Bennelong’s final resting place in northern Sydney bought by government

The NSW government has bought a suburban home in Sydney’s north ­believed to be the final burial site of one of Australia’s most important ­Aboriginal historical figures — Woollarawarre Bennelong.

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The NSW government has bought a suburban home in Sydney’s north ­believed to be the final burial site of one of Australia’s most important ­Aboriginal historical figures — Woollarawarre Bennelong.

The remains of Bennelong, who was captured by Governor Arthur Phillip and acted as a go-between for the British and Aboriginal groups until his death in 1813, have been pinpointed to the grounds of 25 Watson St, Putney, close to the northern banks of the Parramatta River.

The NSW government has purchased 25 Watson St, Putney for $2.9 million.

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Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said the $2.9 million purchase “recognises the importance of a significant figure in Australia’s history”.

Woollarawarre Bennelong was “the first significant connection between our two cultures”.

“Woollarawarre Bennelong was the first significant connection ­between our two cultures and it’s important that we protect and preserve this site that could be an important piece of our nation’s history,” Mr Roberts said.

Historian Peter Mitchell, who helped locate the burial site, hailed the news as “fantastic”.

Mr Roberts said a committee would be set up to discuss the next steps for the property’s future.

The property is near, but not on, the Sydney Harbour waterfront.

An aerial view of the property.