The Mates of the Murranji project is about building a solid future by recognising, recording and respecting the past – the histories of the first Australians, the explorers, the development and completion of the Overland Telegraph line and the establishment of Australia’s cattle industry all connect at Newcastle Waters.

One of the first aims was to push for the development of an achievable strategic plan.

The Barkly region visitor experience masterplan 2019 identified the Newcastle Waters historic township as a core opportunity for the region by enhancing the Explorers Way drive journey, offering engaging storytelling experiences and providing regional and community benefits.

In 2019, in consultation with Marlinja Aboriginal community members, Newcastle Waters
Station, the Barkly Regional Council and other core stakeholders, a Newcastle Waters historic township concept plan was developed.

The masterplan has identified several exciting opportunities that can deliver on tourism commitments of the Northern Territory Government, offering unique and rewarding visitor experiences, protecting and presenting important historical, cultural and natural values and aligning with
the tourism aspirations of the Marlinja Aboriginal community.

The vision for the masterplan is that “Newcastle waters historic township is celebrated for its role in making the Territory what it is today. It’s a place where history comes alive and ongoing cultural and natural values are shared and respected”.

The goals are to protect and enhance the presentation of the values of Newcastle Waters historic township and surrounds, enhancing visitor experiences with immersive visitor interpretation, guided experiences, activities and events.

One of the activities aimed at raising awareness of the importance of this place, which was once cited as being the capital city of the Northern Territory, is to produce a coffee table book. The Mates are seeking corporate sponsorship to have it produced and printed. All proceeds go to the not-for-profit organisation the Mates of the Murranji.

Barry Coulter, who has authored his own story into a series of books, has spent over a year researching, yarning and driving thousands of kilometres to compile it at no cost. His generous investment of time is supported by Sprout, who are sponsoring the design and production, also at no cost.

Arnold (better know as Jock) Jones was a very significant figure in the history of Newcastle Waters. He was just 18 years old when he was entrusted with taking a small mob of horses up the telegraph line from Gawler to Newcastle Waters station. He stayed to work on the station, first as a jackeroo and later becoming head stockman. With his wife, he ran Jones store until 1949. Jock’s son Peter, born in 1940, spent his childhood at Newcastle Waters, he recalls living in the store which is at the Wave Hill end of town. It was built from mud bricks that had been made from crushed termite mounds reinforced with the straw that came as packing around beer bottles in wooden cases, plus bush timber, fencing wire and galvanized iron. Some of Peter’s first memories of the Jones store are of merchandise that was on hand especially for the passing drovers and other outback people. There were expensive hats, boots, whips, kerosene lanterns, boxes of horseshoe nails and saddlery, as well as racks of cheap dresses for the Aboriginal women. Gradually, over the years my parents let the stock at the store run down. They were happy for the Junction Hotel to have the drovers trade while they concentrated on running our store as a butcher’s shop and bakery.

JOIN MATES OF THE MURRANJI
If you would like to be kept up to date with the progress of Newcastle Waters join us.
email: contact@matesofthemurranji.com.au web: matesofthemurranji.com.au