After leaving Mount Majura on Monday, 27th October 2025, Marija and I visited the National Dinosaur Museum in Canberra. What a brilliant place this is! The website states it is one of Canberra’s premier tourist attractions, and Marija and I certainly agree.
The museum was established in 1993, and since being acquired by a group of directors in 2011, it has undergone major upgrades. (Wikipedia 2025)
At the entrance, you can find ‘Stan’, Canberra’s Tyrannosaurus Rex, who stands at 6 metres tall. (National Dinosaur Museum n.d.)
We spent a few hours inside wandering around the indoor displays of dinosaurs and prehistoric fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
The museum doesn’t just have an excellent dinosaur display. It also has a magnificent fossil collection, which is believed to be the largest fossil display in the southern hemisphere. There are also several skeletons. (Travers 2017)
You can also find a selection of meteorites.
And skulls and other information relating to prehistoric man.
There is also an excellent Ice Age display.
And Marija fitted into the astronaut suit.
The museum also houses an extensive collection of crystals, gemstones, and minerals.
Outside, you can find the Dinosaur Garden. The landscaped gardens contain lifelike fibreglass dinosaur models.
After a very enjoyable few hours at the museum, we headed to the Justice Robert Hope Nature Reserve VKFF-3181.
The reserve is named in honour of Robert Marsden Hope, AC CMG QC. He was born in July 1919. He was a Justice of the New South Wales Court of Appeal and Royal Commissioner on 3 occasions, including the Royal Commission on Intelligence and Security. He was also the first Chairman of the Heritage Council of New South Wales. It was Justice Hope’s Committee of Inquiry into the National Estate that led to the acknowledgment of the concept of a National Estate. He died in 1999 at the age of 80. (ACT Government, 2023) (Wikipedia 2025)
If you would like more detailed information about Justice Robert Hope’s life, please feel free to watch the YouTube video below.
Justice Robert Hope Nature Reserve is located in the suburb of Watson, which is named after the third Prime Minister of Australia, John Christian Watson.
Above: John Christian Watson. Image c/o Wikipedia
The reserve is located adjacent to the Mount Majura Nature Reserve and alongside a green space known as The Runway (which was never a real runway).
Above: An aerial view of Justice Robert Hope Nature Park. Image c/o Google Maps
The reserve is 19 hectares in size and was established in 2016.
Above: an aerial view of the park showing its boundaries. Image c/o Protected Planet.
The reserve comprises low-lying woodland and protects the critically endangered Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum. The reserve also contains several 200-400 year old hollow bearing tree which provide nesting hollows for native birds. (ACT Government, 2023)
Just inside the park you can find an excellent information board with detailed information about the park.
This was an easy park to access. We parked on Antill Street and went through the pedestrian gate, and set up along the walking path. We ran the Yaesu FTY857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.
Unfortunately, right in the middle of a very large pile-up on 40m, the heavens absolutely opened up, and we were totally rained out for the activation. Marija and I apologise to all those who were calling.
Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK3HJW
VK1AO
VK2MET
VK5WU
VK1CHW
VK2CHW
VK5AYL
VK2IO/P (VKFF-0847)
VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-0847)
VK3TDK/P (VKFF-0980)
VK3NYC/P (VKFF-0980)
I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK3HJW
VK1AO
VK2MET
VK5WU
VK1CHW
VK2CHW
VK5AYL
VK2IO/P (VKFF-0847)
VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-0847)
VK3TDK/P (VKFF-0980)
VK3NYC/P (VKFF-0980)
VK2BW
VK3NCR
VK2MOE
VK1MO
Absolutely saturated, Marija and I headed back to our motel room for a warm shower. We then headed to the Kingston Hotel for a meal with Andy VK5LA and his wife Liz, Walter VK2XGB, Gerard VK2IO, and Tony VK3YV. The meal was brilliant, and this was a VERY FUNNY night with lots of laughs.
The National Dinosaur Museum. (n.d.). The National Dinosaur Museum | Visit the Dinosaurs – Canberra, Australia. [online] Available at: https://nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au/. [Accessed 28 Jan. 2026]
Our next activation for Monday, the 27th day of October 2025, was the Mount Majura Nature Reserve VKFF-0851. We found a few blocked roads using the GPS, but finally managed to get into the reserve.
Mount Majura includes an Air Navigation facility for the Canberra Airport. We had a significant number of aircraft flying above us during the activation.
The traditional people of the region are the Ngunnawal Aboriginal people. Mount Majura is covered in a hard rock known as ‘chert’, which forms sharp shards when broken. It was used by Aboriginal people to produce tools.
In 1825, the first European squatters and sheep graziers settled in the district that is now Canberra. Robert Campbell, a merchant and politician, established Pialligo Station, later known as Duntroon, on the Majura foothills. It is believed that Campbell named Mount Majura after a place in India that he had visited. (and 2023)
Above: Robert Campbell, c. 1835. Image c/o Wikipedia
By the 1860s, the Darmody family had purchased lease holdings on Mount Majura for one pound per acre.
