WHAT'S IN A NAME: 28 JANUARY 2019

Yuranigh Road, Molong

It’s highly appropriate that Molong’s Yuranigh Road is signposted directly off the Mitchell Highway for the two names are inextricably linked.

Sir Thomas Mitchell was one of our best-known explorers and Yuranigh was a local Boree Aborigine selected by Mitchell to accompany his party on its journey to central Queensland as a guide and stockman.

He quickly became known for his ability with cattle, for finding water, for pacifying other Aborigines and for imparting bush lore.

Mitchell made particular note of Yuranigh’s fastidiousness with his appearance, especially his “glossy, shining black hair”.

Some years later, on learning of Yuranigh’s death (probably in April 1850), Mitchell ensured that the grave, to which Yuranigh Road leads, was fenced off and himself paid for a headstone, the inscription on which reads:

“To Native Courage Honesty and Fidelity. Yuranigh who accompanied the expedition of discovery into tropical Australia in 1846 lies buried here according to the rights of his countrymen and this spot was dedicated and enclosed by the Govrnor General’s authority in 1852.”

It is thought to be the only site in Australia where Aboriginal and European burial practices coexist.

A nearby creek also bears Yuranigh’s name.

NEXT WEEK: The viiage of Manildra