Place Names Register Extract
Kundook Place
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View in NT Atlas | Print Extract | Search Again| Name | Kundook |
|---|---|
| Type Designation | Place |
| Place Id | 22641 |
| Place Type | Road |
| Status | Registered |
| Date Registered | 14 September 2007 |
| Locality / Suburb | |
| Howard Springs | |
| Local Government Area | |
| Litchfield Council | |
| History/Origin | Kundook Place is named in commemoration of Sam Kundook, an Aboriginal man, employed at Government House for a number of years. The Administrator in his Report of 1942/1943 refers to 'a most extraordinary case of devotion to duty by a native'. In summary: When the first bombing raid took place on Darwin, Sam and his wife Silver were on walkabout near Cape Don. There was no way for them to return to Darwin except to walk, in the middle of the Wet season, with all the creeks and rivers flooded. Eventually they made it to Oenpelli Mission and after resting for several days, set out once again. From there they headed towards Deaf Adder Creek, turned west 'into sundown'. Something happened to Sam and he almost lost his sight. Silver led Sam by walking in front, carrying a long stick, and he came behind holding onto the stick. They swam flooded rivers, she fished and cooked for him and eventually they arrived south of the Adelaide River Railway station. From there Sam sent word to the Administrator, advising that he was ready to start work. 'The total walk appears to have been over 400 miles. Both are with me at Alice Springs at present and Sam has practically recovered his eyesight'. |
Register & Gazettal information
| Date | Gazettal | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 14/09/2007 | Registered | |
| 03/10/2007 | NTG 40 |