John Darmody was born in County Offaly, Ireland,in c. 1817. He married Mary Carey in c. 1837. They emigrated to Australia in July 1853 aboard the Empire, with their four children, Michael, Thomas, James, and William. Following their arrival, they lived on the Campbell property Duntroon, where John was employed as a shepherd and farm worker. His eldest sons, Michael and Thomas, also worked on the property. The Darmody family lived on the Duntroon property in the convict cottage at Limekilns, Majura. (ancestry 2016)
Their daughter Margaret was born at Duntroon in May 1855. Sadly, she died aged 5 years in March 1861 of fever. She is believed to be buried in an unmarked grave in the ‘Volunteer’ paddock at Majura, although official records show her burial at the Queanbeyan Riverside Cemetery. (ancestry 2016)
In 1863, a ploughing match was held at Gundaroo, northeast of Canberra. John Darmody and another male called Yates from Duntroon won the event and received a medal.
Above: item from The Golden Age, Queanbeyan, Thu 16 Jul 1863. Image c/o Trove
In 1861, the Crown Lands Act, also known as the Robertson Lands Act, was passed. New South Wales Premier John Robertson introduced the Acts to reform land holdings in New South Wales. They were specifically introduced to break the squattocracy’s domination of land tenure in New South Wales, and to allow free selection of Crown land. (Wikipedia 2024)
In August 1863, Michael purchased land at Majura. Over the following several years, additional land was purchased by John and Mary, and their sons Michael, Thomas, James, and William. (ancestry 2016)
Above: article from The Golden Age, Thu 13 Aug 1863. Image c/o Trove
Following the purchase of land in the early 1860s, the Darmody family ceased working at Duntroon, and moved from the Campbell property to a house at Turney Creek. (ancestry 2016)
Above: Early Majura showing the Darmody holdings. Image c/o ancestry.com.au
John Darmody died in February 1877, aged 60 years. He is buried in the Catholic section of the Queanbeyan Riverside Cemetery. (ancestry 2016)
In March 1881, John and Mary’s home was destroyed by fire. It was caused by a member of the family striking a match on a bedpost, which caused a curtain to catch alight. (ancestry 2016)
Mary died at her residence at Majura in June 1887, aged 72 years. She is buried at the Queanbeyan Riverside Cemetery. (ancestry 2016) (Trove 2026)
1st child
Michael Darmody was born in 1838 in Offaly, Ireland. In 1863, he married Bridget O’Rourke at Queanbeyan. They had eight children born at Majura. Bridget died in 1908 in Granville, New South Wales. Michael died in 1910 in Granville, New South Wales. (ancestry 2016)
Above: item from the Queanbeyan Observer, Fro Apr 22 1910. Image c/o newspapers.com
Michael and Bridget are buried at the Rookwood cemetery, New South Wales.
Above: the headstone of Michael and Bridget Darmody. Image c/o findagrave.com
2nd child
Thomas Patrick Darmody was born in 1841 in Offaly, Ireland. In 1869, he married Sarah Ryan in Queanbeyan. They had thirteen children. Their first eight children were born in Majura. In 1889 he obtained a licence for the Sutton Hotel in the village of Sutton, northeast of Canberra. Thomas died in 1904 at Arlington Park, New South Wales. Darah died in 1923 at Sutton, New South Wales. (ancestry 2016)
Above: Thomas and Sarah Darmody and their family, outside the Sutton Hotel. Image c/o ancestry.com
4th child
James Darmody was born in 1848 in Offaly, Ireland. In 1879, he married Ellen Hennessy at Yass, New South Wales. They had seven children. Their first five children were born at Mount Majura. James died in February 1921 at Mount Majura. Following the death of James, Ellen moved to Goulburn. His wife, Ellen, died in 1933 at Goulburn, New South Wales. (ancestry 2016) (Trove 2026)
Above: James Darmody. Image c/o ancestry.com.au
Social events were regularly held at James and Ellen’s property, called The Pines, at Majura.
Above: item from The Queanbeyan Observer, Fri 15 Sept 1899. Image c/o Trove
Above: article from the Queanbeyan Observer, Tue 23 Feb 1904. Image c/o Trove
5th child
William Darmody was born in 1851 in Offaly, Ireland. In January 1860, he married Maria Maloney at Queanbeyan, New South Wales. They had five children who were born at Majura. William died in 1916 at Cooma, New South Wales. Maria died in 1946 at Cooma. (ancestry 2016)
William and Maria owned a property known as Oak View at Majura. The property was just to the southeast of Mount Majura. Initially, the property was 600 acres in 1872, but further land was purchased over the years and the property expanded to 2,053 acres. Social events, including Fox drives, were held on the property. This included a social event following the completion of their ‘new and up-to-date woolshed.’ William and Maria left their property in 1914 due to the Federal Government resuming his property as part of the new Australian Capital Territory. (anon n.d.) (ancestry 2016) (Trove 2026)
Above: article from The Queanbeyan Leader, Tue 31 Jul 1906. Image c/o Trove
Above: part of an article from The Age, Queanbeyan, Fri 5 Oct 1906. Image c/o Trove
Above: part of an article from the Queanbeyan Observer, Tue 7 Nov 1905. Image c/o Trove
Mount Majura Nature Reserve is about 502 hectares in size and adjoins the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve. It is part of the Canberra Nature Parks. (and 2023) (Anon, n.d.)
