Nations people, environmentalist, patron of the Arts and author of "Australian Aborigines" (1881). Dawson came from Bonnytoun, near Linlithgow, Scotland and arrived in Melbourne with his wife, Joan Alexander Park, on 2 May 1840. They made their first home in the colony farming in Port Phillip, near Anderson's Creek on the Yarra River, where their daughter, Isabella was born in 1842, then from 1844, moved to 'Kangatong' station on the Moyne River, east of Macarthur. In 1866 the Dawsons left the Port Fairy district and lived in various residences in Melbourne. By 1868 the family had settled in Camperdown at 'Wuurong', on the banks of Lake Bullen Merri. Unlike most people at the time, Dawson and his daughter shared a deep interest in, and respect for First Nations people. In 1876 James Dawson was appointed local Guardian of the Aborigines in the Camperdown district. He was a prolific letter writer and an early advocate for indigenous rights and was dedicated to exposing injustice and the maltreatment of First Nations people. He had befriended Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) who was the last of the local Djargurd Wurrung living on Country when he died in February 1883. In 1885 James Dawson erected the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument at Camperdown Cemetery in his memory. His friend's remains were reburied at the foot of the obelisk and the two dates, 1840-1883, mark the 43 years it took for European settlement to displace the Djargurd Wurrung from the Camperdown District.

The James Dawson Scrapbook

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First edition copy of James Dawson's book, "Australian Aborigines" (1881). Dawson's book draws on his daughter Isabella's ability to speak the local languages and attempts a balanced description of a culture he considered ill-used and under-appreciated by white settlers. This work remains one of the more valuable insights into the life of First Nations people at the point of first European contact.

Cover of James Dawson's book "Australian Aborigines" (first edition)

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When he died in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan still living on Country at Camperdown. The Wombeetch Puyuun Monument was erected by his friend and Guardian, James Dawson in 1885, largely at his own expense. At the top is engraved 1840, which marked the beginning of the demise of the local First Nations people. Below are a boomerang, a club, and a message stick. At the bottom is the year 1883 which saw the last of the local First Nations people on Country with the death of Wombeetch Puyuun. On the base are the words: "In memory of the Aborigines of this district. Here lies the body of the chief, Wombeetch Puyuun, and the last of the local tribes".

Dr Ken Coghill (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) unveiling plaque in front of the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery

Back: Dr Ken Coghill unveiling the plaque in front of the Aboriginal Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery Dec 12th 1983

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When he died in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan still living on Country at Camperdown. The Wombeetch Puyuun Monument was erected by his friend and Guardian, James Dawson in 1885, largely at his own expense. At the top is engraved 1840, which marked the beginning of the demise of the local First Nations people. Below are a boomerang, a club, and a message stick. At the bottom is the year 1883 which saw the last of the local First Nations people on Country with the death of Wombeetch Puyuun. On the base are the words: "In memory of the Aborigines of this district. Here lies the body of the chief, Wombeetch Puyuun, and the last of the local tribes".

Dr Ken Coghill (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) unveiling plaque in front of the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery

Back: Dr Ken Coghill unveiling the plaque in front of the Aboriginal Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery Dec 12th 1983

cdhs, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, cdhsfirstnations, first nations people

When he died in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan still living on Country at Camperdown. The Wombeetch Puyuun Monument was erected by his friend and Guardian, James Dawson in 1885, largely at his own expense. At the top is engraved 1840, which marked the beginning of the demise of the local First Nations people. Below are a boomerang, a club, and a message stick. At the bottom is the year 1883 which saw the last of the local First Nations people on Country with the death of Wombeetch Puyuun. On the base are the words: "In memory of the Aborigines of this district. Here lies the body of the chief, Wombeetch Puyuun, and the last of the local tribes".

Dr Ken Coghill (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) unveiling plaque in front of the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery

Back: Dr Ken Coghill unveiling the plaque in front of the Aboriginal Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery Dec 12th 1983

cdhs, djargurd wurrung, djargurdwurrung, cdhsfirstnations, first nations people

When he died in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan still living on Country at Camperdown. The Wombeetch Puyuun Monument was erected by his friend and Guardian, James Dawson in 1885, largely at his own expense. At the top is engraved 1840, which marked the beginning of the demise of the local First Nations people. Below are a boomerang, a club, and a message stick. At the bottom is the year 1883 which saw the last of the local First Nations people on Country with the death of Wombeetch Puyuun. On the base are the words: "In memory of the Aborigines of this district. Here lies the body of the chief, Wombeetch Puyuun, and the last of the local tribes".

