SMITH OF DUNESK MEMORIAL
Smith of Dunesk Memorial Cairn, 1961
The Smith of Dunesk Mission was founded at Beltana, South Australia in 1894 as a base for the traveling mission across northern South Australia. The name “Smith of Dunesk” comes from its benefactor, Lady Henrietta Smith (1782-1871) of “Dunesk” Lasswade in Scotland. A Presbyterian philanthropist she had purchased land in South Australia and committed funds to mission work in the area. Her bequest was managed by the Colonial Committee of the Free Church of Scotland. Despite investment in other projects, eventually Henrietta Smith’s fund established the Smith of Dunesk Mission.
The mission was headed by an agent of the Presbyterian Church, usually ordained ministers. Its first agent was Rev Robert Mitchell. Geelong College principal,
Rev FW Rolland, started his ministry career as the agent from 1905 to 1908. Through his work and experience at Beltana the Rolland family sponsored a deaconess and trained nurse to expand the work of the mission. (You can read more about his time at the mission
here.) The mission provided health and pastoral services and was the foundation of the Australian Inland Mission (AIM, established 1912) and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (established 1928).
Rolland’s work experience at Beltana and the College’s Presbyterian Church connections led to the College’s
Exploration Society setting their sights on Beltana and the Flinders Ranges for the 1961 expedition.
This being the centenary year it was decided that the activity of the Exploration Society for the May holidays should be one which linked it with the past, as well as one which fulfilled the ideals of the Society by means of strenuous activity in the open air and by observation of our native flora and fauna. With this threefold aim in mind, discussions were held with the Rev. J. F. McKay, the Superintendent of the A.I.M., and he suggested that we assist with a long range plan to establish memorial to pioneers in the outback regions of Australia. This set the wheels in motion for the planning for the erection of a memorial cairn at Beltana in South Australia. (Ad Astra, November 1961)
A party of 24, including 22 students, set out from Geelong for the Flinders Ranges on the 12 May 1961. The group stayed at Beltana Station from 15-18 May. Half the group built the cairn, and the other half went on excursions.
The next four days were filled with hard work under the bright warm sun of the inland so that the cairn would be complete for the unveiling on the appointed day. The construction work was under the direction of the Rev P.H.R. Lockett of the SA Council of the A.I.M. and the cairn was unveiled by our Leader G.C. Roberston, during a short service conducted by Locket and Rev I.N. Whyte from the Mitchell Memorial Church, Goodwood. (Ad Astra, November 1961)
Building the cairn, 1961
After unveiling the cairn, the group began their hike through the ranges. They trekked from Angorichina Hostel to Wilpena Pound and Wilpena Chalet, and climbed St Mary’s Peak.
Maps of the country with sufficient detail for accurate navigation are not available and due to the dryness of the season most of the creeks were without water. Both of these factors turned what should have been a pleasant two and a half day hike into a long, dry struggle. (Ad Astra, November 1961)
The legacy of Rolland and the 1961 group remains to this day. In 2006 the Exploration Society returned to Beltana. Two groups of students went to the Flinders Ranges, with one group walking south from Parachilna and the other north from Wonaka station. After the hike, they finished the expedition with a trip north to the Beltana memorial. The students cleaned up the cairn and plaque, honouring the students who had come before them.
In 2020, the memorial plaque was refurbished through the dedication of Chris Ward, who has a strong interest in outback history, and sponsored by the College. Unveiling the plaque has been hindered by the COVID19 pandemic.
Flinders Ranges hike, 2006
1961 Party Flinders Rangers 12-29 May 1961
Income, £25 each (22 students)
Alastair McDonald OGC 1957
Malcolm Florence OGC 1958
See also: Ad Astra December 2020.Further reading:http://www.beltana.org.au/smith-of-dunesk-missionhttps://www.saltiresociety.org.uk/awards/outstanding-women/outstanding-women-of-scotland-community/2015-celebration/lady-henrietta-smith/