Above: an aerial view of the reserve showing its boundaries. Image c/o Protected Planet
The reserve contains the summit of Mount Majura, which is 888 metres above sea level. The summit qualifies for the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program and is worth 1 point. It has been activated 92 times. The first SOTA activation was back in February 2013 by Ian VK1DI. (and 2023) (Sotadata.org.uk 2026)
Unfortunately, we did not have time to walk up to the summit.
Above: a view of Mount Majura. Image c/o Google Maps
Then Mount Majura Nature Reserve protects stands of Drooping She-oak, which is an important foraging resource for the Glossy Black-cockatoo, which is listed as vulnerable. There is a large area of critically endangered Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum on the lower slopes of the reserve. The critically endangered Canberra Spider Orchid can be found in the reserve. (and 2023)
Endangered birds such as the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater can be found in the reserve. Other birds include the Scarlet Robin, Speckled Warbler, Diamond Firetail, and Gang-gang Cockatoo. The rare Rosenberg’s Monitor can also be found in the park. Other reptiles include the Eastern Brown snake, Black snake, Shingleback lizard, and Bearded Dragon. Native mammals include the Ringtail Possum, Brushtail Possum, Sugar Glider, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Swamp Wallaby, Echidna, and Red-necked Wallaby. (and 2023) (Anon, n.d.)
We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.
Unfortunately, it started to rain during our activation, and we were forced to pack up, well short of the required 44 QSOs for the WWFF program. However, we had qualified the park for the VKFF program.
A few days ago, I received the latest upgrade sticker for the Italian (IFFA) Hunter award. It is issued for having worked 75 Italian WWFF reference areas in the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.
Thank you to all of the Italian IFF activators, and thank you to the IFF Awards Manager Massimo IK1GPG.
A few days ago, I received the QSL card below via email from Air Services Australia for my reception of Australia VOLMET on 11387 kHz on 19th August 2025.
Our first activation for Monday, the 27th day of October 2025, was Mount Ainslie VK1/ AC-040 for the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program, and Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve VKFF-0850 for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.
Mount Ainslie has an extremely interesting history, and I found it fascinating to research. I wonder how many people in Canberra are aware of the origins of the names Mount Ainslie and Mount Tennent?
Mount Ainslie was named after James Ainslie, who was the first overseer of Duntroon Station. Ainslie was born in 1797 in Roxburghshire, Scotland. In 1818, he married Betty Catteral in Lancashire, England. In 1820, they had a son called James Ainslie. Sadly, in that same year, Betty died. James Ainslie Sr emigrated to Australia in 1825 aboard the Admiral Cockburn. Upon his arrival in Australia, he was employed by Robert Campbell to establish a sheep station on the Limestone Plains in the colony of New South Wales. (Wikipedia 2025)
Robert Campbell was a merchant and politician. He was a member of the first Legislative Council in New South Wales. The suburb of Campbell in Canberra, and Campbell Islands in the subantarctic islands of New Zealand, are named in his honour. (Wikipedia 2025)
Above: Robert Campbell, c. 1835. Image c/o Wikipedia
Campbell was awarded compensation for the loss of his ship, Sydney, whilst it was under Government contract. He was also allowed to select some land in the newly discovered Limestone Plains area in Argyle County, in what is current day Canberra. (Steven 1966)
In January 1825, James Ainslie and several convict labourers were making their way from Bathurst with 700 of Campbell’s sheep to find a suitable site for the sheep station. When they were near Booroowa (east of Young), they encountered a group of Aboriginal people who were reportedly terrified as they had never seen white people or sheep before. They believed that Ainslie was a dead spirit, and as a result, they ‘sacrificed’ an Aboriginal woman to Ainslie. Her name was Ija Ngambri. (Wikipedia 2025) (Wright 2012)
Ngambri subsequently guided Ainslie and his party to the southeast, where Ainslie established Pialligo Station in the area that is present-day Canberra. Pialligo is believed to derive from an Aboriginal language. The Pialligo area forms part of the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal Aboriginal people. Pialligo is now a semi-rural suburb of Canberra, located adjacent to the Canberra Airport. Pialligo Station was later renamed by Campbell in 1833 as Duntroon, after the family’s ancestral home of Duntrune Castle in Argyll, Scotland in 1833. The original homestead was built at this time, with a two-storey extension added in 1862. (Grokipedia 1970) (Wikipedia 2025)
In c. 1826/1827, Ainslie and Ngambri had a daughter called Ju Nin Mingo, also known as Nanny. She married Onyong @ Hong-kong and had several children who all used the family name of Duncan. She died in 1873 from measles and is buried at the McCarthy property on Ginninderra Estate. (Ngambri 2014) (Wikipedia 2025)
In 1911, the Australian Federal Government acquired the Duntroon homestead and the surrounding land. The former Duntroon homestead now serves as the Officers’ Mess for the Royal Military College in the suburb of Campbell.