Dr Ken Coghill (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) unveiling plaque in front of the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery

Front of the obelisk "1840-1883 IN MEMORY OF THE ABORIGINES OF THIS DISTRICT. HERE LIES THE BODY OF THE CHIEF WOMBEETCH PUYUUN AND LAST OF THE LOCAL TRIBES".

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When he died in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan still living on Country at Camperdown. The Wombeetch Puyuun Monument was erected by his friend and Guardian, James Dawson in 1885, largely at his own expense. At the top is engraved 1840, which marked the beginning of the demise of the local First Nations people. Below are a boomerang, a club, and a message stick. At the bottom is the year 1883 which saw the last of the local First Nations people on Country with the death of Wombeetch Puyuun. On the base are the words: "In memory of the Aborigines of this district. Here lies the body of the chief, Wombeetch Puyuun, and the last of the local tribes".

Dr Ken Coghill (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) unveiling plaque in front of the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery

Back: Dr Ken Coghill unveiling the plaque in front of the Aboriginal Monument in the Camperdown Cemetery Dec 12th 1983

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In the early days of colonial Australia the governors and the land holders saw advantage in singling out certain First Nations people as leaders and distinguishing them in some way. This chest plate was issued to "King George" of the Koenghegulluk Clan of the Djargurd Wurrung whose Country was near Lake Colongulac. This chest plate is inscribed "King Colungulac" and is held in the Museum Victoria collection. ""King George"" is pictured wearing the chest plate in a photograph of First Nations people at Framlingham Mission in 1867.

Colour photograph of brass chest plate inscribed "KING GEORGE COLUNGULAC"

Front: "KING GEORGE COLUNGULAC"; Back: XP49214 Museum Victoria

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James Dawson (1806-1900), pastoralist, friend to First Nations people, environmentalist, patron of the Arts and author of "Australian Aborigines" (1881). Dawson came from Bonnytoun, near Linlithgow, Scotland and arrived in Melbourne with his wife, Joan Alexander Park, on 2 May 1840. They made their first home in the colony farming in Port Phillip, near Anderson's Creek on the Yarra River, where their daughter, Isabella was born in 1842, then from 1844, moved to 'Kangatong' station on the Moyne River, east of Macarthur. In 1866 the Dawsons left the Port Fairy district and lived in various residences in Melbourne. By 1868 the family had settled in Camperdown at 'Wuurong', on the banks of Lake Bullen Merri. Unlike most people at the time, Dawson and his daughter shared a deep interest in, and respect for First Nations people. In 1876 James Dawson was appointed local Guardian of the Aborigines in the Camperdown district. He was a prolific letter writer and an early advocate for indigenous rights and was dedicated to exposing injustice and the maltreatment of First Nations people. He had befriended Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) who was the last of the local Djargurd Wurrung living on Country when he died in February 1883. In 1885 James Dawson erected the Wombeetch Puyuun Monument at Camperdown Cemetery in his memory. His friend's remains were reburied at the foot of the obelisk and the two dates, 1840-1883, mark the 43 years it took for European settlement to displace the Djargurd Wurrung from the Camperdown District.

Sepia photograph of an elderly James Dawson taken in Scotland.

Front: T. Rodger St. ANDREWS N.B. Back: THOMAS RODGER Photographer ST. ANDREWS ETABLISHED 1849

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Isabella Park Taylor, nee Dawson (1842-1929), friend of Western Victorian First Nations people, and student of their languages and customs. Isabella grew up at "Kangatong" (1844-1866) in the company of First Nations people and became fluent in their languages. With her father, James Dawson, she wrote the book "Australian Aborigines" (1881).

Black and white photograph taken at "Kangatong", near Hawkesdale, of seven Western Victorian First Nations people all seated in conversation with Isabella Dawson, seated at right with notebook and pen in hand.

