By 1863 the growing population of "Manning South", including Glenthorne, Pampoolah, Sidebottom, Oxley and Mitchells Islands, deemed it necessary for a general cemetery. Redbank Cemetery, as it is now known, was dedicated on 16 July 1863.1

One of the first burials was that of 23 year old Robert Gilmore in 1864. Robert and Thomas Palmer had fetched Dr Hutchinson from Taree to attend to Robert's father who was seriously ill near Redbank. At that time, boats were the main mode of transport and as the trio neared Redbank severe squalls hit and overturned the vessel. Palmer managed to survive by clinging to the boat but Gilmore and Hutchinson were swept away and drowned. Dr Hutchinson's body was returned to his hometown in Victoria while Robert was buried here.2

When the Purfleet Aboriginal Mission's cemetery closed in the 1960s, people living at the station were buried at Redbank Cemetery. One of those burials is Uncle Charlie Edwards. Charlie was an outstanding sportsperson playing competitive cricket and rugby league late into his forties. He was also an entertainer. In 1961, as part of NADOC* celebrations he won a state wide singing competition. He was flown to Martin Place, Sydney where he sang at the Lyceum Theatre. His performance was televised across NSW capturing the standing ovation he received for his performance.

Charlie was perhaps best known for his role as ‘The Devil' in corroborees held at Purfleet. He was so good that when he appeared out of the dark, women fainted and dogs attacked him! Charlie is remembered for his good humour and amazing talent to thrill audiences.3"

Author: Janine Roberts

References:

NADOC: National Aborigines' Day Observance Committee, later became called NAIDOC: National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee.

1 NSW Government Gazette, 16 Jul 1863, [Issue No. 136 supplement], 1545.

2 Empire, 23 August 1864, 5; SMH, 24 August 1864, 5.

3