Initially, the run comprised 4,000 acres and had a flock of 700 sheep. Within about 10 years, this had increased to 20,000 sheep. It was at this time that Mount Ainslie was named in his honour. (Grokipedia 1970) (Wikipedia 2025)
Every good Australian story has a convict or a bushranger. For James Ainslie, some infamous Australian bushrangers would enter his life.
John Tennant was born c. 1794 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In 1823, he was sentenced to transportation for life. He arrived in Sydney in July 1824 aboard the Prince Regent. He was described as a ploughman, thatcher, and fencer. Upon arrival, he was assigned to Joshua John Moore on Moore’s property called Canberry, the first European property on the Limestone Plains. (ancestry 2016) (Convictrecords.com.au 2026) (Wikipedia 2025)
In September 1826, Tennant was sentenced to six months’ hard labour in Irons for “making away with his master’s money.” He has stolen £6 from Moore. (ancestry 2016)
Above: A chain gang, c. 1833. Image c/o Wikipedia
Tennant subsequently absconded from the chain gang in October 1826 and commenced a series of crimes. He formed a gang consisting of John Ricks, James Murphy, and Thomas Keane. The gang became known as the Terror of Argyle. (Convictrecords.com.au 2026)
John Raikes, alias John Ricks, John Rix, Dublin Jack, was born in 1807. He was transported to Australia in 1825 aboard the Norfolk, having been sentenced on the 24th day of April 1824, at the Sussex Court of Sessions, to 7 years for a felony. (ancestry 2016) (Convictrecords.com.au 2026)
Above: Convict details for John Raikes. Image c/o ancestry.com.au
James Murphy was born in c. 1808 in Dublin. He was convicted in Dublin City of robbery and was sentenced to 7 years’ transportation. He departed England on the Prince Regent, the same ship as John Tennant. James was just 16 years old. He was assigned to a property near the current city of Canberra and fled. He subsequently joined the Tennant gang. (Convictrecords.com.au 2026)
Thomas Keane, alias Kain, Cane, was born c. 1804 in Meath, Ireland. He was convicted of cow stealing in November 1824 and sentenced to 7 years’ transportation. He was transported to Australia aboard the Sir Godfrey Webster. (ancestry 2016) (Convictrecords.com.au 2026)
In July 1827, Tennant, Ricks, Cane and Murphy robbed Roses Outstation at the Yass River. Tennant was shot in the back by James Farrell during this incident, but survived.
In 1827, it is believed that Tennant was in the company with Mary Elizabeth Winter, nee Herd, a convict who had arrived in Australia in 1820 aboard the Morley. She had been convicted in the Old Bailey for possessing a forged note. In 1821, she married her master, Robert Winter, who was himself a convict and had earned a Ticket of Leave. In 1826, Mary, her husband and John Handcock were involved in a burglary plot that led to the death penalty being imposed on her husband. Mary was acquitted. Soon after, she teamed up with Tennant. (Convictrecords.com.au 2026) (Grokipedia 1970)
In September 1827, a twenty-pound reward and a Ticket of Leave were offered to “any Person or Persons who may apprehend, and lodge the said John Tennant in any of His Majesty’s Gaols; and if the Person is a Prisoner, he will also be allowed a Ticket of Leave.” (Convictrecords.com.au 2026) (Trove 2026)
Above: article from The Sydney Gazette, Fri 7 Sept 1827. Image c/o Trove
In October 1827, Constable John Jones reportedly sighted Tennant and Winter fishing on the Yass River near Gundaroo. Interestingly, Constable Jones only had one eye. Tennant allegedly armed himself with a loaded musket and threatened to shoot out the other eye of the Constable. The Constable laid down his arms, which led to the pair fleeing into the bush and escaping. What ultimately happened to Mary Winter is unclear. She is only one of three documented female bushrangers active in Australia during the 1800s. (Convictrecords.com.au 2026) (Grokipedia 1970)
On the 21st day of November 1827, Tennant and Ricks robbed Pialligo Station. Ainslie had taken all but one of Campbell’s men from the station to wash sheep. He left a man named Charles Bowman, who was a servant of Campbell and also an invalid. Tennant produced a pistol and threatened to blow Bowman’s brains out. They then bound Bowman’s hands and feet and tied a handkerchief over his eyes. Tennant and Ricks then stole a variety of property from the storeroom including 29lb of Brazil tobacco, vests, jackets, handkerchiefs, shirts, trousers, 150 lb of flour, tea and sugar, 3 gallons of spirits, powder and shot, boots, four holey dollars, three Spanish dollars, two rupees, a night cap, and a small horse pistol. Tennant then threatened to kill Bowman, who prayed for mercy, as he had a small family…’. Tennant then tied a blanket over Bowman’s head and left. (Trove 2026)
The following day, Ainslie and Cowan went in search of the bushrangers. They located the tea and sugar in a sack in a hollow tree. Cowan was then joined by Duncan McFarlane from Ginninderra Station, and they commenced another search. They located Tennant hiding under a fallen tree near where the tea and sugar had been secreted. Tennant then threatened to ‘blow their brains out’ if they came closer. Cowan and MacFarlane were unarmed and retreated. (Trove 2026) (Wikipedia 2025)
Following the 1827 robbery at Pialligo, the gang committed further robberies and serious assaults. (Wikipedia 2025)
On the 21st day of December 1827, Tennant, Ricks, Cane, and Murphy committed a robbery in the dwelling house of Thomas Rose. The four men, all armed with pistols, confronted the hut keeper, James Farrell. The gang had previously committed a robbery here back in July when Tennant was shot. Tennant threatened to blow his brains out. They also demanded property from Thomas Simpson, the overseer. They tied Farrell to a post, and Ricks gave him 50 lashes with his belt. (Ancestry 2016)
On the evening of Sunday, the 23rd day of December 1827, Tennant’s gang committed a robbery at the home of Peter Stuckey at Wollindilly River. Stuckey’s wife, Ann, was home alone at the time with her four children. She saw the four men approaching the house, all armed. They demanded money from her and then stole property from the hut. (Trove 2026)
A reward appeared in The Sydney Gazette on the 31st day of December 1827, for the apprehension of Keane and Murphy regarding the robbery at Wollindilly River.
