Lake Macquarie History

Margaret and Ned of the Awabakal people at Swansea

The following resources outline the lives of Margaret and Ned of the Awabakal peoples of Lake Macquarie. The family resided at Swansea and give their names to many local landmarks around the area.

Biography of Margaret from Newcastle University Awaba database website

Links from Hunter Living Histories

Article entitled "The Old Aboriginal 'Margaret'" from the Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate, 20th February 1880 p.2.

Article entitled "Margaret of Lake Macquarie" from the Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate, 20th March 1880.

Article entitled "Margaret of Lake Macquarie" from the Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate, 20th March 1880. [Transcription] )

Article entitled "Old Margaret of Lake Macquarie" Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate, 16th June 1881 p.2. [Original and Transcription] (199 KB PDF) [Transcribed by Nicholas Ellem]

Article relating to Old Ned of Lake Macquarie from The Newcastle Chronicle 2nd September 1871 p.4.



Acknowledgement of Country

We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters. Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.

Council acknowledges traditional custodians throughout Australia. We commit to listening deeply to and collaborating with First Peoples in our work.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website and Council's cultural collections may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.

This website may contain place names, opinions and terms that reflect authors' views or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded. These may not be considered appropriate today.

If you experience any issues with the website or its content please contact us [email protected]