Among notable First Nations people, King Andy (pictured) of the Burrowa tribe, tribal chief Kugolgong (aka Cookoogong) and his father Naragay are buried at Lansdowne Park, Goulburn. Kugolgong and his family accompanied Governor Lachlan Macquarie to the site of Lansdowne. Photo: Jennie Gordon collection.
The Heritage Council of NSW is proposing to broaden heritage protection for historic Lansdowne Park, which is the site of an Aboriginal burial ground and large, significant camping site close to Goulburn’s earliest colonial homestead.
Heritage NSW says Lansdowne’s burial site is associated with the Ngunnawal and Gundungurra people and has Aboriginal archaeological research potential for its ability to provide information about the history and traditional ways of life of these people.
In addition, it is one of the first pastoral estates and homesteads established to the south of the Cumberland Plain in 1820 and has historic value in demonstrating the nature of early colonial life.
Also on the grounds are remnants of a Jewish synagogue from the 19th century when Goulburn had a large Jewish community. Heritage NSW says it too has historical value for its ability to demonstrate the nature of Jewish life and worship in rural NSW during that period.
In June last year, a proposed 79-lot residential subdivision on the northeastern edge of Goulburn at historic Lansdowne Park was lodged by the owner, Rashid Bhuiyan.
The development application raised concerns about encroaching on the traditional and historic camping place and burial ground. Heritage officials have indicated the housing development was too dense and the number of lots needed to be reduced.
They also suggested a voluntary planning agreement to ensure that funds from the sale of lots could be used to support long-term heritage outcomes for Lansdowne.
A blue shading over Lansdowne Park indicates the current State Heritage Register’s curtilage around the property, while the red stripes indicate the SHR’s proposed broader curtilage. Image: Heritage NSW.
Mulwaree Aboriginal Community public officer and secretary Jennie Gordon said the enlarged curtilage proposal was a step in the right direction.
Ms Gordon said numerous applications had been put forward regarding Lansdowne. She has also made a separate application to Heritage NSW for Lansdowne to be known as an Aboriginal Place, which comes under specific legislation, separate from the latest proposal from Heritage NSW. For that to happen, the owner of the property has to agree.
“There is lots of documented evidence that Lansdowne is significant for our people as a very large camping ground that goes back to pre-colonial times and extends into early colonial years,” she said.
“It is significant from a historical perspective, it is a very early colonial homestead. Not only that, it has a Jewish synagogue. One of the Solomons built that and it [Lansdowne] has thousands of years of Aboriginal heritage, including the burial ground, which is documented post-colonial times as well.
“I actually see it as so significant, it is one of those sites that if we talk about reconciliation in Australian history, that actually reflects Aboriginal culture, colonial culture and very early multicultural heritage.
“Lots of information has been provided to Heritage NSW, which is putting this proposal forward to extend the curtilage across more of the property to salvage that history.”
One of the best views of Lansdowne and its connection to the old Goulburn Brewery is from the top of Auburn Street, near the corner of Ottiwell Street. This photo shows the homestead and outbuildings at right. Photo: Jennie Gordon.
Ms Gordon would like to see the proposed new curtilage extended to include the whole property and a block of land next door, which she says is a highly significant part of the camping ground of her people.
She has contacted other Aboriginal organisations outside of Goulburn about the latest initiative for an expanded curtilage and will be making a written submission. Submissions close on 10 November. You can make your submission here.
Loading ...
