Forgotten Hero
Abstract
Richard Bourke, Irish-born Governor of NSW 1831-1837: Few of the many people who stroll along Sydney’s Macquarie Street each day would recognize the imposing bronze figure of General Sir Richard Bourke, that stands by the entrance to the Mitchell Library. Even fewer would know why an adoring public, many of them “shi
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Richard Bourke, Irish-born Governor of NSW 1831-1837: Few of the many people who stroll along Sydney’s Macquarie Street each day would recognize the imposing bronze figure of General Sir Richard Bourke, that stands by the entrance to the Mitchell Library. Even fewer would know why an adoring public, many of them “shirtless and shoeless”, donated so generously to fund for the erection of his statue, which was unveiled before thousands in 1842, five years after he had left New South Wales.
As Governor of the colony, Bourke had introduced humane reforms and progressive measures in a number of areas, including public education.
Max Waugh, a former lecturer in Education at Monash University and a Victorian state school principal, describes Bourke’s achievements in relation to public education and other reforms and the sinister circumstances that led to his unexpected departure. Waugh is currently a lecturer in Australian Studies at Monash International. The ANME is very proud to recommend this important addition to the historical literature.
A copy is on display in the ANME exhibition in The Gallery, Building 5 at the University of Canberra.
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