DROVERS PARK

The unveiling of the plaque amid festivities was an exciting occasion commemorating Explorer John McDouall Stuart and his companions' acheivements. Newcastle Waters was the furtherest point Stuart's 5th exploration party had camped before turning back due to lack of food and water.

On the 6th journey they reached Newcastle Waters after 3 month's travelling. They camped for several days to rest the horses after crossing the arid Centre. It was an arduous journey by horsback with all supplies carried by packhorses. Aboriginal people came to see the new arrivals "and all sat down and had a good stare at us."

Stuart's party again camped at Newcastle Waters on their return. Stuart writes "August 30 Once more I have returned...we were again visited by our black friends...One of the natives was an amusing little fellow...He imitated every movement we made, and burlesqued them to a high degree, causing great laughter to his companions and to us."

The plaque also celebrates Aboriginal people’s connection to the land and the way they respected their dreamtime lore which required them to care for the land by proper performance of ritual and cemony.

Aboriginal elder Bessie Bathern poured a little red sand into the letters on the plaque and then a number of children did likewise.

The plaque was erected by Barkly Shire Council and John McDouall Stuart Society. A magnificent statue of a drover also stands tall in Drover’s Park. Together these memorials will help to interpret the area for locals and the many travellers who visit.
Pics courtesy Barkly Shire & Roddy Calvert.