The Story of Bungaree

The Story of Bungaree is a richly illustrated history of a significant Aborigine who lived in early Sydney. Bungaree was the first Aborigine to circumnavigate the continent as a member of Matthew Flinders' historic journey of exploration in 1802-03. He was a favorite of Governor Macquarie who in 1815 put him in charge of a farm on Georges Heights, an attempt to introduce proudly nomadic people to the settled life of agriculture.
 
The life of Bungaree helps us understand how Aboriginal people navigated their way through a cultural calamity when Europeans colonised the Sydney region in the late-eighteenth century. Bungaree was an enterprising, resilient personality, an adventurer, a man of sensibility and intelligence. His story and that of his people are part of the foundation story of Australia.
 
Published by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, 34pp, illustrated, colour. To order a copy call the Trust on 02 8969 2100 ($19.95 + $2.55 postage).

Walk into History

For the first time, visitors to Cockatoo Island can see up close the giant silos that convicts hollowed by hand from solid sandstone in 1839. A new walkway around the cliff top has opened up panoramic views into three of these bottle-shaped caverns.

The underground silos were originally ordered by Governor George Gipps in an ambitious project to store surplus wheat to guard against the alarming shortages of grain which faced nineteenth-century Sydney. Convicts arriving at the newly established convict gaol on Cockatoo Island were pressed into excavating the series of grain silos, each 'shaped like a large bottle'.

Twenty grain silos were constructed between 1839 and 1842, and were described by a contemporary visitor as 'the great curiosity of Cockatoo Island'. Thirteen survive, and three are fully visible in the cliff face, having been sliced through in cross-section by later works on the island. A mattress of branches, straw and canvas would have covered the base of each, with a stopper of stone and cement to keep them watertight and free of insects.

The convicts' hard labour and Gipps' clever plan, however, did not secure the grain. The British Government saw the scheme as an unnecessary interference in the free market and ordered that the grain be released for sale, causing dismay in colonial Sydney.

Nonetheless, it appears some of the silos continued to be used for storage. In 1852 three prisoners suffocated in one and in the 1880s several were adapted as water tanks.

Cockatoo Island wins Best Music Event

Over one weekend in 2009 Cockatoo Island was transformed into a musical site like no other. Sandstone workshops and industrial spaces hosted over 12,000 music fans for a Sydney Festival event curated by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. The retro music festival has just won the popular vote at the Sydney Music, Art and Culture (SMAC) awards for Best Music Event.

The boutique music festival, conceived as a counterpoint to large commercial events, was a hit with music goers. Bernard Zuel of the Sydney Morning Herald reported that 'Cockatoo Island's mix of natural harbour beauty, sandstone tunnels, rusting machinery and old ruins is like no other music site'.

Over the last year Cockatoo has been building a reputation as an exciting and adventurous venue. From contemporary art events to gracious balls or edgy music events, the island has captured the imagination of the public.

Sydney Magazine stated last week that 'The city’s most glittering party of 2009 was not an A-lister’s harbourside mansion. Instead, it was hosted by an old man with flowing white hair and set in a purpose-built ballroom amid the decaying industrial grandeur of Cockatoo Island’s turbine hall'.

Conceived as part of Australian artist Ken Unsworth’s moving tribute to his wife, the grand ball and exhibition titled A Ringing Glass (Rilke) were remarkable events and embraced Cockatoo’s unique atmosphere and location.

Other memorable events for 2009 were Hugh Jackman arriving by flying fox for the launch of X-Men Origins: Wolverine III, Channel 10's gala dinner, Richard Branson's extravaganza to launch V Australia, the Portman's fashion shoot and the Biggest Loser finals race filmed on the island.

For more information about venues and staging a corporate event on Cockatoo Island, email Alexandra Terrey at licensing@harbourtrust.gov.au or call 02 8969 2100

New Cafe on Cockatoo

Relax by the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour at the new Cockatoo Island Cafe. With a great location right by the water's edge and views of the Harbour Bridge, the cafe/kiosk is the perfect place for a break when exploring the island. Gaze at the passing boats or keep an eye out for your ferry. Kids can play on the lawn and adults can linger over a lazy lunch.

The new cafe is located right on the waterfront. Belinda Franks Catering operate the cafe and have brought their distinctive style and quality produce to the island. With 20 years experience in catering for some of Australia’s most memorable events, including the St George Open Air Cinema at Mrs Macquarie's Chair, they offer delicious snacks, breakfast and lunch menus, drinks and alcoholic beverages.

If you are camping on the island, you can pre-order a BBQ pack or picnic hamper. Enjoy a campside cookout without lugging supplies across on a ferry.

Belinda Franks Catering also offering catering for special events on the island, ranging from private weddings to formal corporate occasions. They will tailor a menu for your special occasion, however big your guest list, however significant the celebration.

Cockatoo Island Cafe is located on the Plaza. Step off the ferry, walk through the Cockatoo Island entry and turn left.

Open daily: Sunday to Thursday 8am – 4pm; Fridays 8am – 5pm, Saturdays 8am – 7pm.
For current menus & prices or for corporate catering see the Belinda Franks website or phone (02) 8338 9393