Yarrabah resident Russell Barlow’s search for information about his maternal grandmother led him to the Nebo region, near Mackay.
My name is Russell Barlow and I live in Yarrabah, near Cairns in Queensland. I have been a Link-Up (Qld) client since 2020, seeking information on my maternal grandmother, Mary Cooper. My research was completed and delivered by staff from Link-Up (Qld) in 2022. With work and home life commitments, as well as the digestion of the research information, it took me some time to do a back-to-country reunion.
In January 2024, it was time to go and visit my grandmother’s Country with the assistance of Link-Up (Qld) staff Jack Webster and Kerry Sandow. My grandmother was born between 1896 and 1898 in the Nebo region, west of Mackay in Queensland. My sister, Kerry Barlow, accompanied me to the reunion. Whilst travelling from Cairns to Mackay we shared stories and knowledge along the way of my grandmother and her people, and we shared many laughs as well. From Mackay, we drove to Nebo and visited the Nebo Cemetery, hoping to find any relatives who may be laid to rest there. My nephew, Darren Petterwood, who lives a short drive from Nebo, met with us and shared some information that he had obtained by doing his family research over the years. While Darren was trying to find phone reception, he bumped into a familiar face – Lerissa Kynuna, who had relocated to Nebo from Yarrabah for a new work opportunity. We told Lerissa what we were doing in Nebo and she offered to open the local museum for us to read about family and history in Nebo and surrounding areas. We were very grateful.
The next day we visited the Mackay Library and Yuwi Yumba Cultural Hub where we spoke with Veronica Ahwang and Aunty Mabel Quakawoot. Veronica said I strongly resembled her grandfather while she was sharing family information. That evening we had dinner with many family members who reside in the Mackay region. Lots of family talks were had and laughter was shared before our journey home to Cairns the next day. I made good contacts and received valuable information during my reunion, which I can now share with other family members.
I look forward to returning to Mackay and Nebo to continue this journey for my grandmother and to bring closure to our families. On behalf of Kerry and myself, we would like to thank the Link-Up (Qld) staff for all their wonderful hard work and support they have given me over the years, and for making the information available for our future generations.
Published 13 September 2024.
