Arabanoo was a member of a northern harbour clan. He was captured at Manly on 31 December 1788 by order of Governor Phillip. Phillip wanted to use Arabanoo as an intermediary to improve relations between the Aboriginal people and the colonists, and as a source of information. Arabanoo was taken across the harbour to Sydney Cove to the Cadigal clan lands of the Eora. Here he was kept in Phillip's house. Phillip recorded that he learnt much about Aboriginal customs and language from Arabanoo. When a severe smallpox epidemic swept the Aboriginal community, Arabanoo helped to care for those brought into Sydney. After catching the disease himself, Arabanoo died on or about 18 May 1789.
(Source: http://k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/) |
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Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head is named in honour of Arabanoo, the first Aboriginal man to live among European settlers. It's a great spot for whale watching, offering views over North and South Head and the Pacific Ocean.
(Source: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/) |
Arabanoo (c 1759–1789), a Cadigal man, was captured at Manly Cove in December and taken to Government House. He was fearful at first but then amazed at seeing the settlement. According to the First Fleeter Captain Watkin Tench (1758?–1833), Arabanoo was very angry at finding that the handcuffs, which he originally thought were an ornament, restrained his movements and made him a prisoner. He remained restrained and accompanied by a convict until April 1789 when Governor Phillip decreed he was free to move around the settlement. Arabanoo learnt some English and taught those around him some of his own language. Soon after his release, Arabanoo became ill with smallpox and died in May 1789. An epidemic had spread through the colony. Governor Phillip, who had been fond of him, attended his funeral, ordering that he be buried in Phillip's own garden.
(Source: http://www.myplace.edu.au/) |