Above: article from the Sydney Gazette & NSW advertiser, Mon 31 Dec 1827. Image c/o Trove
During the early hours of the 8th day of January 1828, Tennant and Ricks robbed J.J. Moore’s station, Canberry and placed all of the men on the station under guard. James Cowan, the overseer, was awoken by the noise and armed himself with a musket. Tennant and Ricks demanded that he should come out of his hut. Cowan replied that he would defend his hut to the last. Tennant threatened to set fire to the hut, but Cowan would not come outside. (Trove 2026) (Wikipedia 2025)
Tennant set fire to the roof of the hut, but due to the bark being wet, the fire did not take hold. Thomas Leahy, a servant of Moore, appealed to Tennant and Ricks not to harm Cowan. Tennant replied that he would not burn the hut, but if anyone, Scotch, Irish, or English, came after them, he would have their lives. After demanding some food, the bushrangers decamped. (Trove 2026) (Wikipedia 2025)
At sunrise, Cowan attended Campbell’s station, Pialligo and informed him of the robbery. Ainslie is reported to have said, “It was time something was done……I will go out and take them, dead or alive.” Cowan informed Ainslie that he would accompany him. Ainslie was aware that two Constables were at a nearby station and sent for them to accompany them on their search for Tennant and Ricks. Ainslie also acquired the use of four Aboriginal men to be used as trackers. District Constable John Jones joined the men at Pialligo before making their way to Canberry, where Constable Fenton, Cowan, Duncan Macfarlane, and others joined the party. (Trove 2026) (Wikipedia 2025)
Soon after leaving Canberry, the Aboriginal trackers picked up the track of Tennant and Ricks, leading to the Murrumbidgee River. After five miles of tracking, one of the Aboriginal trackers, called ‘Make-a-cake’, called out ‘Make a light’, which means that he had seen the bushrangers’ encampment. The group paused to discuss a strategy, but while doing so, Ainslie rushed into the bushranger’s tent alone. (Trove 2026) (Wikipedia 2025)
Ainslie placed his musket to Tennant’s chest and threatened to shoot him if he moved. Not knowing that Ainslie was in the tent, the group opened fire on the tent with three shots. Amazingly, Ainslie was not struck. However, Tennant was wounded in the neck, face, and hands, while Rix suffered a wound to his knee. (Trove 2026) (Wikipedia 2025)
Cain and Murphy had been apprehended previously by District Constable Daniel Geary from Goulburn Plains, Aboriginal trackers, and others. At the time, Caine was in possession of a musket, while Murphy had a pistol. (Trove 2026)
The Sydney Gazette, dated Monday 4th February 1828, reported:
“His Excellency has been pleased to notice the activity and enterprise of Messrs. Ainslie, McFarlane and Cowan……who in conjunction with several other persons, aided the mounted police and constabulary of that district, in scouring the country, and at length succeeded in securing Tennant, and Ricks…” (Trove 2026)
Above: article from The Sydney Gazette & NSW Advertiser, Mon 4 Feb 1828. Image c/o Trove
Tickets of Leave were granted to five prisoners of the Crown who assisted in the capture of Tennant and Ricks. The newspaper also reported:
“His Excellency, expressing a determination to reward the aboriginal natives…” (Trove 2026)
Following their capture, Tennant and Ricks were conveyed in a cart to the Sydney Gaol, ‘heavily ironed.’ (Trove 2026)
Above: article from The Sydney Gazette & NSW Advertiser, Mon 28 Jan 1828. Image c/o Trove
On Thursday, the 14th day of February 1828, Tennant and Ricks attempted to escape from the Sydney Gaol. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and they were located by authorities in the loft. (Trove 2026)
Above: the Darlinghurst (Sydney) Gaol. Image c/o Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW
On Friday, the 29th day of February 1828, John Tennant, John Ricks, James Murphy, & Thomas Cain were convicted in the Criminal Court of Sydney, for stealing in the dwelling house of Peter Stuckey and putting his wife Ann in bodily fear. Tennant, Ricks, Murphy, & Cain were sentenced to death by hanging. John Jones was convicted of receiving stolen property and was transported for 14 years. (Trove 2026) (Wikipedia 2025)
Above: article from The Australian, Wed 5 Mar 1828. Image c/o Trove
