11 Stories from the River Dyarubbin is a series of self-guided audio walks, sharing stories specific to 11 different locations along the banks of Dyarubbin (the Hawkesbury River).
Underscored by original music, the audio walks are designed to inspire, inform and deepen the listener’s experience of the river. They include stories of Dharug people and the enduring relationship that Dharug people have with Country; colonial settlement and frontier violence; farming, floods and famine; local ecology; use, development and sustainability; and more.
11 Stories from the River Dyarubbin is a collaborative work led by composer and producer Oonagh Sherrard, with input from more than 80 participants – including Dharug Knowledge Holders, locals, experts, students, creatives and organisations.
11 Stories from the River Dyarubbin is nominated for the 2024 IMAGinE Award for Engagement Programs.
Yarramundi Audio Walk
Listen to stories of Dyarubbin / Hawkesbury River at Yarramundi, and to the original music they have inspired, as you walk along the rivers at Yarramundi Reserve.
Our guide for this audio walk is Jasmine Seymour, a Dharug woman, Yarramundi-descendant, writer, educator, and artist. We learn that Yarramundi is at the confluence of Dyarubbin and the Grose River and hear how it is a significant place for Dharug people, having been used as a tool-making site, ceremonial ground, and meeting place. We hear stories of geological ‘deep time’, river crossings, farming, fishing, flooding, European settlement, frontier war, and Yarramundi or Yellomundee – the Garadyi (Clever Man) for whom this place is named. We learn of a changing landscape, the impacts of sand and gravel mining, water quality, local ecology, and efforts to restore balance to this wild and beautiful place.
To listen now, play the video at the bottom of the page or click here to listen on Spotify.
Directions
Walk location: Yarramundi Reserve, Springwood Road, Yarramundi NSW
- Starting at the far end of the Yarramundi Reserve carpark, follow the walking path down to the Grose River.
- Walk along the Grose River to its confluence with the Hawkesbury-Nepean River.
- Head right and walk along the Nepean River towards the bridge.
- Before you reach the bridge, walk back towards the carpark around the lagoon, and to the viewing platform. Return to the carpark.
Distance: approximately 800 metres. Duration: 60 minutes.
Click on the map to enlarge it, or download a printable version here.
Credits
Narrated by:
- Jasmine Seymour, Dharug artist, writer and educator
Stories told (in order of appearance) by:
- Leanne Mulgo Watson, Dharug artist
- Erin Wilkins, Dharug educator
- Gil Jones, geologist and St Albans local
- Mark Anderson, local bush regenerator
- Fred Wood, local bush regenerator
- Grace Karskens, Emeritus Professor of History, UNSW and author of 'People of the River'
- Bessie Clemson, Yarramundi local (from an archival interview recorded in 1984 for the 'On the Record Project', courtesy of Hawkesbury Voices, Hawkesbury Library Service)
- Dr Ian Wright, Senior Lecturer in Water Science, Western Sydney University
- Alan Izzard, Sydney Bass Fishing Club
- Emily Ada Dunk (from an archival interview recorded in 1984 for the 'On the Record Project', courtesy of Hawkesbury Voices, Hawkesbury Library Service)
- Jen Dollin, Head of Sustainability Education, Western Sydney University
- Students, Hawkesbury Independent School, 2019
- Dr Michelle Ryan, Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Environmental Science, Western Sydney University and Hawkesbury Nepean Waterkeeper
- Students (years 7-9), Windsor High School, 2019
Readings by Ian Moxon, from:
- Boughton, S. or 'Cooramill'. (25 December 1903). Reminiscences of Richmond: From the Forties Down, No. 39. The Hawkesbury Herald, p. 15.
- Boughton, S. or 'Cooramill'. (18 December 1903). Reminiscences of Richmond: From the Forties Down, No. 38. The Hawkesbury Herald, p. 15.
- Ryan, J.T. (1982). Reminiscences of Australia: containing 70 years of his own knowledge and 35 years of his ancestors (reprint, first published by George Robertson & Company, 1895). Nepean Family History Society. p. 5.
Music:
- Composed by Oonagh Sherrard, with Dharug songs by Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal
- Musicians: Dimitri Vouros, clarinet; Gary Daley, piano accordion; Jess Ciampa, percussion; Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal, vocal; Oonagh Sherrard, guitar, cello, piano, programming
- Recorded by Oonagh Sherrard at Wheeny Creek Studios, Andrei Shabunov at ABC Ultimo, and Craig Field at Underwood Studios
North Richmond Audio Walk
Listen to stories of Dyarubbin / Hawkesbury River at North Richmond, and to the original music they have inspired, as you walk along the river at Hanna and Hawkesbury Parks.
North Richmond takes its name from the fact that it is north of Richmond Hill, which sits just above the river. It is a significant place for the Burubiranggal clan of the Dharug people who cultivated yams, made fishing line and rope, and crafted possum skin cloaks in this area.
Our guide for this audio walk is Dharug man, Dom Wilkins. We hear stories of first contact between the Dharug and the colonisers, how settler farming along the river led to frontier violence on the Marrang Ngurra / Richmond floodplain, and the endurance of Dharug culture today. We hear of flooding and its impacts, erosion and bush regeneration, local ecology, and use and development – including stories of bridges, the Kurrajong railway line, boat building, swimming, and sand mining.
