newy.com.au – Five letters written almost 170 years ago by Reverend Lancelot Edward Threlkeld will go on public display for the first time at Swansea Library, offering new insight into one of the most significant relationships in Lake Macquarie’s history.
The letters form the centrepiece of Endless Now, a new exhibition opening on Saturday 4 July that explores the complex relationship between Threlkeld and Awabakal leader Biraban, and the shared Aboriginal and European history of the city.
Threlkeld, an English minister, established a mission in 1826 near what is now Belmont for the local Awabakal people. With Biraban’s assistance, he learnt the Awabakal language, and his published works are recognised as a landmark in Aboriginal studies.
The five letters were uncovered in January after a chance meeting between Threlkeld’s great-great-great granddaughter, Judy Mason, and Lake Macquarie City Council Heritage and Museum Lead Bryce Doudle. They were written while Threlkeld was on his mission in Lake Macquarie and later in Sydney, and cover subjects ranging from his outlook on Christianity to his thoughts about a man accused of a grisly murder involving “a large pair of blunt scissors” and a hammer.
“These letters enrich our understanding of the life and relationships of Threlkeld,” Mr Doudle said.
“It’s so fitting that they’ve come to light now, for the bicentenary of Threlkeld’s mission.”
Mrs Mason said the letters came into her possession two years ago when the last uncle on her father’s side of the family died.
“They’ve been sitting in a manilla folder for goodness knows how many years,” she said.
“We had no idea about the extent of his work here, so that was a huge learning curve for us. When you read his writing, you can see that gentleness and appreciation and compassion for the Aboriginal culture.”
“It’s really amazing these two cultures came together in such a respectful way at that time. It’s something we could have learned from 170 years ago.”
Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Land Council said the 200-year anniversary of the Bahtabah Mission was an opportunity to reflect on “a significant and complex” chapter in the history of Awabakal Country.
“For many Aboriginal people, missions carry memories of hardship, loss and the impacts of colonisation,” chief executive Carol Proctor said.
“At the same time, they are places where important relationships, cultural exchanges and historical records emerged. History is rarely simply black and white; it is often found in the spaces between.”
“It was within this broader historical context that the relationship between Lancelot Edward Threlkeld and Biraban developed.”
“Coming from two very different cultures, each man brought his own knowledge, beliefs and worldview. Through collaboration and mutual respect, they worked together over many years to record the Awabakal language, creating an enduring legacy that continues to benefit our community today.”
“The recent discovery of previously unknown letters written by Threlkeld does not change the history of the Bahtabah Mission itself, but it does provide valuable new insights into the period in which he and Biraban lived and worked.”
Lake Macquarie City Council’s heritage team has conserved and digitised the five letters, which remain on loan to the city.
Endless Now will be on display at Swansea Library until 20 October. The exhibition will be officially opened on Saturday 4 July at 11am, with free tickets available through Lake Mac Libraries.