The men were then imprisoned in the hulk Phoenix. The Phoenix was a 3-decker merchant ship that was built on the Thames in 1798. She was damaged in 1824 on a voyage with convicts to Van Diemen’s Land. The Phoenix was then condemned and used as a prison hulk for convicts who were awaiting transportation to Norfolk Island and Moreton Bay. (Wikipedia 2025)
On the 30th day of May 1828, Tennant, Ricks, Cain, and Murphy appeared before Justice Dowling in the Supreme Criminal Court, Sydney, indicted for stealing in the dwelling house of Thomas Rose and placing John Farrell and Thomas Simpson in bodily fear. That same morning, Tennant attempted to escape from the lock-up house prior to the trial. Upon being brought into the court, Tennant complained to Justice Dowling that the Constable had placed his handcuffs too tightly. Upon inspection, it was found that the marks were caused by Tennant himself, “….”caused by his own exertions to force his hands from the shackles, in which he succeeded, and had very nearly effected his escape when he was detected.” The jury found the men not guilty of stealing from the dwelling house, but they were remanded on the assault charges. (Trove 2026)
In June 1818, Tennant, Ricks, Cain, & Murphy were convicted of the violent assault on Farrell and were sentenced to 5 months’ imprisonment. Upon hearing their sentence, the men shouted out “God save the King, the Judge, and Jury.” (Trove 2026)
The men were then placed in the Phoenix prison hulk. In July 1829, Tennant, Ricks, James, & Murphy were released from the hulk and imprisoned at Sydney Gaol. (ancestry 2016)
In September 1829, Tennant, Ricks, Murphy, and Caine were indicted for the robbery at Pialligo Station in November 1827 and for putting Charles Bowman in fear. Mr Justice Dowling ruled that it was proper to dismiss the capital charge and find on the minor one. After retiring for about 10 minutes, Tennant and Murphy were found guilty of Larceny. Caine and Ricks were found not guilty. (Trove 2026)
On Saturday, the 19th day of September 1829, Mr Justice Stephen and Mr Justice Dowling sat for the purpose of passing sentence on several prisoners, including Tennant, Ricks, Caine, and Murphy. John Tennant and James Murphy were sentenced for larceny offences and received 7 years’ transportation to Norfolk Island. Thomas Kane and John Ricks were sentenced for larceny and received seven years’ transportation. (Trove 2026)
Above: article from the Sydney Gazette & NSW Advertiser, Tue 22 Sept 1892. Image c/o Trove
Their death sentence had been commuted due to a discovery by the Judge that the men had been tried under Statutes that had been repealed by Mr Peel’s Acts, which had not then been brought into operation in the Colony. The sentence, therefore, could not be carried into effect, and they were “discharged from the consequences of their conviction.” Some articles and websites state that Tennant was executed, but this is incorrect. (Trove 2026)
Above: article from The Sydney Gazette & NSW Advertiser, Tue 22 Sept 1829. Image c/o Trove
The Colonial Secretary warned the Commandant of Norfolk Island, stating:
“The six men named…long the terror of Argyle and the surrounding country, are now forwarded and I am directed to point out to you for your information their extreme desperation in order that you may be aware of their characters.”
Above: Norfolk Island penal settlement. Photo c/o VK5PAS.
On the 16th day of September 1836, Tennant was freed from the hulk. (ancestry 2016)
In 1831, Governor Darling promised free grants of land consisting of 100 acres each to Ainslie and Cowan, in acknowledgement of their services in the capture of the bushrangers Tennand and Rix. Ainslie had decided to return to Scotland and gave his promised grant of land to John Lupton jun, the son of John Lupton snr, who was the innkeeper of Lupton’s Inn at Bargo, New South Wales. Ainslie would often stop here on his way to and from Sydney. (Trove 2026) (Wikipedia 2025)
After serving time on Norfolk Island, Tennant wastransferred to Sydney in September 1836 and was moved to Hyde Park Barracks. He died the following year, on the 29th day of August 1837, in Windsor Gaol, New South Wales. (ancestry 2016) (Convictrecords.com.au 2026) (Wikipedia 2025)
Above: Windsor Gaol, late 1800s. Image c/o Old Sydney Album Facebook page
Mount Tennent in Namadgi National Park in the ACT is named after John Tennant. A Canberra legend has Tennant’s loot still hidden somewhere on Mount Tennent.