To listen now, play the video at the bottom of the page or click here to listen on Spotify.
Photo by Sarah Rhodes, 2019
Photo by Robbie Dunn, 2021
Photo by Sarah Rhodes, 2019
Photo by Sarah Rhodes, 2019
Directions
Walk location: Hanna Park and Hawkesbury Park, Beaumont Avenue, North Richmond NSW
- Start at the treelined path beside the skate ramp and Hanna Park carpark.
- Walk down the path towards the jetty. Walk under the bridge along Hanna Park south, and up to the sign showing Streeton's painting.
- Follow the path to the end of Hawkesbury Park, near Keda Circuit.
- Return back under the bridge to Hanna Park. Walk northeast along the riverbank to the end of Hanna Park and towards the Redbank Creek confluence.
- Return to the starting point.
Distance: approximately 1.3 kilometres return. Duration: 60 minutes.
Click on the map to enlarge it, or download a printable version here.
Credits
Narrated by:
- Dom Wilkins, Dharug Knowledge-holder
- Additional narrative by Oonagh Sherrard, composer/producer
Stories told (in order of appearance) by:
- Erin Wilkins, Dharug educator
- Grace Karskens, Emeritus Professor of History , UNSW and author of 'People of the River'
- Jan Barkley-Jack, historian and author of 'Hawkesbury Settlement Revealed'
- Martin Gauci, Community Bushcare Officer, Hawkesbury City Council
- Jeff Cottrell & Fred Wood, bush regenerators
- Tom Hubble, Associate Professor of Geology, University of Sydney
- Tom Covell, local ecologist and founder of 'Hooked on Nature'
- Lachlan Joyner, Manager North Richmond Water Filtration Plant, Sydney Water
- Bob Power, North Richmond orange farmer (from an archival interview recorded in 1984 for the 'On the Record Project', courtesy of Hawkesbury Voices, Hawkesbury Library Service)
- Jasmine Seymour, Dharug artist, writer and educator
- Aunty Edna Watson & Uncle Alan Watson, Dharug elders
- Lawrie Duffy, Grose Vale local (from an archival interview recorded in 1984 for the 'On the Record Project', courtesy of Hawkesbury Voices, Hawkesbury Library Service)
- Kevin Burns, Riverstone local (from an archival interview recorded in 1984 for the 'On the Record Project', courtesy of Hawkesbury Voices, Hawkesbury Library Service)
- Ted Books, Hawkesbury local and former Hawkesbury Councillor
- Dr Ian Wright, Senior Lecturer in Water Science, Western Sydney University
- Students (years 3-6), Hawkesbury Independent School, 2019
Readings by Ian Moxon, from:
- Collins, D. (1798). An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales. (Volume 1). Printed for T. Cadell Jun. & W. Davies , in The Strand. See Appendix IV: Mode of Living.
- Phillip, A. (1790 [published 1892]). Governor Phillip Letter to Lord Sydney, Government House, Sydney Cove, February 13th, 1790. In: Historical Records of New South Wales (Vol. 1, Part 2, pp. 304-311). Charles Potter, Government Printer.
- Tench, W. (1793). A Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson. Sold by G. Nicol, Pall-Mall & J. Sewel, Cornhill. p. 88.
- Josephson, J.P. (1886). History of Floods in the Hawkesbury River. Thomas Richards, Government Printer. p. 98.
Music:
- Composed by Oonagh Sherrard, with Dharug songs by Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal
- Musicians: Dimitri Vouros, clarinet; Gary Daley, piano accordion; Jess Ciampa, percussion; Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal, vocal; Oonagh Sherrard, guitar, cello, piano, programming
Pughs Lagoon Audio Walk
Listen to stories of Dyarubbin / Hawkesbury River at Richmond, and to the original music they have inspired, as you walk along Pughs Lagoon.
Our guides for this audio walk are Dharug students, Josh and Beau Quinn. We hear how the river has moved across the ancient plains of Marrang Ngurra / Richmond and learn about the waradya (lagoons) of this area, their significance to the Dharug people, and their importance to the local ecosystem. We look for water birds and listen to stories of gudugulung (freshwater turtles), Dharug medicine, early settlers, flooding, and two ways of farming. We learn of Maria Locke, the Dharug matriarch born amidst colonisation and frontier violence, and hear of the revival of Dharug language. Finally, we explore how the river and lagoons have been used as both providers of water and repositories of waste. We learn about the effects of the pollutant PFAS, and of firefighting foam in wastewater and across the floodplain.
To listen now, play the video at the bottom of the page or click here to listen on Spotify.
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard
Photo by Alan Tibben, 1986, courtesy of Hawkesbury Library Service
Directions
Walk location: Pughs Lagoon Reserve, Old Kurrajong Road, Richmond NSW
- Starting at the Pughs Lagoon Reserve carpark, walk south-west along the lagoon edge until you reach the end of the reserve.
- Head back along the edge of the lagoon on the opposite side of the reserve.
- Walk across Windsor Street/Old Kurrajong Road, and continue through Smith Park until you reach its far end.
- Cross Francis Street and walk along the edge of the lagoon back towards the carpark, crossing Old Kurrajong Road to return to the starting point.
Distance: approximately 600 metres. Duration: 60 minutes.
