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Image credit: Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps During "Smoko" at Chowder Bay (1945). Australian War Memorial Collection (089236.)

Historical people

Harbour Trust / Discover and learn / Harbour history / Historical people
...  / Harbour history / Historical people
Want to meet some of the historical figures associated with our beloved destinations on Sydney Harbour? 

Check out our library of articles, below, introducing you to famous, infamous and obscure individuals (as well as a few contemporary personalities). These include Captain Thunderbolt, Lachlan Macquarie, Bungaree, Mary Gould… and many more! 

Written by passionate volunteer researchers, the articles include comprehensive biographies and entertaining yarns. Some are informed by folk stories, tall tales and hearsay. Others draw on archival newspapers and reliable, first-hand accounts. Enjoy!

Cockatoo Island
John Crudden: The Boy Convict

Despite a life punctuated by prison escape attempts and floggings, John Crudden – one of Cockatoo Island’s convicts – might ultimately be remembered for his bravery. Michele Harper, a volunteer researcher for the Harbour Trust, charts the troubled life of the Irish expat, sentenced to the island’s penal establishment before he had even reached manhood.

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North Head Sanctuary
JW and TR Miles: Brothers in arms

The Australian Memorial Walk at North Head Sanctuary features monuments to the major conflict periods in Australia’s history. Located in idyllic coastal bushland with views of Sydney Harbour, the paved pathway is engraved with the names of servicemen and women who defended Australia in peace time and war. Harbour Trust volunteer, Andrew M, honours two of the men inscribed on the walk: Privates JW and TR Miles, his great granduncles.

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Cockatoo Island
Captain Harris: The Biloela raid stopper

In 1871, the former convict penal establishment at Cockatoo Island transformed into an industrial school for girls and a reformatory for young women who had broken the law. Sadly, the reformatory was cruelly mismanaged. Volunteer researcher Michele Harper shares the story of Captain Harris, an American ship master who literally fought for the women of the reformatory.

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Georges Heights
Bungaree: Pioneer, diplomat and leader

Bungaree (aka King Bungaree, Chief of the Broken Bay Tribe) is a symbol of significant collaboration between Aboriginals and Europeans. He was also the first known Australian to circumnavigate the continent and the first person described, in print, as Australian. Michele Harper canvasses the life of the celebrated Aboriginal pioneer, diplomat and leader, including his connection to Georges Heights in Mosman.

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Cockatoo Island
Jack Payne: Respected Dockyard Boss

Cockatoo Island has a remarkable history as a shipbuilding and ship repair facility, contributing significantly to the nation’s maritime affairs between 1857 and 1991. Michele Harper, a volunteer researcher for the Harbour Trust, profiles an esteemed figure from this era – Jack Payne, one-time general manager of Cockatoo Island Naval Dockyard (1921 until 1932).

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North Head Sanctuary
Brigadier Rabett: A Gunner of Renown

Harbour Trust sites, including North Head Sanctuary in Manly, occupy a significant place in Australia’s defence narrative. Michele Harper, a volunteer researcher for the Harbour Trust, shares the story of Brigadier Reginal Lee Rex Rabett, CMG – a gunner of renown who contributed to the military heritage of North Head.

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Cockatoo Island
Barney Kieran: The Water Wunderkind

Between 1871 and 1911, Cockatoo Island was used to provide boarding and education for wayward or homeless boys and girls. Although many children endured poor treatment, talented swimmer Barney Kieran was one of those who thrived, writes Harbour Trust volunteer Jane W.

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Cockatoo Island
John Perry: The Prize Fighter

Professional boxer. Competitive walker. Convicted forger. Businessman. Hero. Model prisoner. As Michele Harper reveals, John Perry – one of Cockatoo Island’s convicts – was a man with many talents and identities.

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Cockatoo Island
Minnie Mann: Ghost in a White Dress

Do you believe in ghosts? Ross D, who is a tour guide, recounts a few recent 'encounters' with Minnie, the daughter of Gother Kerr Mann, Cockatoo Island’s superintendent from 1858 to 1870.

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