Jackey Jackey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jackey Jackey
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Wood engraving (Walter G. Mason, 1857) of the solid silver breastplate made for Jackey Jackey in recognition of his heroic deeds (shaped to include swans and a fox)
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| Born | approx 1833 |
| Died | 1854 (Aged 21) |
| Nationality | Wonnarua |
| Other names | Galmahra |
| Citizenship | British |
| Occupation | Guide |
| Employer | Surveyor-General's Department State of New South Wales |
| Known for | Heroic deeds as guide and companion for surveyor Edmund Kennedy |
Jackey Jackey (also spelled Jacky Jacky) was an Aboriginal Australian guide. His Aboriginal name was Galmahra. He was born around 1833 and passed away in 1854.
Jackey Jackey is famous for his bravery and loyalty. He was a guide and companion to surveyor Edmund Kennedy. This was during Kennedy's difficult 1848 expedition. The journey was into the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. Jackey Jackey was the only one who survived this challenging trip.
After the expedition, he was honored for his heroic actions. The Colony of New South Wales recognized him. They gave him a special solid silver breastplate. Words were carved onto this breastplate. They praised his loyalty and courage.
The breastplate said that Governor Sir Charles Augustus FitzRoy presented it to Jackey Jackey. It was to show thanks for his faithfulness. He had followed Edmund Kennedy on the 1848 expedition. It also praised his bravery when Kennedy was badly hurt. Jackey Jackey cared for Kennedy in his last moments. Then, he bravely traveled through unknown lands. He found help and guided rescuers back. This saved the other members of the expedition.
In the 1970s, books like Jackey Jackey by Margaret Paice were published. These books shared his life story. They told how this young man became a hero. His tribe knew him as Galmarra, the Songman. To the expedition members, he was Jackey Jackey. This young teenager was their strength. He helped them face tough challenges. These included mangrove swamps and thick jungles.
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Jackey Jackey's Early Life
Galmahra grew up near Jerrys Plains, New South Wales. This area is close to Muswellbrook, New South Wales. He was likely a member of the Wonnarua people. They are a local Aboriginal nation.
The Kennedy Expedition
In April 1848, Galmahra was still a young man. He was asked to join an important expedition. Assistant Surveyor Edmund Kennedy led the team. Their goal was to explore unknown lands. They headed north into Cape York Peninsula.
During this journey, Galmahra showed his great skills. He was excellent at bushcraft. He proved to be a very loyal and strong member of the team. Kennedy relied on him more and more. Sadly, Edmund Kennedy was speared by local people. This happened in December 1848. It was near the Escape River.
Acknowledging a Hero
After the expedition, Galmahra became known as Jackey Jackey. The colony of New South Wales honored him. They recognized his loyalty and heroic deeds. He had given great help to the expedition.
By March 1849, a lithographic portrait of 'Jackey Jackey' was made. People could buy it. In early 1851, the Governor gave him the special silver breastplate. He also received £50 in a bank account. This was a gift for his bravery.
However, Galmahra never wore the breastplate. He also never used the money in the bank account. He passed away in 1854.
Places Named After Jackey Jackey
Several places in Australia are named in his honor:
- Jackey Jackey Creek (also known as Jacky Jacky Creek), near Bamaga, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland.
- Jacky Jacky Range, Shire of Cook, Queensland.
- Jackey Jackey Airfield, near Bamaga, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. There is a monument there remembering him.
- Galmarra Street, Ngunnawal, Australian Capital Territory.
See also
