Site of Bungaree’s farm, Georges Head
In 1815 Governor Macquarie made a grant of land to Bungaree and his extended family on Georges Head near Mosman, later known as ‘Bungaree’s Farm’. Fields and huts were established but the land was not very fertile. However, many apricots and peach trees flourished and the produce sold by Bungaree to keep his family. The fishing, however, was excellent in the harbour which enabled Bungaree to make good use of a rowing boat given to him by Macquarie.
When a ship appeared off the Heads, Bungaree, Cora Goseberry or Matora, or other members of his group, often rowed out to meet it. Matora asked the captain for a tot of rum while Bungaree, dressed in an old naval uniform would point to his farm and the land northwards, and proclaimed,
‘These are my people. This is my land’.