Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery

Item details


Name of item:	Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Aboriginal
Category:	Ceremonial site
Location:	Lat: -29.5442922533233 Long: 148.623566704451
Primary address:	Gundabloui Road, Collarenebri, NSW 2833
Parish:	Collarindabri
County:	Finch
Local govt. area:	Walgett
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Collarenebri

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	100	DP	1162159
LOT	63	DP	46643
LOT	64	DP	46643
LOT	65	DP	46643

Boundary:

The Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery is located south of the Collarenebri-Mungindi road about 4 km east of Collarenebri.

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Gundabloui Road	Collarenebri	Walgett	Collarindabri	Finch	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Collarenebri Local Aboriginal Land Council	Community Group

Statement of significance:


	The Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery, with its uniquely decorated 'crystalled' glass graves, is of state heritage significance as a rare and intact and aesthetically distinctive site, demonstrating a technique of grave decoration and remembrance that is unique to north-west NSW. The cemetery and graves provide evidence of the complex development of a living, traditionally based culture which is continuously evolving. The state heritage significance of the site is enhanced through association with Isabel Flick, OAM, who was known throughout the state for her advocacy for indigenous housing and health. She was also integrally involved in the campaign for an Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Royal Commission and campaigned for equal wages and living conditions for Aboriginal people involved in rural industry. Isabel is buried in the Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery. Bell's Way, the access road to the cemetery is named after Isabel who doggedly campaigned for the roadway to be built and upgraded. Her memory is also commemorated by the erection of a statue of Isabel at the gate to the cemetery. In addition, the cemetery (with its layout reflecting the associations between family and community members; its use of 'crystalled' glass; and the ongoing practice of making the glass) has the unique ability to clearly demonstrate burial practices which reflect the melding of traditional Aboriginal culture and technologies with new European materials. The item is of state heritage significance as a fine, representative example of the process in which a marginalised Aboriginal community has been able to maintain traditions and develop new ways to memorialise death.
	Date significance updated: 04 Jun 14
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Construction years:	1907-
Physical description:	The Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery is situated within Portion 65 of the Parish of Collarindabri County of Finch. The cemetery is fenced and contains a large number of graves which are generally decorated with shattered glass and objects relevant to the lives and interests of the persons remembered there. Graves are arranged on various alignments determined by the origins of the deceased, family groupings and community connections. The decoration of the graves is highly unusual and, with the alignment of graves is consistent with Gamilaroi burial practice. The Cemetery also contains a shelter, opensided with a corrugated iron roof where piles of coloured glass bottles are stored and a firepit where the glass bottles a 'crystalled'. Contained within the SHR curtilage of the cemetery is the road, 'Bel's Way' which leads to the cemetery from Gundabloui Road.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Good


Current use:	cemetery
Former use:	Aboriginal land, cemetery

History

Historical notes:

In her study of the Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery Heather Goodall noted that, prior to the occupation of the land by British settlers, traditional burial practice included placing the remains of the deceased within hollow trees and marking these trees with 'elegant, concentric designs' particular to various areas. 'This practice became more difficult under the surveillance of white settlers. Burial was more common, with some buried in moorillas or gravelly ridges but others buried in soft ground, in the sandhills along watercourses.' In the North West burials were generally 'in small cluster'.. The practices of burial within family groups and active tending of gravesites continued despite the invasion of Europeans and accompanying disruption of traditional culture. (Goodall 2001:3)

The establishment of an Aboriginal camp on a lagoon east of the Town of Collarenebri led to the development of a burial ground in which the local people could maintain the graves of departed loved ones. The death of an infant named Myrum Mundy in 1907 led to the development of a burial ground much closer to the camp. The racial segregation actively imposed in the Town of Collarenebri reinforced the desire of Aboriginal people to maintain their own cemetery. The separation of this cemetery from the town cemetery 'allowed the community the freedom to mourn and remember their dead in their own way' (Goodall 2001:4)

The cemetery is laid out in patterns that reflect the relationships between groups of people within the Aboriginal community and reflects patterns of community and mourning. Heather Goodall noted Aboriginal community leader Isabel Flick's view of the cemetery 'as a collective testament, laying out, in the most concrete way, her community's relationships with each other and with their place, the land on which Collarenebri stands, their country' (Goodall 2001:5).'