Click on the map to enlarge it, or download a printable version here.
Credits
Narrated by:
- Beau & Josh Quinn, Dharug students
- Additional narrative by Oonagh Sherrard, composer/producer
Stories told (in order of appearance) by:
- Grace Karskens, Emeritus Professor of History , UNSW and author of 'People of the River'
- Leanne Mulgo Watson, Dharug artist
- Mark Fuller, environmental educator, owner of 'Avianation' and member of Cumberland Bird Observers Club
- Kirstie Fryirs, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University
- Dr Michelle Ryan, Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Environmental Science, Western Sydney University and Hawkesbury-Nepean Waterkeeper
- Jasmine Seymour, Dharug artist, writer and educator
- Jan Barkley-Jack, historian and author of 'Hawkesbury Settlement Revealed'
- Erin Wilkins, Dharug educator
- Arthur Parkes, Richmond Lowlands farmer (from an archival interview recorded in 1992 by Sue Rosen, historian and author of 'Losing Ground: An environmental history of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment')
- Dr Jason Reynolds, Senior Lecturer in Life Sciences, Western Sydney University
- The Hon. Kevin Rozzoli, former Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly (1973-2003, Member for Hawkesbury)
- Rhiannon Wright, Dharug educator
- Aboriginal students, Windsor South Public School
Readings from:
- Doherty, Pitt , & Hassel. (1897). Songs by Australian Blacks. The Australasian Anthropological Journal, Vol. 1(3), p. 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-568402794 [Read by Josh & Beau Quinn]
- Catchpole, M. (1806, 8 October). Letter from Margaret Catchpole to her uncle & aunt, William & Anne Howes. [Manuscript, reference no. MS 4211, National Library of Australia]. http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-582845475
- What Chinamen Can Do. (1889, 9 November). Windsor & Richmond Gazette, p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72560715 [Read by Ian Moxon]
Music:
- Composed by Oonagh Sherrard, with Dharug songs by Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal
- Musicians: Dimitri Vouros, clarinet; Gary Daley, piano accordion; Jess Ciampa, percussion; Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal, vocal; Oonagh Sherrard, guitar, cello, piano, programming
Streeton Lookout Audio Walk
Listen to stories of Dyarubbin / Hawkesbury River at Freemans Reach, and to the original music they have inspired, as you look out over the river at Streeton Lookout.
Our guide for this walk is Dharug educator, Rhiannon Wright. We contemplate the formation of Dyarubbin, tributaries that cut through Gulumada / Blue Mountains, and a time when the river was six kilometres higher. We consider how the Dreaming story of the Great Eel, Gurangady, reflects the river’s geology and hear how Dharug people have cared for the region’s natural resources.
Streeton Lookout is named after renowned Australian landscape painter, Arthur Streeton. We hear how this location inspired his painting, ‘The purple noon’s transparent night’, and ponder what the work tells us about the river and the impact of colonisation.
We hear about the effects of damming, the sustainability of Sydney’s water supply, and the management of the catchment. We learn about the 30-50 year flood cycle theory, the proposal to raise the Warragamba Dam wall, and contamination from PFAS chemicals. Finally, we consider how we might care for this beautiful and important river.
To listen now, play the video at the bottom of the page or click here to listen on Spotify.
Photo by Sarah Rhodes
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard
Courtesy Hawkesbury Library Service
Directions
Walk location: Streeton Lookout, Terrace Road, Freemans Reach NSW
- Starting beside the carpark off Cliff Road, walk towards the river, following the path to the cliff edge. Sit for a while, looking out across the floodplain.
- Walk east along the grass to the end of the reserve (towards Windsor).
- Walk back along the path to the other end of the reserve (towards North Richmond). Pause along the way to look at the green sign depicting Streeton’s painting.
- Return to the carpark.
Distance: Approximately 200 metres. Duration: 60 minutes.
Click on the map to enlarge it, or download a printable version here.
Credits
Narrated by:
- Rhiannon Wright, Dharug educator
Stories told (in order of appearance) by:
- Tom Hubble, Associate Professor of Geology, University of Sydney
- Grace Karskens, Emeritus Professor of History , UNSW and author of 'People of the River'
- Leanne Mulgo Watson, Dharug artist
- Erin Wilkins, Dharug educator
- Jasmine Seymour, Dharug artist, writer and educator
- Jan Barkley-Jack, historian and author of 'Hawkesbury Settlement Revealed'
- Greg Hansell, local artist involved in the establishment of the Hawkesbury Artists Trail
- Professor Basant Maheshwari, School of Science, Western Sydney University
- Dr Ian Wright, Senior Lecturer in Water Science, Western Sydney University
- Sue Rosen, historian and author of 'Losing Ground: An environmental history of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment'
- Arthur Parkes, Richmond Lowlands farmer (from an archival interview recorded in 1992 by Sue Rosen, historian and author of 'Losing Ground: An environmental history of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment')
- Dr Jason Reynolds, Senior Lecturer in Life Sciences, Western Sydney University
- Sue Martin, environmental educator, Chair of Cattai Hills Environment Network, and member of Hawkesbury Waterkeepers Alliance
- Dr Michelle Maloney, Co-Founder and National Convenor, Australian Earth Laws Alliance
Readings by Ian Moxon, from:
- Excerpt from a letter by Arthur Streeton regarding the painting of 'Purple Noon's Transparent Might', provided by Greg Hansell
- The Flood at Windsor. (187, June 24). The Sydney Morning Herald, p.5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13149767
Music:
- Composed by Oonagh Sherrard, with Dharug songs by Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal
- Musicians: Dimitri Vouros, clarinet; Gary Daley, piano accordion; Jess Ciampa, percussion; Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal, vocal; Oonagh Sherrard, guitar, cello, piano, programming
Howe and Deerubbin Parks Audio Walk
Listen to stories of Dyarubbin / Hawkesbury River at Balga-Ngurrang / Windsor, and to the original music they have inspired, as you walk along the river.
