Place Names Register Extract

Kundook Place

Extract date: 28/03/2024

Name Kundook
Type Designation Place
Place Id 22641
Place Type Road
Status Registered
Date Registered 14 September 2007
Locality / Suburb  
  Howard Springs
Local Government Area  
  Litchfield Council
History/Origin Kundook Place is named in commemoration of Sam Kundook, an Aboriginal man, employed at Government House for a number of years.

The Administrator in his Report of 1942/1943 refers to 'a most extraordinary case of devotion to duty by a native'. In summary:
When the first bombing raid took place on Darwin, Sam and his wife Silver were on walkabout near Cape Don. There was no way for them to return to Darwin except to walk, in the middle of the Wet season, with all the creeks and rivers flooded. Eventually they made it to Oenpelli Mission and after resting for several days, set out once again. From there they headed towards Deaf Adder Creek, turned west 'into sundown'. Something happened to Sam and he almost lost his sight. Silver led Sam by walking in front, carrying a long stick, and he came behind holding onto the stick. They swam flooded rivers, she fished and cooked for him and eventually they arrived south of the Adelaide River Railway station.
From there Sam sent word to the Administrator, advising that he was ready to start work. 'The total walk appears to have been over 400 miles. Both are with me at Alice Springs at present and Sam has practically recovered his eyesight'.

Register & Gazettal information

Date Gazettal Comment
14/09/2007 Registered
03/10/2007 NTG 40

The Northern Territory Gazetteer is maintained by the Place Names Section,
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics.
GPO Box 1680, Darwin NT 0801. Ph 08 8995 5333.
place.names@nt.gov.au

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