Rituals of mourning practiced at Collarenebri include the elaborate process of burning and shattering glass bottles to provide covering and decoration for the graves. Bottles and jars with glass of an appropriate colour is carefully selected for each grave. These receptacles are washed and dried and a fire lit within a pit excavated for the purpose. Once the fire has burnt to hot coals the receptacles are carefully placed on the hot bed and covered with more coals and ashes.
"They are left for an hour or so, then removed with a long handled shovel and then quickly plunged into cold water, so that the glass crazes with tiny internal cracks. Isabel described it as 'crystalising' and this sense of turning ordinary glass into something special, an alchemy which makes it into 'crystal' conveys the beautiful effect and intention. Only then are the bottles carefully placed between hessian bags and struck to break them into regular pieces, large or small depending on each family's preference, and packed densely onto the top of the grave. When regularly maintained and replenished, the glass forms an impenetrable cover, keeping weeds from growing on the grave and protecting it from disturbance by animals or weather. But it is not only for protection. On approaching the graves from any direction, the 'crystalled' glass catches the light, sparkling like water'. (Goodall 2001:7)

Careful tending and decoration of graves is a practice first recorded at Keera near Bingara in 1857. The use of 'crystalled' glass has been noted at Euraba, Toomelah, Goondabluie, Angledool and Dungalear. Unbroken and broken bottles have also been noted on early graves at Goodooga and Burra Bee Dee. Families relocated from Angledool to Brewarrina in the 1830s introduced the use of 'crystalled' glass in their own mourning practice. Goodall suggests that the use of 'crystalled' glass was a progression from the earlier practice of decorating graves with carefully selected pebbles. Shenoted a possible progression in the use of grave adornments at Angledool and at Dungalear and suggests that the use of glass at Angledool may date from 1912 when the government station was established there. She also noted that the practice of 'cooking' the glass in pits is reminiscent of traditional cooking methods. (Goodall 2001:8-9)

The practise of other traditions is also evident at Collarenebri. These include the requirement that graves be dug by hand and that the digging be done by members of the community not immediately connected with the deceased. Preferably the grave is dug in one day. Graves are also arranged in order that the deceased will 'be with their mob'. Families are grouped together and graves are decoratedthematically to identify family ties. People with incomplete or disputed connections to the Collarenebri community have traditionally been buried in the north-eastern section of the cemetery. Long before her death community leader Isabel Flick and her partner Ted Thorne determined that they would be buried "just beyond the 'strangers' place". Isabel clearly stated that this was a deliberate gesture aimed to gather the strangers into the wider community. It was a gesture that reflects her life of activism to achieve justice for the Aboriginal community. (Goodall 2001:7)

The Aboriginal community of Collarenebri began agitating for improved access to the cemetery from the 1970s and in the early 1980s Mangankali, the Collarenebri Aboriginal Housing company refused to accept any further funding for its building program until the cemetery was provided with an all weather road. This was achieved in 1983 and the road later named Bel's Way in recognition of the huge impact of Isabel Flick on the Collarenebri community. The issue of land tenure was also raised from the late 1970s. Isabel Flick commenced negotiations with the holder of a Western Lands Lease on the property, Mrs Copeman, including the two cemetery sites and former camp site while Mangankali brokered negotiations to have Aboriginal title to the three sites recognised. In 1982 a formal recognition of Aboriginal interest in the three portions was agreed between the Western Lands Commission, Aboriginal Lands Trust and Mrs Copeman. Following extensive negotiations between the Collarenebri LALC and Mrs Copeman the three designated portions were excised from Mrs Copeman's lease and dedicated as vacant Crown Land. A land claim under the Land Rights Act was subsequently submitted for these portions. (Goodall 2001:19-20) On 27 May 1996 three portions of land within Western Lands Lease WLL5739 incorporating the Collarenebri Aboriginal burials were granted to the Collarenebri Local Aboriginal Land Council.

The Aboriginal community of Collarenebri began agitating for improved access to the cemetery from the 1970s and in the early 1980s Mangankali, the Collarenebri Aboriginal Housing company refused to accept any further funding for its building program until the cemetery was provided with an all weather road. This was achieved in 1983 and the road later named Bel's Way in recognition of the huge impact of Isabel Flick on the Collarenebri community.