Our guide for this audio walk is Dharug educator, Rhiannon Wright. We learn about the Dharug people's relationship to the river, their cultivation of yams, the Dreaming story of Gurangady, and nearby rock engravings. We learn that Windsor was once a bustling river port town and hear stories of boat building and devastating flooding. We hear about Andrew Thompson (a convict turned chief constable and wealthy businessman) and his role in frontier violence, stolen Aboriginal children, John Howe (early settler and explorer) and his connection with Mioram (an Aboriginal guide), and the murder of Aboriginal boys on Argyle Reach. We also explore riverbank ecology, bush regeneration, the protests surrounding the replacement of Windsor Bridge, and the beautiful mathematics of rivers.
To listen now, play the video at the bottom of the page or click here to listen on Spotify.
Photo by Lyndal Irons
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard
Photo by Amber Sherrard
Wiyanga Badu (detail) by Leanne Mulgo Watson
Directions
Starting point: Hawkesbury Regional Museum, Baker Street, Windsor NSW
Walk locations: Howe Park and Deerubbin Park, Windsor NSW
- Starting at the back of the Museum, walk across Thompson Square.
- From the balga (the hill) on Thompson Square, walk down to the wharf via the viewing platform.
- Walk upstream along the river, following the path through Howe Park to the bridge over Rickaby’s Creek.
- Continue into Deerubbin Park and follow the walking path to its end before returning to the Museum.
Distance: approximately 1 kilometre one way, or 1.7 kilometres return. Duration: 60 minutes.
Click on the map to enlarge it, or download a printable version here.
Credits
Narrated by:
- Rhiannon Wright, Dharug educator
- Narrative written by Oonagh Sherrard, with oversight from Dharug knowledge-holders, Jasmine Seymour and Rhiannon Wright, and historian, Jan Barkley-Jack
Stories told (in order of appearance) by:
- Erin Wilkins, Dharug educator
- Leanne Mulgo Watson, Dharug artist
- Jasmine Seymour, Dharug artist, writer and educator
- Students (years 5 & 6), Windsor Public School, 2019
- The late Ted Books, Hawkesbury local, former Hawkesbury Councillor and descendant of John Grono
- Kate Mackaness, Community Action for Windsor Bridge
- Grace Karskens, Emeritus Professor of History , UNSW and author of 'People of the River'
- Martin Gauci, Community Bushcare Officer, Hawkesbury City Council
- Tom Hubble, Associate Professor of Geology, University of Sydney
- Jen Dollin, Head of Sustainability Education, Western Sydney University
- Sharon Lamb, Hawkesbury local and descendant of Henry Kable
- Sue Cusbert, Technical Officer, Western Sydney University
- Ron Males, Hawkesbury local
- Jan Barkley-Jack, historian and author of 'Hawkesbury Settlement Revealed'
- Students, Windsor South Public School Dharug language class, 2021
- Bruce Gardiner, Cornwallis farmer (from an archival interview recorded in 1984 for the 'On the Record Project', courtesy of Hawkesbury Voices, Hawkesbury Library Service)
- Kirstie Fryirs, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University
Readings by Ian Moxon, from:
- Knapp, E. The Flood at Windsor. (1864, June 16). The Maitland Mercury and Hunter General Advertiser, p.3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18709209
- Flood at Hawkesbury. (1809, August 6). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, p.2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article627790
- Excerpt from a letter by Arthur Streeton regarding the painting of 'Purple Noon's Transparent Might', provided by Greg Hansell
- The Flood at Windsor. (1867, June 24). The Sydney Morning Herald, p.5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13149767
- Sydney. (1805, August 11). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article626872
- The Floods. (1867, July 16). Illustrated Sydney News, p. 7-8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63513526
Music:
- Composed by Oonagh Sherrard, with Dharug songs by Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal
- Musicians: Dimitri Vouros, clarinet; Gary Daley, piano accordion; Jess Ciampa, percussion; Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal, vocal; Oonagh Sherrard, guitar, cello, piano, programming
- Recorded by Oonagh Sherrard at Wheeny Creek Studios, Andrei Shabunov at ABC Ultimo, and Craig Field at Underwood Studios
Macquarie Park Audio Walk
Listen to stories of Dyarubbin / Hawkesbury River at Freemans Reach, and to the original music they have inspired, as you walk along the river at Macquarie Park.
