'Bungaree is one of very few Aborigines whose exploits have come down to us through the newspapers, journals and books of early colonial Sydney. He stands with Bennelong and Pemulwuy as a remarkable indigenous figure of the Sydney region.
Bungaree's 'life epitomises the resilience and character of Aboriginal clans in Sydney as they faced the wholesale upheaval of their way of life when British colonists established a settlement at Sydney Cove in 1788...'
As a member of Matthew Flinders' historic journey of exploration in 1802-03, Bungaree was the first Aborigine to circumnavigate the continent.
In 1815, Governor Macquarie placed' Bungaree 'in charge of a farm on Georges Heights, an attempt to introduce Aboriginal people to the settled life of agriculture. In 1817, Bungaree accompanied Lieutenant Phillip Parker King's survey expedition to the north western coast of Australia.
In this book Bungaree's 'achievements are set against the hardships of a life in which Aboriginal people were deprived of traditional lands and their ancient culture was devastated by disease, hostility and indifference.' Source: http://www.harbourtrust.gov.au/ (Sighted 11/06/2010)
