Agnes Buntine
Agnes Buntine | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1822 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Died | 29 February 1896 Sale, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Pastoralist, bullock driver |
| Known for | First person to deliver provisions to Walhalla, Victoria after gold discovery; pioneering female bullocky in Australia |
Agnes Buntine (circa 1822 – 29 February 1896) was a Scottish-born pastoralist and pioneering bullock driver. Originally Agnes Davidson from Glasgow, Scotland, she relocated to Australia in 1840. Buntine took up the role of a bullocky, hauling goods between towns and establishing two retail outlets. She is recognized for being the first person to deliver provisions to Walhalla, Victoria, after its gold discovery. Her choice of sturdy clothing during travel protected her during a significant bushfire. She retired from her work in 1873 and passed away in 1896.
Early life
Born around 1822 in Glasgow to Sarah and John Davidson, a crofter, Buntine was the oldest among six siblings. The family emigrated to Glen Huntly near Melbourne in April 1840, likely influenced by their neighbor Hugh Buntine’s earlier relocation to Melbourne following personal tragedies.
Before marrying Hugh Buntine on 30 October 1840, Agnes worked as a dairymaid. Together, they started a dairy farm at Merri Creek and constructed a residence near Port Albert in Gippsland by 1842. Their son Albert is thought to be the first European child born in Gippsland, earning Agnes the nickname "White Mother of the Gippsland district." Between 1843 and 1855, five additional children were born to the couple.
The pair operated an inn at Morris Creek near Tarraville and had established an 8,000-acre station at Bruthen Creek by 1845. Hugh also opened the Bush Inn on the road to Sale to generate extra income.
Bullocky career
To provide for her family, Buntine became Australia's inaugural female bullocky. In 1851, she journeyed from near Port Albert to Forest Creek, traversing several mountain ranges while transporting butter and cheese. She founded multiple stores, including locations in Bendigo, Victoria, and the Shire of McIvor. By 1853, after setting up these enterprises, she returned to Bruthen Creek. The family relocated to Flynns Creek in 1858 where they maintained a farm. With her husband Hugh unwell, Agnes’ bullocky earnings became the family’s primary income source. Her longest hauls extended from Melbourne throughout various parts of Gippsland.
On one occasion, she escaped serious harm during a severe bushfire by taking refuge on safe terrain; her durable clothing and boots shielded her from injury. In 1862, following gold discoveries, Buntine was the first to deliver supplies to Walhalla, Victoria. The challenging 80-mile trek required at least eight days. Soon after arrival, she slaughtered a steer to feed the miners.
Buntine was described as a "steam boiler on horseback," characterized by her robust build and piercing eyes. Unlike most women of her time who wore crinolines and bonnets, she opted for practical attire including thick garments, sturdy boots, and a hat. She carried two pistols on her belt and was known to smoke an "old black pipe."
Retirement and death
Following Hugh’s death, Agnes continued working as a bullocky until she retired in Sale, Victoria. On 17 February 1873, she married Michael Dawe Hallett, a 29-year-old English farmer. They lived and farmed at Flynns Creek until her death at Gippsland Hospital in Sale on 29 February 1896. At her passing, three daughters and one son survived her; several of her children became landowners locally. Her grandson William Buntine later gained recognition as a writer and actor. Agnes was interred at the cemetery in Rosedale, Victoria, beside Hugh.