John Raikes was issued a Certificate of Freedom in April 1838. In March 1845, it was reported that he was before the court at Bathurst for robbery and horse stealing. (Convictrecords.com.au 2026) (Trove 2026)
In 1839, Thomas Keane was issued a Certificate of Freedom. (ancestry 2016)
In January 1835, Robert Campbell placed an advertisement in The Sydney Gazette that he would pay no more orders drawn by Ainslie ‘in consequence of the recent irregularities and insubordination at my Establishment Limestone Plains, occasioned by a Store being set up some months ago, for the sale of spirituous and other fermented Liquors, on a neighbouring farm…” (Wikipedia 2025)
Above: article from The Sydney Gazette, Thu 22 Jan 1835. Image c/o Trove
Within two months of this announcement, Ainslie also advertised in the Sydney Herald that he was about to ‘quit the Colony.’ On the 16th day of March 1835, he sailed aboard the Edinburgh for Liverpool, England, leaving behind his wife and daughter. After arriving in England, he made his way back to Scotland. (Wikipedia 2025)
Above: advertisement from The Sydney Herald, Thu 5 Mar 1835. Image c/o Trove
Following his arrival back in Scotland, Ainslie found himself in trouble with the police, being arrested frequently for public nuisance and assaults. In 1844, Ainslie was charged with assault. He was tried at the Circuit Court and committed to Jedburgh Castle Jail in Scotland. (Trove 2026) (Wikipedia 2025)
Above: Jedburgh Castle Jail. Image c/o Mihael Grmek Wikipedia
On the 11th day of April 1844, Ainslie committed suicide by hanging himself in Jedburgh Castle. He was 60 years old. (Wikipedia 2025) (Trove 2026)
The Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve is 637 hectares in size and adjoins Mount Majura Nature Reserve. It is also in close proximity to Mount Pleasant Nature Reserve. (and 2023)
The Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve contains a large area of critically endangered Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland. It also contains stands of Drooping She-oak, which is an important foraging resource for the Glossy Black Cockatoo, which is listed as vulnerable. The park also contains the critically endangered Canberra Spider Orchid and the endangered Hoary Sunaray. The frare Rosenberg’s Goanna can also be found in the park. (and 2023)
Mount Ainslie is 843 metres above sea level and qualifies with 1 point for the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program. It has been activated 378 times. Not surprising, as it is on Canberra’s doorstep and is a nice, easy drive up summit. It was first activated in February 2013 by Ian VK1DI.
Above: an aerial view of Mount Ainslie. Image c/o Google Maps
There are excellent views of Canberra from Mount Ainslie. Some of the prominent Canberra landmarks visible include the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin.
Mount Ainslie has a lookout and a small communications tower.
Marija and I operated from the side of the road just down from the car park. We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole.
Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:
VK1CHW/p (VKFF-0033)
VK2CHW/p (VKFF-0033)
VK3YV/p (VKFF-0847)
VK3TNL/p (VKFF-0847)
VK3FCC/p (VKFF-0847)
VK3CIA/p (VKFF-0847)
VK3DCQ/p (VKFF-4959)
VK1DI/p (VKFF-0842)
VK3ZPF/p (VKFF-0618)
VK3JW/p (VKFF-0618)
VK3PJF/p (VKFF-0618)
VK2YK/p (VKFF-0851)
VK5GA/p (VKFF-0851)
VK2USH
VK2PET
VK3PF/p (VKFF-1890 & VK1/ AC-008)
VK3KAI/p (VKFF-1890 & VK1/ AC-008)
VK3SMW
VK2VW
VK2HFI
VK2AKA
VK2BUG
VK2HBR
VK3TDK/p (VKFF-3076)
VK3NYC/p (VKFF-3076)
VK3GJG/p (VKFF-3076)
VK2VAR
VK2GOM
VK2VIC
VK1VIC
VK2GOY
VK3FTOM
VK2NP
VK3ZSC
VK2IO/p (VKFF-0860)
VK2GEZ/p VKFF-0860)
VK3BDW
VK2AHP
VK2ETI
VK2AIT
VK2AIQ
VK2AIZ
VK2AIX
VK5HS/p (VKFF-2383)
VK3UH
Marija worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-
VK3ZPF/p (VKFF-0618)
VK2IO/p (VKFF-0860)
VK2GEZ/p VKFF-0860)
VK3PF/p (VKFF-1890 & VK1/ AC-008)
VK3KAI/p (VKFF-1890 & VK1/ AC-008)
ZL1IM
ZL2ATH
VK1AD
ZL2WE
I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:
VK1CHW/p (VKFF-0033)
VK2CHW/p (VKFF-0033)
VK3YV/p (VKFF-0847)
VK3TNL/p (VKFF-0847)
VK3FCC/p (VKFF-0847)
VK3CIA/p (VKFF-0847)
VK3DCQ/p (VKFF-4959)
VK1DI/p (VKFF-0842)
VK3ZPF/p (VKFF-0618)
VK3JW/p (VKFF-0618)
VK3PJF/p (VKFF-0618)
VK1AD
VK3APJ
VK3CLD
VK2DBF
VK5QA
VK3HJW
VK1AO
VK2MET
VK2IO/p (VKFF-0860)
VK2GEZ/p VKFF-0860)
VK2YK/p (VKFF-0851)
VK5GA/p (VKFF-0851)
VK3GJG/p (VKFF-3076)
VK3CEO
VK3ZSC
VK3KRL
VK2NP
VK1AC
VK3BDW
VK2HRX
VK5AYL
VK2AHP
VK2USH/p (VKFF-1783)
VK2PET
VK3PF/p (VKFF-1890 & VK1/ AC-008)
VK3KAI/p (VKFF-1890 & VK1/ AC-008)
VK3SMW
VK2VW
VK2HFI
VK2AKA
VK2BUG
VK2HBR
VK3TDK/p (VKFF-3076)
VK3NYC/p (VKFF-3076)
VK2VAR
VK2GOM
VK5HS/p (VKFF-2383)
I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-
VK3ZPF/p (VKFF-0618)
VK2IO/p (VKFF-0860)
VK2GEZ/p VKFF-0860)
VK3PF/p (VKFF-1890 & VK1/ AC-008)
VK3KAI/p (VKFF-1890 & VK1/ AC-008)
ZL1IM
References.
ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/. [Accessed 22 Jan. 2026].
Trove. (2026). SYDNEY NEWS. – The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893) – 22 Mar 1845. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/672561 [Accessed 24 Jan. 2026].
On Sunday, 26th October 2025, Marija and I had some time to spare before heading out to dinner at the Gunghalin Lakes Golf Club. So we decided to drive up to Black Mountain in Canberra for a VKFF activation.
Black Mountain Nature Reserve is bordered by Caswell Drive to the west, Parkes Way to the south, and Belconnen Way to the north.
Black Mountain is known as Galambary in the language of the Ngunnawal Aboriginal people. It was used as an initiation site. The mountain is said to represent the growth of a boy into a man. (Wikipedia 2023)
Above: An aerial view of Black Mountain. Image c/o Google Maps
In 1820, a party of three led by Charles Throsby Smith, James Vaughan and Joseph Wild, travelled through the eastern reaches of Ginninderra, crossing the Molonglo and Queanbeyan Rivers, and climbing Black Mountain. (Chirp 2026)
Above: Charles Throsby Smith. Image c/o Wikipedia
Between 1829 and 1833, surveyors Robert Dixon and Robert Hoddle mapped the Canberra area. Hoddle made a sketch of Black Mountain, naming it Black Hill.
Above: Robert Hoddle. Image c/o Wikipedia
Black Mountain Nature Reserve is 434 hectares in size. It contains Black Mountain summit, which is 812 metres above sea level. Unfortunately, there was some drizzle, so it was not conducive to conducting an activation for the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program. (and 2025)
More than 660 species of plants, including 60 orchid species, have been recorded in the reserve. This includes 40 nationally and regionally rare plant species. The reserve is home to several threatened and declining nomadic or migratory birds. This includes the Gang-gang Cockatoo and the Scarlet Robin. (and 2025)
On top of Black Mountain is the Telstra Tower, which is 195 metres tall. I had been told before my visit to be prepared to see that the tower was closed and covered in graffiti.
The tower has been closed since 2021. I have great memories of going there for a coffee with Andrew VK1AD, John VK5BJE, and Heath VK3TWO back in 2015 after a SOTA activation.
As mentioned in a previous post, on Sunday, 26th October 2025, myself, Marija VK5MAZ, Hans VK6XN, Chris VK5FR, Hide 7M4MON, and Dan VK4DNO, activated the Callum Braw Nature Reserve VKFF-0836.
Callum Brae is located in Symonston, south of Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory.
The reserve’s western boundary is Mugga Lane, its northern boundary is Narrabunda Lane, while West Jerrabombera Nature Reserve is located just to its east.
Callum Brae Nature Reserve is 143 hectares in size and was established in 2008. The reserve is located on the lower eastern slopes of Mount Mugga Mugga. The reserve features large hollow-bearing eucalypts, predominantly Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum, which provide refuge for native birds (ACT Govt 2023)
The reserve is home to numerous species of native woodland birds, including Diamond Firetail, White-winged Triller, Varied Sittella, and Southern Whiteface. (ACT Govt 2023)
The area on which Callum Brae is now located has been used for farming since the early 1830s. Before becoming part of the Canberra Nature Parks, Callum Brae housed an explosives reserve from 1955 for about 40 years. Explosives for the Mugga Mugga quarry were stored in the powder magazines, which had a capacity to store 4,000 pounds of explosives in each magazine. The magazines are still found in the park and consist of three small brick buildings. (ACT Govt 2025)
Below is an excellent video on Callum Brae Nature Reserve.
Our main reason for heading to this park was to give Hide 7M4MON his first opportunity of activating a VKFF park, and to get Dan VK4DNO on air.
Above: Hide 7M4MON
Hide and Dan made a significant amount of contacts from the park.
Above: Dan VK4DNO on air making contacts.
Once Hide and Dan had their fill of contacts, Marija, myself, Hans, and Chris got on air and made a number of contacts.
We had a nice operating spot just inside the gate on Mugga Lane. We had a bit of interest from bushwalkers and birdwatchers.
VK5PAS 