Our guides for this walk are Dharug students, Lyra, Indiana and Jayden, and Dharug educator, Rhiannon Wright. We learn about the river’s significance to Dharug people and hear the story behind Aunty Edna Watson’s rock engraving here. We learn about colonisation and its ongoing impacts, frontier violence and resistance, and how Governor Macquarie was involved. We listen to stories of farming, flooding, and riverbank erosion; swimming at Windsor Beach; eels and fishing; and rowing, boating and regattas. We hear about sand dredging, riverbank ecology, micro-plastics, and the Hawkesbury Water-Keeper Alliance. We learn about the meandering nature of rivers and the path of Gurangady, the Greet Eel Creator. Finally, students from Windsor High School share how the river has inspired them and their work.
Listeners are advised that this audio walk contains the voice of a recently deceased Dharug Elder.
To listen now, play the video at the bottom of the page or click here to listen on Spotify.
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard
Courtesy Hawkesbury Library Service
Directions
Walk location: Macquarie Park, Freemans Reach NSW
- Starting near the second carpark, just beyond the playground, walk down to the big Jacaranda tree and then downstream (left) into the stand of Casuarinas, to Aunty Edna’s engraving.
- Head up the bank towards the path outside the park’s entrance, then follow it to the viewing platform over the river. From there, follow the path under the new bridge and then head back into the park, returning to the Jacaranda tree.
- Walk upstream towards the steps down to the jetty.
- Walk either along the beach or the top of the riverbank, before returning to the starting point.
Distance: approximately 1.7 kilometres return. Duration: 60 minutes.
Click on the map to enlarge it, or download a printable version here.
Credits
Narrated by:
- Lyra, Indiana and Jayden, Dharug students
- Rhiannon Wright, Dharug educator
Stories told (in order of appearance) by:
- Leanne Mulgo Watson, Dharug artist
- Grace Karskens, Emeritus Professor of History , UNSW and author of 'People of the River'
- Aunty Edna Watson and the late Uncle Allan Watson, Dharug elders
- Tony Thoms, Hawkesbury local and grandson of Bruce Thoms (boat-hire proprietor, 1950s)
- The Hon. Kevin Rozzoli, former Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly (1973-2003, Member for Hawkesbury)
- Dr Ian Wright, Senior Lecturer in Water Science, Western Sydney University
- Jen Dollin, Head of Sustainability Education, Western Sydney University
- Michael Kemp, Hawkesbury local, rower and descendant of Peter Kemp (Regatta Champion)
- Erin Wilkins, Dharug educator
- Gil Jones, geologist and author of 'Wasteland, Wilderness, Wonderland'
- Ron Males, Hawkesbury local
- Arthur Parkes, Richmond Lowlands farmer (from an archival interview recorded in 1992 by Sue Rosen, historian and author of 'Losing Ground: An environmental history of the Hawkesbur-Nepean catchment')
- Dr Michelle Ryan, Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Environmental Science, Western Sydney University and Hawkesbury-Nepean Waterkeeper
- Art and Music Students (years 8-10), Windsor High School, 2019
Readings from:
- Hunter, J. (1793). An Historical Journal of the Transactions at Port Jackson and Norfolk Island. Printed for John Stockdale, Picadilly. https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks/e00063.html
- Collins, D. (1802). An Account of the English Colony of NSW. (Volume 2). Printed by A. Strahan, Printers-Street, for T. Cadell Jun. and W. Davies, in The Strand. https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks/e00011.html
- Bowd, D.G. (1982). Macquarie Country: a history of the Hawkesbury (Rev. Ed.). Library of Australian History. p. 154.
- The Carnival. (1896, January 18). Windsor and Richmond Gazette, p. 11. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72547638
- Atkins, R. Entries for 14 & 15 Nov 1792. In Journal of Richard Atkins , 1791-1810. [Manuscript, reference no. MS 4039, National Library of Australia]. http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-570654388
Music:
- Composed by Oonagh Sherrard, with Dharug songs by Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal
- Musicians: Dimitri Vouros, clarinet; Gary Daley, piano accordian; Jess Ciampa, percussion; Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal, vocal; Oonagh Sherrard, guitar, cello, piano, programming
Governor Phillip Park Audio Walk
Listen to stories of Dyarubbin / Hawkesbury River at Balga-Ngurrang / Windsor, and to the original music they have inspired, as you walk along the river at Governor Phillip Park.
Our guide for this audio walk is Dharug educator, Erin Wilkins. We hear of the Dharug people’s enduring relationship with Dyarubbin and Wianamatta / South Creek; why this part of the river was likely a women’s place; and learn about the Ancestral Creator Beings Baime, Dhararmulan and Gurangady. We’re told how rivers carved their way through the mountains to form Dyarubbin and learn that, long ago, the river flowed several kilometres above us.
Near this park is where Governor Phillip met Dharug leaders Gomberee and Yarramundi in 1791, and the first 22 ex-convict colonisers made their riverside farms in 1794. We hear of the relationships between these settlers, the frontier violence that followed their arrival, and its impact on Dyarubbin’s Aboriginal peoples.
We learn of the trading of land grants; the devastating effects of repeated flooding; and of boating and water-skiing, a major part of river life. Finally, we listen in as Western Sydney University students conduct water testing and discuss water quality, and we look out over turf farms to John Tebbutt’s Observatory and the old South Creek tannery.
To listen now, play the video at the bottom of the page or click here to listen on Spotify.
