Jimmy Barker

Jimmy Barker was brought up by his mother Margaret on Milroy Station by the Culgoa River, New South Wales. Jimmy spoke Murrawarri, and learned the traditions of his people. Jimmy taught himself to read, and also developed a keen interest in the engineering technology used on grazing properties.

Jimmy had a lifelong thirst for learning and after he settled at the Brewarrina Mission he started a school himself, held at night and on Sunday afternoons, using a blackboard to teach children the alphabet, sums and geography: "On other occasions I showed them pictures from an old-type projector; I made an amplifier so that there could be a musical accompaniment... I felt some satisfaction in adding a little to the knowledge of the young people."

For more information please contact the Back O' Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre

Kidman Way, Bourke NSW 2840

02 6872 1321