Aboriginal people move away from Threlkeld’s mission

Aboriginal people move away from Threlkeld’s mission and “come in” to Newcastle. They find work that suits their interests: some work in fishing, as water carriers, messengers, servants, and on board the numerous vessels. Many who became “good horsemen” at Threlkeld’s mission, go to work for other people. Two “lads” track and pursue with the “horse police” a gang of bushrangers who plunder the Brisbane Water district in a daring manner (possibly the Jewboy gang). (Threlkeld’s 1840 report, courtesy of Carl Hoipo, Wollombi Historical Society)