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard
Photo by Roz Chia
Directions
Walk location: Governor Phillip Park, George St, Windsor NSW
- Starting at the big Governor Phillip Park sign near the park’s entrance, take the walking path towards the river. Pause to look over the mountains.
- Walk downstream, east-northeast, following the pathway to the Power Boat Club House. Continue around this to the rock and brass monument, approximately 20m beyond the building.
- Continue along the river, until you reach the mouth of South Creek.
- Walk back along Dyarubbin, then across the boat ramp and down to the South Creek wharf beside it.
- Walk up to the fence line that runs beside the turf farms, and return along the fence line to the starting point.
Distance: approximately 1.3 kilometres return. Duration: 60 minutes.
Click on the map to enlarge it, or download a printable version here.
Credits
Narrated by:
- Erin Wilkins, Dharug educator
Stories told (in order of appearance) by:
- Tom Hubble, Associate Professor of Geology, University of Sydney
- Jasmine Seymour, Dharug artist, writer and educator
- Michael Pattison, Land Management Officer, Hawkesbury City Council
- Steve Austin, water-skier and Hawkesbury local
- Frank Laughton, Harold Hall, Chester Smith and Athol Kemp, Hawkesbury riverside farmers (from archival interviews recorded in 1992 by Sue Rosen, historian and author of 'Losing Ground: An environmental history of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment')
- Richie Benson, Senior Field Officer, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Jan Barkley-Jack, historian and author of 'Hawkesbury Settlement Revealed'
- Grace Karskens, Emeritus Professor of History , UNSW and author of 'People of the River'
- Dr Ian Wright, Senior Lecturer in Water Science, Western Sydney University with Water Management Students, Western Sydney University, 2019
- Scott Will, Hawkesbury local and owner of the South Creek Tannery Site
- Lisa Sullivan, Hawkesbury local and owner of flood-impacted heritage house in the Windsor area
Readings by Ian Moxon, from:
- Chapman, W. N. (1803, October 9). General Orders. The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, p. 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article625810
- Field, B. (Ed.). (1825). Geographical Memoirs on New South Wales. John Murray. https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks13/1304421h.html See Appendix 2: Journal of an excursion across the Blue Mountains
Music:
- Composed by Oonagh Sherrard, with Dharug songs by Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal
- Musicians: Dimitri Vouros, clarinet; Gary Daley, piano accordion; Jess Ciampa, percussion; Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal, vocal; Oonagh Sherrard, guitar, cello, piano, programming
Pitt Town Lagoon Audio Walk
Listen to stories of Dyarubbin / Hawkesbury River at Pitt Town Lagoon, and to the original music they have inspired, as you walk through Pitt Town Nature Reserve.
Pitt Town Lagoon was one of many lagoons once found along Dyarubbin’s floodplain. With colonisation, most of these have since been drained and filled in. Pitt Town Lagoon is now at the heart of Pitt Town Nature Reserve, protected by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service due to its importance to migratory birds.
Our guides for this audio walk are Dharug educator, Rhiannon Wright and Dharug student, Lyra as we learn about the formation of lagoons and their importance to Dharug people. Bardenarang Creek, which connects the lagoon to the river, is one of the only waterways on Dyarubbin that retains its original name. It was here that the first meeting between Governor Phillip and Dharug leaders took place in 1789. It is also where, four years later, colonisers moved in along the river – with the lagoon in the background behind them. Among these early settlers were boat builder John Grono, and Reverand John McGarvie who in 1829 recorded a list of Aboriginal place names along the river.
We hear of the Pitt Town Common, Kurringy (leader of the Caddie Creek clan), the Pitt Town punt, floods, swimming, and water skiing. As we listen to this diverse range of stories, we also watch for water birds.
To listen now, play the video at the bottom of the page or click here to listen on Spotify.
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard
Pitt Town punt. Courtesy Hawkesbury Library Service
Directions
Walk location: Pitt Town Nature Reserve, Church St, Pitt Town Bottoms NSW
- Starting at the Pitt Town Nature Reserve entrance at the end of Church Street, head back up the hill to the grassy edge of Church Street and look out over the lagoon.
- Walk down through the Reserve entrance to the bridge over Bardenarang Creek.
- Make your way into the bird hide to look out over the lagoon.
- Sit a while outside the bird hide, then head back to the Reserve entrance.
Distance: Approximately 700 metres return. Duration: 60 minutes.
Click on the map to enlarge it, or download a printable version here.
Credits
Narrated by:
- Rhiannon Wright, Dharug educator
- Lyra, Dharug student
Stories told (in order of appearance) by:
- Grace Karskens, Emeritus Professor of History, UNSW and author of 'People of the River'
- Leanne Mulgo Watson, Dharug artist
- Dr Michelle Ryan, Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Environmental Science, Western Sydney University and Hawkesbury Nepean Waterkeeper
- Kirstie Fryirs, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University
- Jan Barkley-Jack, historian, author of 'Hawkesbury Settlement Revealed' and President, Hawkesbury Historical Society
- Mark Fuller, environmental educator, owner of 'Avianation' and member of Cumberland Bird Observers Club
- Erin Wilkins, Dharug educator
- The late Ted Brooks, former Hawkesbury City Councillor and descendant of Captain John Grono
- Ted Brill, former Principal, Ebenezer Public School and Senior Vice President, Hawkesbury Historical Society
- John Grono, descendant of Captain John Grono
- Jasmine Seymour, Dharug artist, writer and educator
- Jen Dollin, Head of Sustainability Education, Western Sydney University
- Tamara Maisema, descendant of Dharug orchardists at Pitt Town
- Fred Smith, Bushell's Lagoon farmer (from an archival interview recorded in 1992 by Sue Rosen, historian and author of 'Losing Ground: An environmental history of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment')
- Darron Blanch, Hawkesbury local and water-skier
Readings by Ian Moxon, from:
- Tench, W. (1793). A Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson. Sold by G. Nicol, Pall-Mall & J. Sewel, Cornhill.
