Turandurey

Turandurey is noted for her work as a guide and interpreter to the explorer Thomas Mitchell, while at the same time caring for her daughter Ballandella.

[1] Mitchell's Third Expedition began on 17 March 1836, setting out from Mount Canobolas with the Wiradjuri interpreter John Piper, who obtained a wife, Kitty, at Lake Cargelligo.

[1] However, on crossing the Lachlan River valley in what is now the Central West region of NSW, Piper had difficulty connecting with local men, who appeared to be reluctant to make contact.

Mitchell expressed concern about "hostile tribes", and was keen to have assistants who could guide, interpret and ensure friendly relations.

"[3][5] Mitchell established a depot on the Murrumbidgee near what is now the town of Balranald, where he left Turandurey and Ballandella to recover under the authority of his second-in-charge Granville Stapylton.

[4] Eventually they rejoined the main group and travelled all the way to Port Phillip with Mitchell's expedition, and even there was seen to be conversant with local woman, probably Wurundjeri or Bunurong.

[2] At Lake Repose, south of The Grampians, Mitchell acted on a desire to take Ballandella from Turandurey so that he could raise her in Sydney in a European fashion.

With great sadness, Turandurey handed her daughter over to Mitchell, who then proceeded to journey ahead of the main group on the return leg to Sydney.