Red Chief Memorial

The first memorial to be erected in honour of an Aboriginal historical identity, The 'Red Chief' Memorial, is located in a Park setting in the town centre, beside the NSW Government Offices building in Abbott Street. Cumbo Gunnerah, 'The Red Kangaroo' as he was called by his people, was a great warrior and revered leader of the Gunn-e-dar people of the Kamilaroi tribe. He was buried in the late 1700s in a manner befitting an Aboriginal man of great importance - in a sitting position, backed by a tree carved with totemic designs in his honour. The story of his unsurpassed bravery, achievements and adventures were handed down through generations, and his place of rest was treated with much respect. The remains were dug up by white settlers some two centuries later and sent to the Australian Museum, where they were kept for quite some time. They were eventually returned to the Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council in Gunnedah, and he is now at rest within the Cumbo Gunn-e-rah Museum in the George Griffith Memorial Building in Gunnedah. Cumbo Gunnerah's story was heard by prolific author Ion Idriess, who immortalised his story in the book titled 'The Red Chief'. The Memorial is accessible for viewing everyday, and rustic bench-type seating is scattered in the small park area, under shady trees.