- McGarvie, J. (1827). Diary entry for 11 Feb 1827. In Grace Karskens (2020), People of the River (p. 308). Allen & Unwin.
- Sydney Gazette. (1829, March 17).
- Sydney Gazette. (1829, March 28).
- McGarvie, J. Notebook entry, p.13-14. In Grace Karskens (2020), People of the River (p. 214). Allen & Unwin.
- Sydney Gazette. (1818, September 1).
Music:
- Composed by Oonagh Sherrard, with Dharug songs by Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal
- Musicians: Dimitri Vouros, clarinet; Gary Daley, piano accordion; Jess Ciampa, percussion; Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal, vocal; Oonagh Sherrard, guitar, cello, piano, programming
Cattai Audio Walk
Listen to stories of Dyarubbin / The Hawkesbury River at Cattai, and to the original music they have inspired, as you walk along the river and Cattai Creek in Cattai National Park.
Here at Cattai, the river leaves the floodplain and returns into sandstone country. Our guide for this audio walk is Dharug artist, Leanne Mulgo Watson. During this walk, we hear how Cattai is the start of a sacred zone to Dharug people, rich with rock engravings. We discover the Dharug names for trees that once grew here, consider the importance of the Cattai Creek-Dyarubbin confluence, and hear of Kurringy, the leader of the Caddie Creek Tribe.
We learn of the first meetings between European exploratory parties and Dharug people at Little Cattai and Cattai Creeks, and of the colonisation and frontier conflict that followed. We listen to stories of Surgeon Thomas Arndell, including how this land was granted to him, his meeting with Aboriginal leaders, and how many generations of descendants lived here after him before continuous flooding led them to sell the property to National Parks.
Finally, we learn of sand mining, water quality, wastewater and weed management in the catchment, and hear of local environmental efforts.
To listen now, play the video at the bottom of the page or click here to listen on Spotify.
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard, 2023
Photo by Oonagh Sherrard, 2023
Courtesy Yvonne Arndell Tuckerman
Directions
Walk location: Cattai Picnic Area, Arndells Trail, Cattai National Park, Cattai NSW
- Start by the road (Arndells Trail), just before the end of the picnic ground (near Picnic Shelter 7). Walk towards the edge of the riverbank and continue upstream, to the left, until you reach Cattai Wharf.
- Spend some time at the wharf before continuing. Follow the road to the gate opposite the green building near the corner of the road.
- Walk through the gate towards the confluence of Cattai Creek and Dyarubbin. Continue along Cattai Creek a little, if safe to do so.
- Return back through the gate, cross the road, and continue up the hill to the Caddie homestead. From here, walk down the grassy slope in front of the house and to the right, towards the Picnic Loop Trail.
- Follow the Picnic Loop Trail a short distance towards the lagoon. Veer off the path and walk along the lagoon briefly before returning to the starting point, via the Picnic Loop Trail.
Distance: approximately 1.6 kilometres return. Duration: 70 minutes.
Click on the map to enlarge it, or download a printable version here.
Credits
Narrated by:
- Leanne Mulgo Watson, Dharug artist
Stories told (in order of appearance) by:
- Gil Jones, geologist and author of 'Wasteland, Wilderness, Wonderland'
- Jasmine Seymour, Dharug artist, writer and educator
- Jan Barkley-Jack, historian and author of 'Hawkesbury Settlement Revealed'
- Grace Karskens, Emeritus Professor of History, UNSW and author of 'People of the River'
- Yvonne Arndell Tuckerman, Hawkesbury local and descendant of Thomas Arndell
- Ted Brill, former principal, Ebenezer Public School and Senior Vice President, Hawkesbury Historical Society
- Michael Kemp, Hawkesbury local and descendant of Peter Kemp and Thomas Arndell
- Dr Ian Wright, Associate Professor, Environmental Science, Western Sydney University
- The late Ted Books OAM, former Hawkesbury City Councillor and descendant of Captain John Grono
- Sue Martin, environmental educator, Cattai Hills Environment Network, Hawkesbury Waterkeeper Alliance
- Dr Michelle Ryan, Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Environmental Science, Western Sydney University and Hawkesbury Nepean Waterkeeper
- Rhiannon Wright, Dharug educator
- Erin Wilkins, Dharug educator
Readings by Ian Moxon, from:
- Tench, W. (1793). A Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson. Sold by G. Nicol, Pall-Mall & J. Sewel, Cornhill.