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Isabella Park Taylor, nee Dawson (1842-1929), friend of Western Victorian First Nations people, and student of their languages and customs. Isabella grew up at "Kangatong" (1844-1866) in the company of First Nations people and became fluent in their languages. With her father, James Dawson, she wrote the book "Australian Aborigines" (1881).

Black and white photograph taken at "Kangatong", near Hawkesdale showing group of First Nations people in conversation with Isabella Dawson, seated on right with notebook in hand. Standing at left is Kaawirn Kuunawarn (also know as Hissing Swan and King David).

James Dawson's daughter, Isabella, learning from the Aborigines on her father's station at "Kangatong" (From the original belonging to Miss M. Turner Shaw of S. Yarra. Copied by A.E. Jackson of Timboon.)

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Prince Charlie was the second last member of the Liwira Gundidj clan, of the Djargurd Wurrung, still living on Country. He died in 1882 at Framlingham Mission just months before his companion Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George).

Black and white photograph of Prince Charlie, an Aboriginal man

Front top: J. JORDAN, Liebig Street, WARRNAMBOOL; front bottom: Prince Charlie, Camperdown

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When he died at Camperdown in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun, also known as 'Camperdown George', was the last member of the Liwira Gundidj clan of the Djargurd Wurrung, still living on Country.

Black and white photograph of Wombeetch Puuyun (Camperdown George)

Back: XP 1924 Museum Victoria

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When he died at Camperdown in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun, also known as 'Camperdown George', was the last member of the Liwira Gundidj clan of the Djargurd Wurrung still living on Country.

Image of Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) wearing traditional possum skin cloak and holding a walking stick

Back: George Camperdown

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When he died at Camperdown in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyunn, also known as 'Camperdown George', was the last member of the Liwira Gundidj clan of the Djargurd Wurrung, still living on Country.

Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) standing naked holding a walking stick

Back: Camperdown George, 1874

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When he died at Camperdown in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) (c1820-1883), was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan of the Djargurd Wurrung, still living on Country.

Black and white studio photograph of Wombeetch Puyunn (Camperdown George) in traditional dress wearing a headband, kangaroo tooth necklace and possum skin cloak, holding a boomerang and carved shield

Back: WOMBEETCH PUUYUUN, CHIEF, AND LAST OF THE LOCAL TRIBES

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When he died at Camperdown in February 1883, Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) (c1820-1883), was the last member of the Liwura Gundidj clan of the Djargurd Wurrung, still living on Country.

Sepia studio photograph of Wombeetch Puyuun (Camperdown George) in European dress

Back: Camperdown George well known and loved aborigine

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"'Wuurong'' homestead (originally 'Basin Banks') was built c1867 by Donald McNicol (1812-1903) shepherd, store owner and pastoralist. The property was leased c1870 by James Dawson (1806-1900) Guardian of the Aborigines, pastoralist and environmentalist. James Dawson renamed the property 'Wuurrong'. His daughter, Isabella Park Dawson (1842-1929), recorded the languages and customs of Western Victorian First Nations people and together with her father, published the book "Australian Aborigines" (1881).

Black and white photograph of ''Wuurong'' homestead

Front: An Early Photograph of "Wuurrong" Built By Donald McNicol

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''Renny Hill'', built c1876, was the home of William Andrew Taylor (1849-1927) and Isabella Park Taylor, nee Dawson (1842-1929). Isabella was a friend to First Nations people and together with her father, James Dawson, recorded their languages and customs. William Taylor was a farmer, Councillor and civic leader. In 1883 he gifted the world's oldest statue of Robert Burns to the people of Camperdown.

Black and white image of ''Renny Hill'' homestead, Camperdown

Renny Hill built 1876? Built for Isabella Park (Dawson) Taylor and William Taylor

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This etching was created of Camperdown c1850s showing a group of First Nations people and early dwellings and native vegetation around Mounts Leura and Sugarloaf. Camperdown was surveyed by Robert Dunbar Scott in 1851. First dwelling constructed by David Fenton in 1853 on site of Commercial Hotel.

Etching of early Camperdown scene showing group of First Nations people in the foreground with early buildings, native vegetation and Mount Leura and Mount Sugarloaf in the background.

On front: Mt Leura, Camperdown

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