The folk singer has long been preoccupied with the (white) blind spots of Australian history
There was also a cat, Trim, on board. This feline has sometimes been afforded in history and books, and in all sorts of commemorations including statuary, more importance than Bungaree, who acted as guide and diplomat between Flinders and other First Nations people.
“As soon as any ship came through the Sydney Heads, Bungaree would arrive in his fishing boat, rowed by two of his wives. Dressed in an old military jacket, tattered trousers and his trademark hat, he climbed on board to welcome newcomers to ‘his’ country. Doffing his hat, bowing deeply and grinning widely, Bungaree would ask to drink the captain’s health in rum or brandy.
So, it is to Bungaree – “Boongarie” – that Ted Egan has recently turned his songwriter’s creative attention. “[The idea has evolved] probably since the early 1960s when I purchased a copy of Flinders’ journals and maps, and became aware of Bungaree’s role in the circumnavigation of Australia, particularly around Caledon Bay [in north-east Arnhem Land],” Egan says.“Thursday 8 September 1803 was the date Matthew Flinders announced that the circumnavigation of Australia was complete. He was the first person to refer to the entire island continent as ‘Australia’.
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