Music:
- Composed by Oonagh Sherrard, with Dharug songs by Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal
- Musicians: Dimitri Vouros, clarinet; Gary Daley, piano accordion; Jess Ciampa, percussion; Jasmine Seymour and Stacy Jane Etal, vocals; Oonagh Sherrard, guitar, cello, piano, programming
Swallow Rock Reach Audio Walk
Listen to stories of Dyarubbin / The Hawkesbury River at Ebenezer, and to the original music they have inspired, as you walk along the river on Swallow Rock Reach Walking Trail and through the grounds of Ebenezer Church.
Our guide for this audio walk is Dharug educator, Rhiannon Wright. We begin at the Swallow Rock Reach Walking Trail, where we are in one of the last remnant pockets of Daga Daga – the tall river flat forest which once covered Dyarubbin’s banks. We see how the river here is slowly returning into its gorge and hear how this part of the river is a sacred zone to Dharug people, with significant places relating to the Dreaming story of Gurangadj (the Great Eel) located nearby.
In 1799, Dharug warriors drove out the first colonisers to take land here, but in 1803, a second wave of colonisers arrived onboard the ship Coromandel. At the beach we hear of their arrival, how they named the area 'Ebenezer', and how the beach was the landing place from which they reached the Church and School they built here. We learn about the community that formed around these Coromandel families, and how Dharug warriors fought to protect their access to this sacred area. We also learn about the significance of nearby lagoons and hear stories of Aboriginal locals, Betty Cox and Andy Barber.
During this walk, we also hear of the different approaches that Dharug and European people had to cultivating food and caring for Country, how the environment and ecology has changed since settlement, flooding and its impact on locals, and the cargo, grocery and passenger boats which once plied the river.
To listen now, play the video at the bottom of the page or click here to listen on Spotify.
Directions
Walk location: Swallow Rock Reach Walking Trail, Ebenezer NSW 2756
- Start at the Swallow Rock Reach carpark , located on the Swallow Rock Reach Walking Trail (turn off Coromandel Road beside Ebenezer Church).
- Continue along the Swallow Rock Reach Walking Trail and walk down to the landing beach.
- Continue along the walking trail to the end of Ebenezer Wharf Road (providing the trail is open and safe).
- Return back along the trail and walk up the road stopping in at the Quarry site.
- Continue up the hill and across Coromandel Road to the Old Tree.
- Walk through the grounds of Ebenezer Church and along the river, before returning to the starting point.
Distance: approximately 2.4 kilometres return. Duration: 70 minutes.
Click on the map to enlarge it, or download a printable version here.
Credits
Narrated by:
- Rhiannon Wright, Dharug educator
Stories told (in order of appearance) by:
- Grace Karskens, Emeritus Professor of History, UNSW and author of 'People of the River'
- Jan Barkley-Jack, historian and author of 'Hawkesbury Settlement Revealed'
- Gil Jones, geologist and author of 'Wasteland, Wilderness, Wonderland'
- Leanne Mulgo Watson, Dharug artist
- Erin Wilkins, Dharug educator
- Jasmine Seymour, Dharug artist, writer and educator
- Ted Brill, former principal, Ebenezer Public School; Senior Vice President, Hawkesbury Historical Society; and member of Ebenezer Church
- Robyn Peek, educator, Brewongle Environmental Education Centre
- Michael Kemp, Hawkesbury local and descendant of Peter Kemp, Thomas Arndell and William Stubbs
- Rebecca Turnbull, curator, Hawkesbury Regional Museum and descendant of John Turnbull
- Harold Hall, former Hawkesbury farmer and descendant of George Hall (from an archival interview recorded in 1992 by Sue Rosen, historian and author of 'Losing Ground: An environmental history of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment')
- Wal Jones, former Captain of the Livingstone and the Surprise II (from an archival interview recorded in 1984 for the 'On the Record Project', courtesy of Hawkesbury Voices, Hawkesbury Library Service)
- Athol Kemp, former Hawkesbury farmer and descendant of Peter Kemp, Thomas Arndell and William Stubbs (from an archival interview recorded in 1992 by Sue Rosen, historian and author of 'Losing Ground: An environmental history of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment')
- Dr Ian Wright, Associate Professor, Environmental Science, Western Sydney University
- Basant Maheswari, Professor, School of Science, Western Sydney University
- Tom Hubble, Associate Professor of Geology, University of Sydney
Reading by Ian Moxon from:
- Hall, G. Diary entries. p.5-6. In Brill, T. (McGarvie, J. Notebook entry, p.13-14. In Grace Karskens (2020), People of the River (p. 214). Allen & Unwin.
- Sydney Gazette. (1805, June 2).
Acknowledgement of Country
11 Stories from the River Dyarubbin acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this project is based, the Dharug and Darkinjung peoples, and their continuing connections to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Listeners are advised that this website and the 11 audio walks contain stories of historical violence, as well as images, voices and names of deceased persons now resting in the Dreaming.
Standard Disclaimer:
You acknowledge, accept and understand that your participation in these audio walks is at your own risk. You acknowledge, accept and understand that Council shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, harm, cost or expense that you may incur or suffer arising out of your participation in the audio walks, other than for matters of which Council cannot legally exclude.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body; the NSW Government through Create NSW; and Museums and Galleries of NSW's Lets Get Digital initiative, proudly supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW as part of Arts Restart.
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