The issue of land tenure was also raised from the later 1970s. Isabel Flick commenced negotiations with the holder of a Western Lands Lease on the property, Mrs Copeman, including the two cemetery sites and former camp site while Mangankali brokered negotiations to have Aboriginal title to the three sites recognised. In 1982 a formal recognition of Aboriginal interest in the three portions was agreed between the Western Lands Commission, Aboriginal Lands Trust and Mrs Copeman. Following extensive negotiations between the Collarenebri LALC and Mrs Copeman the three designated portions were excised from Mrs Copeman's lease and dedicated as vacant Crown Land. A land claim under the Land Rights Act was subsequently submitted for these portions. (Goodall 2001:19-20) On 27 May 1996 three portions of land within Western Lands Lease WLL5739 incorporating the Collarenebri Aboriginal burials were granted to the Collarenebri Local Aboriginal Land Council. The area was designated as Aboriginal Land Claim 3698. (Parish of Collarindabri).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Plains and plateaux supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Wiradjuri Nation - marking places of burial-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Aboriginal Culture-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of remembrance-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of institutions - productive and ornamental-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Townships-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	A quiet Rural District-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	20th Century infrastructure-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Monuments-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscape of Remembrance-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of formal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of informal community gatherings-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Marking the phases of life-National Theme 9
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Erecting and visiting monuments and memorials-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Cemeteries-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Remembering the deceased-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	(none)-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Aboriginal Women's business-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The item is l of local heritage significance as it has been used by the Murri's of Collarenebri as a burial ground since 1907 when baby Hyrum Mundy was buried there. It replaced a former burial site located near the old Aboriginal Reserve a further distance from town, which was established in 1899. The existence of a cemetery for Aborigianl people and its location away from the township cemetery reflects the history of segregation in the town It also demonstrates the resiliance of the local Aboriginal community who rather than acceding to Euroipean practises, developed new ways to express traditional mourning and burial practises that echo and adapt practises that predate European settlement.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery is of state heritage significance for its important, direct association with Aboriginal activist, Isabel Flick, OAM, who is buried in the Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery. Isabel is well regarded throughout the state for her work establishing Mangankali Corp which worked to secure funding for housing for indigenous people. She was a tireless campaigner for equal wages for Aboriginal people, for better living and working conditions for Aboriginal people working in rural industries and worked for many years in Sydney and the state as a community health worker and at Tranby Aboriginal College. The road leading to the cemetery, Bel's Way, is named after Isabel and a memorial statue of the loved Aunty is situated at the entry to the cemetery.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The cemetery is of state heritager significance for its aesthetic qualities, being the most intact demonstration of a technique of grave decoration and rememberance that is unique to north-west NSW. The technique of making 'crystalled' glass to form the particular shattered effect is a creative innovation that results in a distinctive and eyecatching grave decoration that has landmark qualities. The clustering and alignment of the graves according to family groupings is a unique expression of the associations of the people burried there and the use of specific coloured glass by particular families visually reinforces family ties and rememberance of the departed.The cemetery and its beautifully decorated graves provides evidence of the complex development of a living, traditionally-based culture which is continuously evolving.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The item is locally significant for its association with the local Aboriginal community at Collarenebri The strong feelings for the place by the community; they express the universal need to draw on ritual and community to mourn and come to terms with death.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Through the layout of the graves, the use of 'crystalled' glass and ongoing practice of preparing glass for grave decoration, the item provides unique and clear opportunities to demonstrate burial practices that reflect the melding of traditional Aboriginal culture and technology with newmaterials imported by European settlers
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery is of state heritage significance as it is the most intact of one of only six sites in NSW in which the use of 'crystalleded' glass has been recorded. It is possibly the only Aboriginal cemetery that still continues to decorate graves with 'crystalled' glass as an ongoing ritual ofmemoralising the dead.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery is of state heritage significance for its representative values as a fine example of the process in which a marganilised Aboriginal community has been able to maintain traditions and develop new techniques to mark the transition to death and memory. It is also locally significant as it is representative of the resilience of the Murri community of Collarenerbrri which has claimed the place as its own and is actively managing it for the future.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT SITE SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery SHR No. 1934 I, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales, in pursuance of section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, do, by this my order, grant an exemption from section 57(1) of that Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out of any activities described in Schedule C by owner of the land] described in Schedule B on the item described in Schedule A. The Hon Rob Stokes, MP Minister for Heritage Sydney, 7th Day of October 2014 SCHEDULE A The item known as the Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery, situated on the land described in Schedule B. SCHEDULE B All those pieces or parcels of land known as Lot 100 DP 1162159 and Lots 63, 64 and 65 DP 46643 in Parish of Collarenebri, County of Finch shown on the plan catalogued HC 2605 in the office of the Heritage Council of New South Wales. SCHEDULE C 1. Works and activities associated with the ongoing use of the site as a cemetery including the decoration of the graves using 'crystalled glass, visitation and ceremonies. 2. Works and activities associated with the ongoing maintenance of the site as a cemetery, including: a) Manual clearing of paths and weeding of grave plots; b) Poisoning of weeds by careful spot application of a herbicide (eg. Roundup or Zero) not affecting ornamental or symbolic plantings of remnant native vegetation; c) removal of dead, dying or dangerous trees; d) Sympathetic repair and maintenance of existing roads, paths, and signs; e) Continued use of existing family graves; new interments, including placement of ashes, where no new memorial is required, except for memorials as described below; f) Erection of memorials for new graves provided memorials are in keeping with those existing; g) maintenance / addition of inscriptions or plaques to existing monuments. 3. Works and activities associated with the manufacture of the 'crystalled' glass decoration for the graves. 4. Works and activities associated with the upgrading, resurfacing and widening of Bell's Way. 5. Works and activities associated with planting and future maintenance of trees and shrubs in the area adjacent to the proposed amenities block and along Bell's Way.	Dec 19 2014
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01934	19 Dec 14	126	4590
Local Environmental Plan	Walgett Local Environmental Plan 2013	I84	05 Jul 13
Heritage study

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title
Written	Heather Goodall	2001	Mourning, Rememberance and the Politics of Place: A study in the significance of Collarenebri Aboriginal Cemetery
Written	LPMI		County of Collarindabri
Written	Terry Kass	2003	Thematic History of Walgett Shire

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5061967
File number:	EF14/9970

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