The Grave of Helena Kerz

Point of Interest

Contact

Murrawombie Road, Girilambone, New South Wales / ACT.

Description

If you turn east at the former General Store in Girilambone, take the Road past the Hog & Billy Hotel and drive approximately 1km when you will see a sign on your left to the cemetery. You have to pass through two gates to reach a tiny, lonely cemetery in the bush with signs clearly marking the denominations of the graves. In the Roman Catholic section is a grave, surrounded by other members of the Kerz family, which reads 'In loving remembrance of our dear daughter Helena Kerz. Born 2 December 1878. Died 20 July 1900.' Her body had been brought home from Breelong so she could be buried with the rest of her family. The tribute gives little indication of the events behind Ms Kerz's death at the hands of Jimmy Governor. It is a story so complex that it was probably told best as a novel which Thomas Keneally did brilliantly with 'The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith'.

Read more

Features

Location

Lat: -31.240241 Lng: 146.911674